I Have Not Today Tomorrow I Do

The class was quiet, each faced his book The only sound … the papers whispering Some talking in rhyme as if in a duet As the pages were turned over and over again. But the little boy, so short sat At the back of the class with no book He sat alone to watch; content As the rest continued their books to look. The teacher watched and not with a smile ‘Is this your mamas kitchen that you come to cook, Imaginary food that never really cooks “he asked The little short boy looked up in fear…. “You think yourself better than the rest, I assure you ,you will fail and join the beggars in the streets” The little boy just sat and stared as two parallel streams, Of salty tears wound their way down his cheeks. The teacher turned in anger and left The other students sneered and giggled. The bell rang and everybody ran Everyone except he Then he got up pulled his thread bare bag to his chest and ran. The old lady lay curled in pain, “Doctor please have mercy, we have no money But please help my wife,” the old man cried. The short robust doctor looked at the old man. Recognition hitting him full force. The old man clung to him, begging crying “Teacher Ben I will help her have no worry” the doctor replied The teacher gave a start and peered into his eyes He reached out to the recesses of his mind “Who are you” but the doctor was already gone. He sat and watched his wife wheeled away. “The operation was successful “the doctor announced Rousing him from his musings. He stood and shook the doctor’s hand “thank you but…” “But do I know you from somewhere?” he asked the doctor The doctor looked up at him, straight in the eyes Gave him a smile and gave him his regards Then he turned and walked away. The old man sat next to his sedated wife’s bed Deep in thought then like the clouds opening up to reveal the Clear blue sky He saw the boy in threadbare clothes seated at the back of the class Looking up at him with tears in his eyes and knew The doctor and the boy were one and the same! With his head bowed in shame and with tears in his voice He asked God for forgiveness .