Tears for Old Yeller

I’ll never forget that day in 4th grade

Mrs. Fallon sat on her stool in front of our class

during her weekly ritual reading us a story.

She had a faded paperback of “Old Yeller” in her hands

and she read that dreaded chapter

where young Travis discovers his beloved dingy colored

dog Old Yeller who defended his family from a rabid wolf

had endured the wolf’s fateful bite

which meant Travis had to shoot his dear friend

before Old Yeller turned on the family.

As Mrs. Fallon read the story her voice slowed and softened.

Tears began to trickle silently down her cheeks

Her voice choked up and as she did…

We all cried too. My classmates and I mournfully passed around

that box of tissues as we lamented for Travis

and his sweet dog.

There was something sacred in that moment

as Mrs. Fallon gave us permission to feel

to cry with honor and to be moved by a story not our own.

She showed us nine- and ten- year olds

that feeling sad is quite natural

and that when we choose to feel our feelings

in the company of others

there is solidarity

there is beauty

there is comfort.

Photo by Element5 Digital