A Boy and His Pig and Her Boy

Hanging out together under the shelter tree, talking in whispers and grunts. Both watching a group of children who have come to visit. Neither wanting to be too involved, yet curious. The other children seem to be a different specie entirely, how I would imagine offspring from another world - indeed they are. Unable to interact with the animals, afraid of them but boisterous. Making jokes of the pigs, laughing at their muddy noses, yet afeared to be quiet and listen with their hearts. I watch my boy with his friend and feel sadness for the others. He shines in his compassion and understanding. Bess shines next to him in her trust and understanding. Both so similar and yet judged to be so different by the outside world. Two friends hanging out in the humid afternoon, both covered in mud from playing hide and seek and ball.

One little girl glances over at Louis and Bess and then looks at Teddy pig who is standing next to her. A little hand comes out and scratches his rather large and magnificent head. I hold my breath as the connection is made. A tentative smile plays on the little girls lips, fleeting and slightly clouded. There have been so many stories she will already have been told about pigs; that the truth of the situation she now finds herself in must be confusing. The seconds draw out into a perfect moment. A little girl and a pig, no difference in intelligence, just language and appearance. Each just being there in a shared moment. As quickly over as the flight of a butterfly. While Teddy decides to fall down for a scratch and take advantage of any love being given, the children move away. Teddy grunts his dissatisfaction at the unfolding situation of being scratchless. The little girl glances back, a look of longing on her face.

We can only hope that connection lasts and grows within her as a seed of compassion and understanding. That it flowers strong enough to withstand advertising, parents and peer pressure. That she will remember the quiet boy with his quiet pig sitting under the shelter tree while big Teddy came for a cuddle. That nothing was expected of her except to listen with her heart and act accordingly.