true to the prime directive

groups--a double-edged sword

at each age at which we find ourselves,

there is a temporal part of us that is liable 

to be swayed by others of the same age,

that can be drawn to that fraternity, to that sorority,

and to feel a solidarity

that helps us be who we think we are,

we group kids by their age,

and that grouping has its value,

yet if we own how diverse we know individuals to be,

we should beware every cookie cutter of uniformity,

we should view any grouping as being

both possibly valuable and possibility destructive

of our prime directive

to do no harm

and to help each student 

be as good as each can be,

with true companions on the journey.

by Henry H. Walker

January 27, ’13