TITO THE MAGICIAN

Being a magician is no easy trick. It hinges on one of the human qualities that’s most difficult to achieve.

Tito is a little moon-headed, white fellow who works at the circus as a clown. Tito loves to watch Manu the magician perform. With just a sprinkling of magic dust and a wave of his wand, the white performer conjures a chicken from his hat, a bouquet from his sleeve. Manu is cool as a cucumber, sporting a snappy goatee and a fine smile. Tito sports a powder-white mouth, a pair of pants like a barrel, a comically tiny hat, and a great, red beezer as round as his head. Back in his trailer, Tito attempts Manu’s tricks, but all he pulls from his hat is air. He cautiously approaches Manu. “Would you teach me how to do magic tricks, Mister Manu?” he shyly asks. “Of course, Tito.” Manu instructs Tito to observe closely as he throws the dust, waves the wand, speaks abracadabra, and—hey presto!—he pulls a rabbit from his top hat. Then comes the crux: “Well, Tito, did you see what I did?” Tito’s not sure. Manu continues: “You have to believe that you can do it….Only then will the magic work.” That night, at Manu’s invitation, moon-head Tito pulls a rabbit from the top hat.

Genuine self-confidence, humility, and a sense of wonder: bravo, Tito.