How did Chang Noi get in a tree?

An elephant who longed to dream, came upon a bird in a tree.
Must be nice to sit so high, he said to this bird who looked to the sky.
You're free to join and see what I see, my tree is strong, could hold the Mekhong.
A river, I doubt, would fit in your tree, and as for me, it's no place to be.
Trees are for birds, monkeys and moths,
No place for this big, ugly sloth.
Big you may be, but your imaginations is wee.
I'll make a call to my friends at the lakes.
Alone I am weak, but there's power in numbers,
Just wait and see.
Kee-ow, Kee- ow, cried the bird.
Kee-ow, Kee-ow, just wait and please start to dream,
Your imagination has no need for slumbers.
With that said, elephant closed his eyes and focused on seeing,
Things from up high, things beyond the sky.
And for the first time he dreamt about flying,
and his body felt light, like a nice kite worth buying.
As he opened his eyes, he was up in the sky,
Light as the feathers that heard the birds cry,
And came in great number to carry a stranger,
Who shouldn't be dreaming, but took a small chance on hope and believing,
And now he sits high, where the Mockingbirds cry,
Observing the world with a new sense of being.
Thank you dear bird, you cared for me,
A tough looking stranger, thick skin and heart.
You looked at me and saw a dream,
Hidden so deep in my spirit that I couldn't hear it.

when two souls collide

He's in Ms. Williams special ed. class at John Liechty Middle School in L.A., corner of Wilshire and S. Union. I can't believe I saw him again, I thought our connection was a one time deal. How many tears I cried for him, I can't count. I want these kids to be able to be kids and use their imagination to create things that kids create. I want them to dream and explore, the way I did, the way I do. I want them to know that they are special and that specialness goes beyond the classroom. I don't want them to think less of themselves because of how others treat them. They may not learn the traditional way but they can still learn and do amazing things. His spirit is so beautiful and it pains me to the deepest part of my soul to imagine other kids teaching him the ways of the world, corrupting his innocence. I cry because I want to save him, protect him from this world. I love this child and I don't even know his name.

Indonesia, East Java

I'm going to Indonesia in July, 13-28, with 3 others from L.A. and a few other from around the world, to: love the Indonesian students through artistic and interactive lessons that spark that spark the growth of creative roots, courageous thinking, and an enduring sense of self. I'm going to be teaching creative writing/photography and am excited to be a part of something so great.
We're having a taco bar fundraiser on Saturday in San Gabriel so I'll take some photos and post them.