Recess
In humans, and other animals,
play is the modus operandi
of learning. Life explains
by entertaining its initiates.
Remarkable curiosity and the capacity
to absorb and be fascinated by information
mark the earliest self-navigable stages
of mammalian existence.
Discovery delights.
Toddlers are driven to satisfy
the need to know, opening
door after forbidden door,
tasting, to adults, disgusting objects,
tossing down new toys, moving on
to yet unexplored empty bags and boxes,
the unspoken toddler slogan,
"Been there, touched, tasted and done that"
as they adventure on
to the next information horizon.
This is their job and their avocation,
the ability to learn and adapt
by means of playful experimentation.
It's Nature's way of making life possible
in an environment that's continually changing,
and which, if not actively discouraged,
remains a lifelong drive to obtain
and revel in all of the knowledge
that can be uploaded in to the brain.