New Land, First Friend

When we moved from the motherland to Canada, I had to go back to high school and finish what was then known as the OAC year or Grade 13. I was looking forward to higher learning and was annoyed with that step in (what I felt was) the wrong direction!

When I look back at that time now, I am glad I was sent back for an extra year of high school. That was where I met my first friend in the new land!

We arrived in October and school was already in session. I enrolled in 3 OAC courses and never stayed at school for lunch. Even with the unaccustomed cold, I felt better going home for lunch. I did not have a friend that first semester. I had a bit of a rough transition, but I was mostly confident in my knowledge and abilities. School was where I belonged!

My worst memory from that time was related to a presentation I gave in my English class. I combined Christopher Marlowe and Abraham Maslow, and delivered an insightful presentation. The teacher gave me a mark in the mid-70s. I was devastated and it didn't make any sense. When I asked for a reason, he responded that I spoke too fast and he did not understand half of what I said.

As someone who already was interested in teaching, my unspoken rebuttal to that pathetic reason was that he could have requested me to slow down and be clear. Sometimes feedback not only needs to be constructive, but it also needs to be immediate!

The next semester, I enrolled in the most advanced English course available. The only other student who I recognized was this girl who was also in that other English course from the previous semester.

I quietly found a seat right behind her and was pleasantly surprised when she turned back to look at me. She smiled at me and introduced herself and said that she loved my presentation from the last semester. Her exact words were, "I could listen to you forever!".

My worst moment of high school became the best moment when seen from her perspective.

The 2 of us have been friends since then. We went to York University together and we both chose English for a Major. We have been through Life's ups and downs; through weddings and funerals and much heartbreak.

She now lives in British Columbia. Last weekend, we spent some time together. We both reminisced about the days of our youth; how we wanted to be writers and also be the owners of a used book store. She admitted that she gave up hopes on becoming a writer. I let her know that I still hang on to the dream.

When she heard that I still aspire to be a writer someday, she advised that a book won't make a magical appearance! I have to write a bit here and there, and get some practice. And as usual, she was on the right track and I so badly wanted to share with her that I have been practising for a few years now!

It was wonderful to spend time with an old friend. I was inspired!

The Never Walk

I wonder if you are awake…

If yes, would you be up for a walk?

 

When night cloaks me

I feel fearless

It awakens yearnings that hide

From the blinding daylight

 

I want to walk the same streets

Disguised by the new moonlight

Away from prying eyes

That suffocate me with open arms

 

This false courage I feel…

When I close my eyes and dream!