Chapter 1: School Days

During my time under the mango tree, my school friend approached me with many books under his arm. I said to him, You're definitely going to be a teacher. Look at all those books you're carrying. As for me, I only have this one where I'm learning to spell.''

I told him, That would be fantastic. There's a spelling competition coming up soon, and I'm planning on entering it.

''With English, there's a trick,''he said, 'óf spelling a word and getting it right. I will show you that too.''

He asked if I was going to watch the cricket match on Sunday coming, and I told him that I will be at the ground which was not far away from where I live and the school.

''By the way,''he said, ''my father is going to England.''

''Really!''

''Yes, where all those blue-eyed girls with the golden hair lives.''

''When is he going?''I asked.

''Next month. He will catch the boat from the Capitol, and arrive about two weeks later at the port of Southampton.''

'Í wish that I was going with him. I've heard so much about those places, I would like to see for myself. Is he going to take you over?''

'Í don't know what his plans are as yet, we'll just wait and see.''He told me.

''Anyway,''I told him, ''I think your studies will also take you into the political area.''

''Do you really think so?''He quickly asked.

''I know it for a fact!''

''Are you one of those seers?''He asked.

''No.'' I said. ''Just a deep feeling.''

My school friend's father was a farmer. He had a big plantation up in the mountains. His own father had gone over to England, and was working there as a carpenter with a good pay packet. Now he had sent for his son.

''I'll see you again tomorrow in school.'' Then my school friend left.

After school that day, I went around to the bakery to give a helping hand to the owner. He was a nice man. I often go around to help out. I realise too, that in the evening when the sun is setting, I have to go up in the mountains, to do some weeding. Every weekday early in the morning, I had to do that, and get back in time for school. I loved going to school. The children in my class were disciplined and not abusive.

In this school, if you misbehave, you will get the leather from the headmaster which he had rolled up in his desk drawer. Everyone knew where it was. Many of the children avoided the Headmaster's belt.

One day around lunch time, a group of us went out to sea. We weren't looking at the time. Too far out at sea, we had to make it back to shore, and got back to the school yard late. We had to line up, all six of us, for the belt. That is something that I'll never forget.

The Headteacher gave us the lashes, 6 each in the palm of our hands. Even when I got home, I could still feel the pain.

On the Sunday, I went to the playing ground to watch the cricket match. An English team was playing against one of our local teams. The match was delightfu; to watch. Some beautiful shots from a player called Everton Weekes.

High up in the mountains, very early in the morning, I take my hoe and started working. Fruits are hanging from the trees. Potatoes in the ground are begging to be taken out. There are not many people up in the mountains at this time. It is peaceful with many tracks going here and there. From around six in the morning, then it starts getting busy.

I have already left with the donkey loaded up, and on my way back. I got to school in good time, and the feeling was good.