Such a Perfect Day

The end of a perfect day, yesterday was surprising. Parking the car in the inner city street in the shadow of the gleaming new football stadium surrounded by the debris of last night I did not have to hear of the deprivation statistics to know something about the kind of place this was. The poorest ward in the whole of London, I was told. Multiple deprivation of every kind. A difficult place an difficult people I wrongly assumed. The sun was shining on a muggy September afternoon as I kicked away the shattered "Newcastle brown" bottle from under the back tyres. "No wonder I found a parking space so easily I mused.

The tone being cast by the broken glass, I barely noticed the nearby peaceful islands of tree lined grassy spaces and corners where one could sit and ponder on a bench, or invest in a moments spiritually growth, away from the turmoil of the manic city streets. I entered the school and waited for my appointment.

A note caught my eye about the success of the school. "66% GCSE. The best ever". My mood of despondency began to change. "At least there is some success round here, and its being celebrated, I thought to myself". The school bell rang the end of day. A calm procession began. First a few eager pupils carrying the back packs meandered through the foyer. "Good night, miss". "See you tomorrow". The echoes of pleasantries at the end of the day repeated themeslves in those moments. I noticed the smiles and happiness as they skipped away home. Some parents had gathered meeting their children at the gate with fondness. By now the school was able to slowly release its group of special needs children for the buses which had congregated outside. A number of disabled chidlren staggered with their walking frames, or eased themselves in wheelchairs. A few able bodeies children mingled. A few helped. The joy and freindliness of the place heartened my bleak soul. "Good night miss. See you tomorrow". Some staff exhausted after a days toil but postive and friendly assisted the departure" How these people enjoy this place. Not every day perhaps and perhaps they don't always see it. But this place is special and I can seee it today. I can see it now in the faces of the chidren and the way they say goodnight. the way they are keen to return. I can see it in the way the staff warm to their charges.