Finding a Decent Docent
Someone to Show You Around
When visiting something unfamiliar and new,
About which they know little
Or have not even the slightest clue.
But they try to enjoy,
With eyes wide agape,
To see what's to be seen.
They read the programs and brochures
To absorb what they're able to glean.
Others enjoy having a guide
Who knows somewhat more than they do,
Who can inform and answer questions
Of which one just might have a few.
An ambulating teacher
Whose materials are spread around
The walls and floors of displaying spots
Their narratives resound
And may fill some of the gaps
In a visitor's knowing
About that which the display is showing.
But, not everyone who knows can teach.
Every grain of sand is not on a beach.
And from the mouth of one
To the mind of another,
Can require quite a reach.
A decent docent can be hard to find
And as most museum goers know,
They come in more than just one kind.
Some behave like recordings
Of memorized tracts.
Some fluster when asked something
About which they do not have the facts.
Others are gracious and helpful to all,
Others are pretentious and obnoxious
As they lead groups through halls.
A decent docent can make a good visit superb
While a poor one deserves
The most rancorous of verbs.
Published by David A. Reinstein, LCSW - Featured Contributor in Technology
Clinical Social Worker, psychotherapist, born in Boston and a relatively unscathed survivor of the 60 s. Fan of technology, guitars, creating music and poetry. Mental wellness coach, staff trainer and parent... View profile
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22 Comments
Post a CommentGood job and so true.
Perhaps they didn't get enough training!
Yes, we aren't all good teachers.
The proverbial fly in the ointment is being able to answer questions. Canned speeches are better from headphones that are increasingly available (though these result in crowding in front of pieces that have numbers.)
Nice job :)
Thanks for being a docent, leading us with your words.
Most docents are good, but there are a few...
I found this particularly enjoyable as I was employed for years at a museum, and I found it so hard to be cheerful and entertaining when I felt tired and miserable. That was at a seaport, though, if the visitors didn't like me, they had many other chances because there were docents stationed at each ship or building.
A cute way of putting this together. Nice job.
I like this...so true!!