The Convent School

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SivaRamanathan
Posts: 1168
Joined: 14 May 2011, 20:30

The Convent School

#1 Post by SivaRamanathan » 12 May 2018, 23:40

Riding pillion on a bicycle
my shoes tumbled
down the over-bridge
landed on the railway track
many feet below.

Uncle fetched my shoes
as i knew he would,
my school girl trick
that found him returning
with my saddle oxford,
exhausted.I heard uncle panting.

The prank repeated,
I always arrived
late for the Assembly.
Adeleide knocked my knuckles
with a sideways slanting ruler.
My friends knew how to withdraw
their palms before the slash
but I stood like a tree
motionless awaiting the pain.

The land just sloped down
three men’s height.
No parapet walls to mark
playgrounds. One playground
fell into the other, stones and mud
and patched-up concrete.
The reason why I abhorred school
was my poor eye sight;

The noise of bully boys alone
helped me to measure distances,
sometimes the prayer ground
announced a long fortnight’s holiday.

BobBradshaw
Posts: 2683
Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03

Re: The Convent School

#2 Post by BobBradshaw » 12 May 2018, 23:48

I am confused about what is happening in the 2nd stanza, and if it relates to S1.

However, I love the final stanza:

The noise of bully boys alone
helped me to measure distances,
sometimes the prayer ground
announced a long fortnight’s holiday.

SivaRamanathan
Posts: 1168
Joined: 14 May 2011, 20:30

Re: The Convent School

#3 Post by SivaRamanathan » 13 May 2018, 05:09

I will have to work on it. I have to say it was uncle who climbed down to fetch the missing shoes, and came up panting.
Thank you, Bob.

Bernie01
Posts: 777
Joined: 30 Jul 2015, 11:14

Re: The Convent School

#4 Post by Bernie01 » 13 May 2018, 05:39

Siva---

a shocking, sad glimpse into Tamil education methods.


the vivid images stick deep in my brain.


I heard uncle panting.
This was the game
of a school-hating kid.


Uncle fetched my shoes
as i knew he would,
my school girl trick
that found him returning
with my saddle oxford,
exhausted.



but greatly enjoyed.


bernie

SivaRamanathan
Posts: 1168
Joined: 14 May 2011, 20:30

Re: The Convent School

#5 Post by SivaRamanathan » 13 May 2018, 07:23

Bernie

I am going to use this, though I will have to look up saddle oxford.

Thanks
Siva

Bernie01
Posts: 777
Joined: 30 Jul 2015, 11:14

Re: The Convent School

#6 Post by Bernie01 » 13 May 2018, 10:51

common shoe worn by junior and senior high school girls.

SivaRamanathan
Posts: 1168
Joined: 14 May 2011, 20:30

Re: The Convent School

#7 Post by SivaRamanathan » 13 May 2018, 13:43

B

Now I am thinking of that one line which will elevate this to the level of a poem.

S

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