Decoding a Child's Heart: An Exploration of Aracelis Girmay's 'For Estefani'

Have you ever received a message that seemed cryptic at first glance, only to uncover a profound truth hidden within? Aracelis Girmay's poem, "For Estefani, Third Grade, Who Made Me a Card," beautifully captures such a moment. It's a journey of discovery, a testament to the unadulterated beauty found in a child's innocent expression.

The Enigmatic Card

The poem begins with a description of a card crafted by a third-grader named Estefani. The imagery is simple yet evocative:

• An elephant on an orange line
• A yellow circle representing the sun
• Six green, vertical lines symbolizing flowers

These are the innocent strokes of a child's imagination, a world rendered in vibrant colors and simple shapes. But the true mystery lies within the card, in a single, long, invented word:

Loisfoeribari

Unraveling the Mystery

This word, penned by Estefani, becomes the central focus of the poem. The speaker grapples with its meaning, turning it over and over in her mind. She playfully imagines using it in everyday sentences, imbuing it with different contexts and meanings. The word becomes a blank canvas onto which she projects her own thoughts and desires.

• "Man, I have to go back to the house, I forgot my Loisfoeribari."
• "There’s nothing better than rain, hot rain, open windows with music, and a tall glass of Loisfoeribari."
• "How are we getting to Pittsburgh? Should we drive or take the Loisfoeribari?"

The Heart of the Message

After much contemplation, the speaker attempts to decipher the word phonetically, breaking it down syllable by syllable. It is in this act of deconstruction that the true meaning is revealed:

Lo is fo e ri bari

Love is for everybody.

This simple yet profound message is the heart of Estefani's card. It's a reminder of the boundless capacity for love that resides within us all, a love that transcends age, language, and circumstance. The poem beautifully illustrates how a child's innocent creation can hold a powerful message of unity and compassion.

A Moment of Pure Beauty

"For Estefani" is more than just a poem; it's an experience. It's an invitation to rediscover the world through the eyes of a child, to appreciate the beauty in simplicity, and to embrace the power of love in its purest form. It reminds us that sometimes, the most profound messages are hidden in the most unexpected places.

Girmay's poem is a testament to the power of interpretation and the beauty of childlike expression. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and find the deeper meaning in the world around us. It's a celebration of love, creativity, and the human connection.

Key Takeaways

• Innocence: The poem highlights the beauty and wisdom found in a child's innocent perspective.
• Interpretation: It emphasizes the power of interpretation and how we can find meaning in unexpected places.
• Love: The central message of the poem is the universality of love and its importance in our lives.

By embracing these takeaways, we can learn to appreciate the world with a renewed sense of wonder and compassion, just like Estefani's card intended.