10th grader

“We are victims, casualties, some, of our births,” he wrote in his journal. He continued: “Who we are and what we become is affected most directly, impacted most effectively by that over which we have no control – whom are our parents. This is the one thing that everyone equally shares, this totally arbitrary beginning.” He paused to think, then began, again. “For some, birth is a head start; for others it is, ironically, and sadly, a death sentence.” He paused, again, then wrote: “If you could choose, whom would you pick for your parents? It is an interesting question. It goes to the heart of family and parenting, not to mention genetic engineering. Would a black child choose white? Would a white child choose other? Would a baby birthed in a refugee camp make the expected decision?” He put down his pen. Enough, for today. He had to finish his geometry homework, then read two chapters in “Catcher in the Rye.” Quiz, tomorrow.