Asra & Art

 Not sure the year,

But a few from now-

In a different place,

Building and growing. 

Our beautiful daughter,

Bouncing curls like yours-

Maybe 8 or 9 years old.

A parent teacher conference,

For art class - 

Our little girl expressing herself through color, despite the instructions to create in charcoal -

Black and white.

The concern from her art teacher regarding her lack of following direction made me giggle inside,

Because she has such a free spirit-

Not one to be tamed. 

And your face,

Oh my God,

Your face-

I laugh now thinking about it.

Pure shock and utter irritability-

"Art is subjective, how can you even grade her on her own interpretation?" 

And here we go,

I fight back my laughter and try not to let it show on my face. 

Because I know you, 

And how you think that social construct is absolute bullshit.

The teacher explains the assignment again, as if you didn't hear,

Asra playing with a doll at another table behind us, oblivious to the conversation at hand. 

She has such peace of mind in her own little world,

I smile, knowing this won't affect her.

You roll your eyes, and kindly say "Ma'am,  I understand the assignment, but do you understand that art is subjective?" 

In that moment I realize how much I adore you,

I love how you advocate for those you love,

Your love is so deep and apparent, 

The giggles build inside of me, because I swear I can read your mind. 

And I wake , from the sound of my actual laughter