HOW I BECAME AN EXPAT

 

In 1492, you know who did you know what. This brings me back to my school days. I recall looking out the window as the teacher would repeat and repeat and repeat—each time slower and more carefully than the last—the same damn thing.

 

A trouble maker at six, I frequently met with my principal, Mr Siriani. He’d always tell me:

 

“It doesn't matter how intelligent, or creative you are. What really matters is how well you get along with others. But don't worry, someday you will meet people like you.”

 

In other words he had meant:

Intelligent: too clever, difficult to control, Jewish, but not in the generally hippity happy way.

Creative: homosexual, possibly Communist, likely to try and enjoy spicy foreign foods.

Getting along with others: easily corralled into buying larger and larger (or smaller or smaller) appliances.

 

So, as soon as I was able I left the country. It's not what Mr Siriani meant, of course, but life is often like that, don't you think?

Observations, After

©2008 Sorrowland Press and all respective artists within.