YES
by Richard Thompson

Can you hold the sun in your hand?
Yes. If you wait till the world is ready.

illustration suggestion: an orange or a bowl of fruit or vegetables

Can you feel the sky when it breathes.
Yes. Hold the string firm. Hold it steady.

illustration suggestion: a child flying a kite

Can you move a mountain?
Yes. If you take one step at a time.

illustration suggestion: a series of small drawings showing a person walking toward or away from a mountain

Can you own a rainbow?
Yes. And it won't cost you a dime.

illustration suggestion: children running through a water sprinkler with sun creating a rainbow in the spray

Can you make a butterfly?
Yes. If you take care where you walk.

illustration suggestion: caterpillars and butterflies in the grass

Can you know what the earth is thinking?
Yes. If you make friends with a rock.

Can you find your way back home?
Yes. If you know that you are lost.

illustration suggestion: a child talking to a police officer

Can you dance in the heart of the fire?
Yes. If you're not afraid of the frost.

illustration suggestion: fall leaves

Can you travel around the world?
Yes. If you can read a book.

Can you find the fairies' gold?
Yes. If you know where to look.

illustration suggestion: a sun rise, a field of yellow daisies...

Can you walk on the water?
Yes. If the time is right.

illustration suggestion: an adult and child in winter clothing walking on a frozen lake or river

Can you see the beginning of time?
Yes. If the stars are out tonight.

Can speak when you don't know the words?
Yes. If you smile and offer your hand.

Can you make music to make a heart dance?
Yes. If Laughter is one of your band.

Can you be as strong as tree?
Yes. If you know how to bend.

Can you walk in the night without fear?
Yes. But it's nice to walk with a friend.

[Each question would centered on an odd numbered page, perhaps with a small spot illustration. The answer to the question and an accompanying illustration would appear on the following even numbered page.]

RICHARD THOMPSONTHE STORY VINE