"Onbaatsugtigheid"? (1)1
He looked down at her, his shadow falling over her, blocking out the sunshine pouring late spring into the classroom. "Do you know the meaning of the word, Child?" 2
"Yes, I do." Her voice is soft, yet clear. "It means selflessness." 3
She threw back her head in what might have appeared to be a gesture of arrogance -- but she felt the need to answer his gaze, tilting her face. She tried to read his expression, slightly amazed to see tension in the thin lipline.4
Her own teacher stood next to her -- her hand resting reassuringly on her shoulder, her lovely face beaming. "Please, Sir," she twittered, "it won't take long -- her letter is short ... and she had choosen the topic herself."5
Without another word he stepped back, allowing her with a wave of his hand to continue.6
She was nine years old. Her audience the senior class of the primary school - grade seven.7
She did not want to do this. It was only a letter. Why all the fuss?8
But obediently she read. Her words evaporated into the October morning --daffodils dancing with soft rays; light playing on white woodruff and delicate aquilegias. A message flowering grace, love ... and selflessness.9
When her voice finally dropped at the last fullstop, the children sat looking at her -- for seconds, which seemed like hours, and then applauded hesitantly.10
She looked at him, whispering: "Thank you, Sir."11
Then she marched off, without waiting for permission -- her cheeks aglow -- the last sentence still ringing in her ears:12
"Liefste Moeder, dankie vir u blomme van liefde en onbaatsugtigheid." (2)13
A sentence carrying its message from generation to generation.14
myra15
08.02.2005
Author notes
A true story.
(1) selflessness
(2) "Dearest Mother, thank you for your flowers of love and selflessness."
My mother used to read to us her letters to my grandmother before she posted it. She used this sentence repeatedly in all her letters, cards and telegrams to my granny. She loved her very much, and I remember quoting her words in my very first letter (to my mother) at school, to the amazement of my class teacher, who thought it very advanced for a nine year old. The senior class teacher was not at all impressed, though -- perhaps he thought my mother wrote the letter entirely! Strangely, I never forgot the incidence. Writing was in my blood -- but I never knew or care whether the audience understood the meaning of that letter, or any of my prose and poetry ... I do not write for public admiration.
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
-
I do not write for public admiration.
So very very true, you can not write for the public eye but only for yourself, if you write for others you will never truely be happy with your prose. This story is very nice, I love the little peice of background that you placed in the Authors note. I never had to try and get a teacher to let me read my writings the trick was keeping them from making me (I have a deep fear of public speaking). A fantastic story.
Phoenix -
I was drawn by the name of the story and I think that this was written extremely well... I love reading and can see the images of the story playing in my mind's eye as I read this...
Keep well
Becks
-
Siel waarheid
Danke vir deel wat van ons wete.
-
Senior teachers (and others) need a good kick in the (English) goolies, (Afrikaans according to my translator!) goolies. A lovely re-telling of part of your life. Thank you.
Donald -
-
Donald
this system does not allow me to rate your comment ... Thank you so much ... I'll try again later.
-
-
wow myra never thought you was good writer as well as a good poet but i thought this was great and i loved it also loved that sentence thanks for sharing this also i loved the whole thing
beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
-
Enchanted.
I understand. What great luck we have when we have such parents.
-
Happiness
Have you writen an autobiography yet?
If even one page of it consisted of the manor of beauty with which you have displayed here, it would be sure to win a Nobel peace award. Thanks, Paggles (Bob
Edited on Aug 21, 9:56 because ''. -
This is absolutely beautiful. I love the personal aspect of it! Amazing!
Adding your comment:
1 - 9 of 9
