Across the centuries, they lined up before Mother Time, each hoping to shine brightest—researchers, scientists, artists, bishops, professors, writers of deep sensibility. Humbly they waited, but soon saw their lights dimmed beside the child who, without thought of fame, gave his favorite marble to a classmate who felt shunned.

Elizabeth Elder is a freelance writer and publisher, a retired community newspaper editor, and resident of Putnam Lake, NY.