Good People Are Round People

I’ve always loved etiquette books, especially ones that come with lists of arcane tips or guidelines for leading a fuller life. Among my favorite are the following: A gentleman has a crisp, clear handwriting and he holds doors open for his friends. He carries a lighter whether he smokes or not. He reads for fun, and a gentleman makes an honest effort to enjoy those things he doesn’t understand.

It’s August 26th, and on a giant screen I’m watching 15 ruddy-cheeked, chubby 11 year-olds frolic together on a grass field. They lovingly embrace, crying in ecstasy as they roll together on the ground. They wear tight pants and have creepy biblical-but-not-quite-biblical names like Micah and Taylor. They dive all over each other. The rolling goes on for some time.