On reaching home, I had written to Father Barley and told him I was not returning to college next term. I had not the courage to offer him the error Kammy and I had found in the equation so I had made some excuse about not intending to be a teacher. I had expected him to be done with me after such ingratitude. But I received a gentle letter from him. He was sorry I had decided not to return. Perhaps I would be happier at Topflight Laureates College just outside my house. Father Barley had written to the principal, Mr Dolan, about me. He had told him to help me grow as I was one of the top students in the Church's school at Socoto.
I was unable to do anything about it. I had no way of coping with Kindness. With a feeling of guilt, ingratitude and and a sense of disappointment, I submitted. That world in Socoto was just too small for me. Father Barley was just a part of it, the other whites made a good percentage. I couldn't live that life, I couldn't! I realised I missed home and mum too. I had to come back.
In Principal Dolan, a tall, handsome man with a miserly face and hawk-like features like olden Britons, I had met my first socialist. He was a Christian too. Through him, visual art and classical music revealed to me. I learnt English Poetry from him further, I read Baruch, Van Beethoven and Spender. I saw some of their books, all interesting.
He took me to Easttop University on saturday and then I saw something I was familiar with, it wasn't a graffiti nor a billboard design, it was pure racism! Discrimination!
"RESERVED FOR THE WHITES ONLY" was clearly written on different shops, superstores, ice cream points etc on the campus.
"Where is meant for us, sire? " i quizzed
"What do you mean us? There's no us here. Everywhere is meant for everybody, neglect those writings, they are old ones".
"Oh, but why are they still there? Someone should remove them".
"You see, it's everybody's work, which is nobody's work"
Just then, I was satisfied. He noticed the smile on my face and he made a beautiful one too.
"Come on, let's go"
"Ok sir".
As I turned, a thought popped up my mind. This was the same at Socoto and now it's still here in my home. Soon, this would get to the world if it hasn't reached. Perhaps our race would go in extinction too. Our race would be history. These whites are taking reins, only God can save us!
(Socoto Days)
am3mm10@ptsolest