PETER BREAKS THROUGH
All children, except one, grow up.
Why it was chosen
Childhood ends for almost everyone, but part of us keeps listening for the one place where it might not. Wonder is present from the beginning, already shadowed by loss.
Selected Passages
Peter and Wendy selected passages.
These sentences were chosen for Today's Passage: lines worth reading slowly, returning to, and turning into copywork.
From Today's Passage
Sentences selected with care.
25 of 25 passages
THE FLIGHT
'Second to the right, and straight on till morning.'
Why it was chosen
The way to a beloved place may sound impossible to anyone else. Imagination has its own geography, precise because it belongs to longing.
THE MERMAIDS' LAGOON
It was saying, 'To die will be an awfully big adventure.'
Why it was chosen
Fear becomes bearable when imagination gives it another name. Even courage may begin as a story we tell ourselves.
COME AWAY, COME AWAY!
You see children know such a lot now, they soon don't believe in fairies, and every time a child says, 'I don't believe in fairies,' there is a fairy somewhere that falls down dead.
Why it was chosen
Belief is fragile when growing older teaches the world to be clever. Something magical is lost each time wonder is treated as childish.
COME AWAY, COME AWAY!
'Wendy,' he continued, in a voice that no woman has ever yet been able to resist, 'Wendy, one girl is more use than twenty boys.'
Why it was chosen
Charm can hide selfishness when adventure turns care into someone else’s duty. Not every beautiful invitation is innocent.
THE SHADOW
Stars are beautiful, but they may not take an active part in anything, they must just look on for ever.
Why it was chosen
Beauty that only watches has its own sadness. To shine from a distance is not the same as being able to help.
THE RETURN HOME
The window must always be left open for them, always, always.'
Why it was chosen
An open window is a promise not to close the heart. Love waits best when it refuses to lock the way back.
COME AWAY, COME AWAY!
'You conceit,' she exclaimed, with frightful sarcasm; 'of course I did nothing!'
Why it was chosen
Sarcasm becomes the protest of someone expected to keep giving. Even in play, care can become invisible labor.
WHEN WENDY GREW UP
I hope you want to know what became of the other boys.
Why it was chosen
Every childhood story carries the question of what remains after the children grow. Wonder continues by finding another listener.
WHEN WENDY GREW UP
I have got you home again, and I mean to keep you.'
Why it was chosen
To bring someone home is also to risk wanting to keep them there. Love is tender, but it can become possessive when it fears loss.