Cynthia L Jenkins

Finding Tomorrow

An old woman clapped her hands in joy, in union with children, women and men of their clan. A curly haired, twelve-year-old girl stepped down from a stage. She had them laughing. As the merriment ebbed, the old woman, seated at the rear of the throng, rose with effort. All readjusted their seating, smiling, with rising anticipation of the storyteller to come. The old woman moved steadily through the crowd patting a head here, bestowing a loving kiss there. She picked up a newborn, placed a red love-shaped locket around the baby’s neck. She paused, then presented the baby to the congregation. Amidst explosive applause, many were brought to tears.