Memories from childhood tend to be cherished by if not all, most grown-ups. Affectionately, we all continually value and grasp firmly to those good but never lasting moments while we recall those throughout our lives. Unequivocally, parents deserve the honor and respect for, first of all, bringing forth life in children. Beyond this, they almost always make countless sacrifices as they care for and nurture the young through infancy and childhood. Additionally, they provide the necessities of life, nurse them (their wards) through physical illnesses and emotional stresses as they grow up into who they finally become as adults.
Knowing very well the tendencies of their young children to easily be influenced by peers, parents mostly try to restrict their wards in some cases to keep them away from impending dangers. However, so far as a child stays a child, it will continue to be a natural phenomenon for him/her to be a curious being. Children would love to try out new things which though look very possible and harmless to them but so impossible and risky for parents.
This youthful exuberance and that crave to try out new things was not in any way different for Kamus and I. Having always cherished the beauty in swimming and the skill showcased by swimmers, we watched in owe whenever the Olympic games were in session. It was our wish that we get an opportunity to display same as being done by these Olympians we usually watch on television. Their movements and techniques in the sport were just marvelous as we had running at the back of our minds that not only can we swim in a streamlined fashion like fishes, but can also swim backwards as seen in the Olympic backstroke events.
Funny enough, we failed to realize that the vicinity we found ourselves will give us not a chance to practice our newly found love. We only got to know that all these hopes were but a dream. As time passed by, we realized that there was a structure which looked like a swimming pool in a church within our community. Muftawu and Salam; who were bosom friends, gave us that hint as they once illegitimately had a swim there. This presumed swimming pool was found within the premises of a church which housed a school as well. At this point, we had the conviction that our deserted dream will, at last, become a reality. After several unsuccessful attempts, an arrangement was again made between the four of us on a hot Saturday to go for a swim. This time round, the road was clear. The fearsome “watchman” who always scared us off whenever we tried to enter the premises was not around. We had our way through and luckily for us, it was a day when both school and church activities were not in session.
All that our good friends said were true. We found an elevated rectangular tiled structure made of concrete, which perfectly resembled a swimming pool. However, this “swimming pool” was left empty with no water. Just close by was a tap and a rubber pipe; which was used in transferring water into the pool. We were again successful at filling the pool halfway and all that was left was to finally take a swim. Myself, Kamus, Muftawu, and Salam quickly undressed, leaving only our inner shorts as we immediately started swimming. At that moment, we knew we were living our dream and that having this glorious opportunity, we must utilize it to the max. Frankly, it was so enjoyable. Our joy at that moment overshadowed any thought of us being caught. In fact, we virtually forgot ourselves.
Devastating on our part, the school headmaster chanced on us and with the help of three other men, including the watchman, we got locked in a small room at the basement of the church. I think it was their storeroom. All we could do was to cry out loud and shout for help. In about three hours time, the door was opened and we were severely disciplined. Quickly, we picked up our shirts and trousers after taking these strong lashes on our backs and subsequently left the premises on top speed.
It was a sad spectacle. Anyway, aside these friends, no one knew about this turmoil and that alone was a form solace for us. As if all that happened wasn’t enough, we again spotted another swimming place but this time round, it was the small “Wiwiso” river which is very far from our locality. There, several other leveled-aged colleagues and grown-ups joined the train since there were no restrictions whatsoever. Though the place was very far (about 10km from home), being in a mist of friends as we conversed on our way made the distant relatively short for us.
We finally had peace at this new swimming place. Saturdays then became days set aside to put ourselves together to visit Wiwiso and that was very consistent. For all that while, all these were engaged in at the blind side of our parents. It was so due to a trick we mastered every time we were done taking a swim. Right beside this river was one gigantic palm tree, whose palm nuts were crashed and used as pomade to eradicate signs of a pale body and white-looking eyes; which usually gave a hint of one having swum a few moments ago.
As impossible as it was for us to keep on pretending and making up lies, our cup became full. We were unfortunately spotted by a close relative of Muftawu, who reported us to our parents when he spotted us during the act. For the second time, we were severely punished but this time, by our parents. We pledged not to put ourselves in such a position anymore. “Once bitten, twice shy?” No! Our case reflected “Twice bitten, thrice shy”. Not until recently, we never knew the assumed swimming pool within the premises of the church was not meant for swimming. In actuality, it was a holy place the church demarcated for baptism. Amazing!
The guidance of parents and guardians in the transformative phase from childhood to adulthood can in no way be underestimated. Up until now, we together recall the African proverb that follows whenever we meet as old friends.
“A child’s lie is like a dead fish in a pond that at the end, always comes to the surface.”
Reflecting on those good and bad moments, all one can do is to merely laugh over those and be grateful it happened; for such a learning curve is very much instrumental in making us wonderful people. Every single minute matters, every single child matters and every single childhood matters. Paying heed to advise and wishes of parents and/guardians is massively advocated as we all have to contribute in making it a reality because,
“An old man sitting on a stool can see farther than a young man who has climbed a tree”
Peace 🕊️
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