Dr Fixit (281 - 290)



 281

'The farmer wielded a machete.

Bush baby ignored his pain and clearly 

envisioned what his next move should be

as Mr Monkey was where he couldn't see

but heard him urge him vehemently 

to escape as the farmer had no mercy 

to show to whoever he would grasp 

and for such his punishment would be harsh.

So bush baby with his last call-up 

of strength, hurled his frame up


282

'a network of creepers at the edge 

of the farm and followed the stretch

of it to a mammoth tree. Quickly,

he slipped to a branch which did ferry

his bulk to the tip of a cottonwood tree,

 quite massive, that every other tree

around were under its massive canopy 

and the farmer could only

stand and wag his machete 

at him, saying: "You're smart and I'm silly,


283

'"I know that's what you're thinking.

Go thank your lucky stars, daft stripling.

If you think I'd plant and you'd keep reaping,

think and think again as the beating 

you'd get whenever I catch you or your friend 

would let you know your act is nasty trend.

Go and if you like your hide,

leave my farm alone!" When he tried,

with his brow aching really bad, to make

further move, his entire frame did shake


284

'violently and he thought he could just drop 

to the ground below so he decided to hop

into a hollow place on a tree and concealed 

itself till the area was calm. A light sleep

shut his mind for a while from reality 

but when he woke up again the immensity 

of his dire situation weighed him down 

as his aching pain left him with a frown 

quite permanent. But his main thought 

was on how - because of envy - he nearly lost 


285

'his precious life stealing a pineapple 

when he had fruits quite ample,

some more luscious than the pineapple 

he could at night eat and with ease amble

back to peace and security in their nest

and sleep tight all day. The option best,

bush baby realized being truthful

to himself, was that he shouldn't be fooled 

ever again by the noise of others 

that the life they lived is richer and sweeter 


286

'than the one he lived with his folks

for a closer look would reveal they were boasts

quite empty as every braggart could be a crook

whose life on some barbs anytime could hook.

The best life to live is your own if it is 

right in the mould of what's true and truth is 

that vice has its pay day which comes with unease

and decent folks don't need this 

in their lives. So to yourself be truthful 

if committing a vice is more meaningful 


287

'than obeying rules as a criminal 

would be chased about from any hall

or room to the remotest angle

of the vast water or densest jungle.

Wherever he puts his foot, it'd be hot.

Ask yourself if you want to be in that spot?'

With that point for us to think on,

our Sunday School service was drawn,

after the question session where no

question was asked, for the lesson did glow


288

with its illustration deep in our minds

and the self-appraisal aspect of it did grind 

deep in our consciences - yes, with a short prayer 

the lesson was drawn close by our teacher.

We dispersed to mingle with the adults 

for songs, dance and by default,

offertory. We were taught early to know 

there are bills everyone must pay as they grow 

into adulthood so our parents would guide 

us to do them while young and when we stride 


289

into adulthood we continue in that direction.

I got a coin from grandma for the collection 

dancing in a row with the other youngsters.

Not long after, we all dispersed for our shelters.

On Sundays, most activities in the heart 

of our town would cease for right from rat

to the army ant, everyone took a break 

from work. Kith and kin would make

a trip to visit one another and treat

themselves to the best meals and chats. The kids


290

took over the streets and made playgrounds 

out of them as balls were kicked. Some would pound

in sand or grass pitches one another 

in mock fights as wrestlers and boxers.

In eh-ah, girls clapped and kicked the air.

In hidden nooks, some threw cards and somewhere,

a new game had started with the fingers

kicking buttons to hit buttons like golfers

with golf clubs hitting balls into holes.

Soon, folks would complain about their clothes 

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