Black Greens & Ting

“Barry Pulankoli’s boy is the one that stutters.” That’s the teachers’ go-to phrase. Many find solace in using the condition as  the  identifier.  To some,  the label provides a  sense of hope that perhaps one day, Modern Science can cure the poor child and liberate his coiled tongue to exalt a system that he should be forever indebted to.  Sure beats calling him the very black one. No, not that one the very black one...from Africa.  

Barry Pulankoli’s boy’s first day of preschool was terrible.  That is why Barry now sits in the waiting room, having to leave work early, on behalf of his son.

In front of the administration, Barry awkwardly smiles that safe new immigrant smile where lips retreat eagerly to expose black vulnerable gums pleading for mercy.  He has perfected the smile, although he hates it so.  But for his boy, he will smile till they feel smug and validated. Just keep cool and smile.

“Your son had a horrible episode in class, yesterday.”

“Yes.”

“Surely, you can foresee the challenges Max will have in this fast-paced learning environment..don’t you?”

Yes. He is burning up again.

“Yes?” She retorts igniting the chain reaction.

As he jolts from his chair, his thin frame absorbs all light from the room. Darkness surrounds his now orange body.

“My boy Max, follows his Mother and is learning the Holawi. He is what you people call a time traveller. Call him that and do not call me back to this environment again for I  can no longer channel the patience of his mother.”