Hocus Pocus, Focus?

These are the magical words I wish worked.

I've battled the Focus Famine for years. As a teacher, director, leader, cast member, all-round acty guy. So guess what? That's right. It's time for another story with Crazy Unkie Shawn.

Now where did I put my spectacles? Ah! Yes, right on top of my head. Oh, the times that's happened. Now, which story to read today... Yes, yes, the story I like to call, "Shawn the Clown".

Once upon a time, Crazy Unkie Shawn was sitting on his balcony, poking a pigeon chick with a broomstick handle, wondering why the pigeon was taking this abuse. Suddenly, the phone rang. It was Guru Jan, the wise clown from the mountain. She had a task for Unkie Shawn. She wanted Unkie Shawn to spread the word of Clown to the people who lived in the Grove of Spruces, at a place where many children gathered to learn many mystical and pointless (yet largely entertaining and fun) arts.

Crazy Unkie Shawn enthusiastically agreed, because, well, he's crazy.

When C.U.S. arrived at the Grove, there were many children scampering about, here and there, near and far. He gathered several under his wing, and began to preach the word of Clown. But a terrible thing happened. The children, they were more interested in scampering about, here and there, near and far. try as he might, Unkie Shawn could not keep the children under his wing.They wanted to learn to "fly" on their own. Without anyone to help or offer a guiding hand.

Crazy Unkie Shawn left the Grove that day, feeling a little lost. He wanted them to listen, but didn't know how. He thought and he thought, and wished and hoped, but soon realized this: Those who want to get better at their art will do it on their own. No amount of "preaching" and placing hands in a "T" formation to signify "time out" will make people listen. Those who listen, listen. Those who don't, don't. Control is not something that necessarily can be gained; that's why some Mommies and Daddies always say "Control Yourself!" instead of "Me Want Control!"

Crazy Unkie Shawn found what made him happy that day; Poking a pigeon chick with a broomstick handle. Poke, Poke! C'mon you little skyrat! Fight back!

Today's Song Tandem(?): "Hocus Pocus" by Focus and "Living in the Past" By Jethro Tull. Get your 70's art rock on, y'all.