This is SPARTA!

A touch of innocence.

I substitute teach from time to time, and got called in to teach HS Chemistry – fun. As the students finished their work, I began talking to a small cluster of students about movies. It turned to funny things we’ve all done, and one of them actually fell asleep during the movie “300”.

“300” I gasped!

Off to my right, was a boy who is autistic but is highly functioning. On hearing this he arose and took on a new persona. There off to the right with no other students’ eyes upon him, and quietly at first, he began to quote verbatim the King Leonidas speech at the start of the film. “You bring the crowns and heads of conquered kings to my city steps. You insult my queen. You threaten my people with slavery and death! Oh, I've chosen my words carefully, Persian. Perhaps you should have done the same!” He still was not fully looking in my direction.

I couldn’t resist…he was doing so well, and as if calling me forth to engage him – here he was quoting one of my top movies. I played my part well. “This is blasphemy – this is madness!” I replied with vigor.

Suddenly is eyes transfixed onto mine – with a crazed look in his eyes – he was no boy – I gazed upon King Leonidas himself, “Madness…” he said. And then yelling to the top of his lungs! “THIS IS SPARTA!!” – immediately he performed a supurb air-kick.

I was a little bit taken aback by the mere volume and the class was now completely still – eyes upon him. I knew I should say something…I was the teacher!

But…he…he was King Leonidas….all I could do was rub my hands together looking down at my desk while shaking my head and saying, “Nice…”

And King Leonidas…well he casually returned to his seat.