Basketballs

Yesterday evening after dinner I watched Lachlan again for a couple of hours (Amy was working & David had a meeting). We sat on my pizer and looked at the sliver of moon hanging above our heads. We tarried for quite a while as one star and then another peeked through the advancing darkness. After an afternoon of running, squealing, & laughing, Lachlan had mellowed out and just sat quietly as we talked and contemplated our world.

As 9 o'clock approached we walked down Howard Street and through the school yard, toward the Back Porch restaurant where Mama was working. As we crossed the outdoor basketball court I noticed two basketballs lying on the ground. No one was around. The balls were just left there by some of the young people. It wasn't neglect. It was intentional. That way whoever showed up next would have basketballs to play with.

I was heartened to see that another island tradition survives. No one was worrying that someone would steal the balls. Community and sharing, two values that make Ocracoke special, continue to be passed on to our youth.

You can read our latest newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news041506.htm. It's the story of Old Kade.

.