Approximate reading time: 2 min
Written 16th June 2022
I learnt a new word
That I’ve never heard before
That describes something amazing
Something I absolutely adore…
That feeling of elation
Combined with aesthetic chills
That listening to music
So often instils
Or perhaps a beautiful sight
Triggers it off
Those goosebumps
Those tingles
From your head to the floor
It’s like electricity shooting
Across your skin
Absolute bliss
Bubbling up from within
And I’m sure I’m not imagining
This to be true
But these days my frisson
Is more regularly accrued
On the odd occasion, it’s so intense
It bubbles up in tears
Catching me off guard
Completely unawares
Yesterday it happened
At one of my favourite schools
While chatting to a young teacher
(Who is so super cool)
It’s not often you find a man
Teaching 5-year-olds
(Which in itself, I think, earns him
His weight in gold)
His most challenging child
Entered the class
This teacher’s face lit up
With genuine joy that surpassed
Anything I have seen
In such a long time…
As he got on his knees to engage
His attunement was sublime
He laughed and chatted
So happily with this kid
I felt overwhelmed by my emotions
They were flying off the grid
“Billy!!!”
he said
“I’m so happy to see you!”
And from the look on his face
It could only be true
And Billy was elated
He stared adoringly at this man
Glowing in the eyes of someone
Who believes that you can
My eyes fill with tears
I was all ‘frissoned’ up
Witnessing the joy
I was so unbelievably touched
I didn’t cry
(Thank God)
But I had to walk away
To settle the emotions
That wanted to splay
And although the frisson was over quick
The happiness stayed
I adored my time in his class
I had such an amazing day
Beautiful kids
Who are so calm and serene
Who clearly feel validated
Cherished and seen
Not a single fight
(Well, not one I surveyed)
Just happy regulated kids
Who are so excited to play
And I love how this school
Is so different from the rest
Because in Reception, at age five
The kids do what kids do best
They play
They have fun
They spontaneously create
The most wonderful creations
Every single day
Constantly making books
Things they have designed
Shouldn’t creativity and fun
Be every reception’s baseline?
And for the whole day I kept wondering…
Imagine if this were how…
All schools were run
Wouldn’t that just be “Wow”
Where the teachers are regulated
Calm and intune
Where children are seen
And not emotionally lampooned
So I am grateful for this day
Feeling like someone had opened
An emotional flood gate
Of warmth and good feeling
That connected every part of me
Not an inch of stress
Not an inch of anxiety
Disclaimer:
I feel the need to add that Pablo is possibly one of the most loving and affectionate cats I have ever had the pleasure of looking after
(But she is still the boss of Revo!;-)
