Progressive 25
Laughing Under the Lamppost
Jamie was no ordinary boy. At seven years old, his world was full of imagination, and everything could talk. Trees, dogs, cars—even lampposts—were fair game for conversations. Jamie didn’t just talk to them; he laughed, joked, and debated as if they were old friends.
One sunny afternoon, Jamie sat under the giant oak tree in his front yard. His mother peeked out the window, curious about his fits of giggles. There he was, looking up at the branches, laughing so hard he could barely breathe.
“What’s so funny?” his mother called from the doorway.
“The tree told me a joke!” Jamie shouted, eyes sparkling.
“What kind of joke?” she asked, stepping closer.
Jamie grinned. “It said, ‘Why did the squirrel cross the road?’” He paused, then laughed again. “To collect his nuts on the other side!”
His mom chuckled. “Well, that tree has a great sense of humor.”
Later, Jamie wandered down the street and patted Mr. Bradley’s golden retriever. “Hey, Max,” he said, crouching. “How’s it going? You’re looking fluffy today.” He tilted his head, listening, then nodded. “Bath time’s the worst, huh? But at least you smell better afterward!”
“Is he talking to my dog again?” Mr. Bradley asked, stepping onto his porch.
“Of course I am!” Jamie replied. “Max says he doesn’t like the squeaky toys. They’re too loud.”
Mr. Bradley laughed. “I’ll take that under advisement.”
Jamie continued his stroll and stopped at the corner where an old lamppost stood. It was tall and crooked, with a dent near the base. Jamie leaned against it. “You’re looking tired today,” he said.
The lamppost, of course, said nothing, but Jamie nodded as if hearing a reply. “I know, standing here all day must be exhausting. But you do a great job! Nobody lights the street like you do.”
A couple walking by paused, smiling. “Who’s he talking to now?” the woman whispered.
“The lamppost,” the man chuckled. “Looks like they’re having a serious conversation.”
Jamie burst out laughing. “No way! You did not see that cat climb the tree yesterday! Hilarious!”
When his mom called him home for dinner, Jamie skipped back with a big smile. “I had the best day!” he told her.
“What did you do?” she asked, setting the table.
“Oh, lots of things. The tree told me jokes, Max shared his opinions on squeaky toys, and the lamppost told me about a cat rescue. It’s been a busy day!”
His mom knelt down and hugged him. “You have such a wonderful imagination, Jamie. The world must be fun for you.”
“It is,” Jamie said, grinning. “When you talk to the world, it talks back.”
That night, as Jamie drifted to sleep, his mom peeked in. He was smiling, probably dreaming about another chat with the lamppost or an argument with the mailbox. Jamie’s imagination was his greatest gift, filling the world around him with magic, laughter, and endless possibilities.
Comprehension Questions
How does Jamie see the world around him?
What joke did the tree tell Jamie?
What did Jamie say about Max, the dog?
How did Jamie treat the lamppost?
Why did Jamie’s mom say his imagination is a gift?
Your Thoughts
Do you ever imagine that objects or animals can talk? What do they say?
How can imagination make a normal day more fun?
Why do you think Jamie enjoys talking to the world around him?
