A Falling Leaf
Experiencing childhood musical trauma
In fourth grade, Mickey found it increasingly difficult to keep his attention focused on his studies. His gaze was often directed out the window, or else he focused inwardly on fantasies fleeting through his mind. He dreamed of far-off places; of tall stands of forest, of glacier-laden mountains, of vast seas and distant islands. His mind was rich in uncharted frontiers as well as exotic foreign cities, bustling with colorful merchants and smelling of alien incense. These places he traveled to in his mind were so much more enchanting and awe-inspiring than the dull rote of the classroom. The monotone of the teacher’s voice was too easy to block out. His descent into scholastic failure began.
But not completely! Whenever a subject managed to capture his wandering attention he quickly excelled in it. Such was the case when it came to geography. Why, his teacher must have wondered, was he the best student she had in geography, yet he was mediocre, or worse, in all the other subjects? The answer, of course, is that Mickey enjoyed it. He was infatuated with maps and he fervently enjoyed discussion of foreign places.
Music is the other subject that he excelled in — at least to a certain degree. It was not just that he enjoyed music, but he was a natural at it. An understanding of music came very easily to him…
