Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Leadership (03/14/05)
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TITLE: Paul Leads The Way | Previous Challenge Entry
By John Lindsay
03/19/05 -
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“And this is my leader’s hat,” he continued as he pulled on his sun hat so hard it almost covered his eyes. Like generals, kings and business tycoons, Paul knew a leader needs a symbol befitting his status.
Kevin and Charlie fell into line. It was a familiar pattern they had been practising all summer.
Today Paul decided they were ready to venture across the yard, out the gate and into the vacant lot next door. They might even explore the rickety shed in the far corner.
“Follow me,” were his final words as he marched along the path, although the command was hardly necessary.
Kevin was beginning to share Paul’s sense of adventure as they opened the gate, but changed his mind as his brother started to make a track through the long grass. Paul could see over the top, but Kevin faltered as the seed heads brushed his face.
“Don’t want to,” he whimpered.
“Come on,” said the voice under the hat. “Follow my path.”
“Scarey,” replied Kevin, reaching for Charlie’s collar.
With a sigh, Paul turned and retraced his steps across the crumpled grass, wondering how to persuade his reluctant followers.
“You’ll be all right,” he said encouragingly. “ Hold on to Charlie.”
As Paul renewed his attack on the wilderness, Kevin took a few tentative steps, keeping a tight grip on Charlie’s collar. He made good progress over the three-times trampled ground but then came to a halt.
Charlie stopped, too, and stood looking at his young companion, waiting. They couldn’t see Paul but heard him urging them on, unaware they were no longer following.
Kevin rubbed Charlie’s neck, listening to the voice floating through the light summer air. Then, with a single word he brought their adventure to an end.
“Home,” he said quietly.
The toddler and his dog turned and made their way back through the gate, across the yard to the sand pit under the apple tree. Kevin was busy building roads when his mother came out of the house looking for Paul but before Kevin could say anything, big brother announced his position with a scream.
The leader had reached the shed but failed to notice the sticky spider’s web across the doorway. As his mother reached the gate, Paul reappeared, crying, still trying to pull the tacky threads from his face.
Paul didn’t venture out of the yard again that summer, but when he started school a few weeks later Kevin picked up the discarded hat. Putting it on he looked at the old Labrador lounging under the apple tree.
“Follow me,” he said.
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