BLACK OR WHITE, YOU HAVE

THE SAME BLOOD COLOUR 

    Twenty-Seven years of a happy marriage, twenty-Seven years of a stable household were more than she ever asked for. Since she was a young child, she dreamt of aging with the man she would love and of seeing her grandchildren grow older…

     Our Story begins here at the very beginning of 1962’s long waited summer; June 4^th, to be precise. That day was a Monday –God Mrs Shannon hated that day- the day on which her 16-year-old son Damon started working with his father at the factory since they needed every penny to pay the house rent and some of their debts. She, too, wanted to work but her husband said that hours of assembling heavy car parts were too hard to bear for a woman. That day was a rainy day, she had a premonition that something bad was about to happen. What exactly?! She had no idea. At the door, she kissed both her son and her husband goodbye, then came and hugged them tightly as if that was the last moment she would see them.

 Mrs Shannon had to distract herself from the anxiety within, so she went shopping to cook her son’s favorite meal “celebrating” his first day at work ….Time flew by like so fast an arrow that she didn’t realize that it was almost dinner time!!

Dinner ready, house clean… the mother had nothing else to do but to sit down and wait for her dear son and husband. So long she had to wait… “What could have happened to them? Why are they three hours late?” she was repeating to herself. She went to the kitchen, turned on the radio and her heart started thumping… “A tragic accident had caused several casualties including the death of a teenage boy and his father and some other seriously injured passersby. Our deepest condolences to their families” the radio announced…

    A month after their awful misfortune, Mrs Shannon was still shocked, still denying the fact that she had lost all her family. She even blamed herself for their death. The house owner kicked her out because she couldn’t pay her rent. The poor woman had nowhere to go. At that moment she believed that all the odds were against her and that her whole life was nothing more than a curse. She pledged that a day will come when she regains her safety and happiness… But she had to do something to survive. What could she do? The only activity she mastered was housework. “Working as a housemaid for a rich family would guarantee me shelter and food”, she said.  Only one family accepted her request- the Martins- a widow named Elizabeth and Amanda, her 5-year-old daughter.

The job of Mrs Shannon consisted in raising the little Amanda. The arrogant lady wasn’t a good mother; she refused to acknowledge her child except when disciplining her…The girl became quickly attached to her nanny. To her, Mrs Shannon was like the mom she wanted so much to have.

 While her mom was busy attending and throwing tea parties, the poor maid was taking good care of the little Amanda. Elise never missed an occasion to vex her at home, in private and in public. She typically enjoyed humiliating her in front of her extravagant friends. She even told her daughter not to consider Mrs Shannon more than a servant, a doormat she can trample at any time. That was very cruel… Mrs Shannon cried in silence. “How can a human being treat another with disdain just because he or she is different or looks different?"…

One day, when the poor maid was reading the usual bed-time story to the little Amanda, she was startled by a remark made by the little girl…Words that that may put the little girl in trouble.
The girl innocently turned to her after finishing the story, looked at her with admiration, then said " Nanny, why am I not black like you?"
The woman was surprised, stared back at her for a while, and then smiled gently. In her mind, thoughts were wrestling. She knew long ago that the girl wasn't like her mother despite the noticeable resemblance. The difference of course wasn't in the appearance. The girl, unlike her mother, was loving and warm-hearted and got along with all the kids she has met despite their colour and their status.

 “Why did she ask such a question? She can be proud of how she looks and how she lives…but nobody is born racist”, Mrs Shannon replied to her own question.
If her mom hears what her daughter said, both of us will be in trouble. I'm used to it, she thought, but the poor angel would be thrashed... Elizabeth may also accuse me of brain-washing her daughter and kick me out".

“It’s just a color sweetie. It doesn't matter how we look. We’re born that way. What matters is how we grow to be. "The girl looked perplexed but nanny continued ". Let's put it this way; when you eat your cereals at breakfast, how do you choose them?"
"… taste of course", replied the girl.
" Exactly" she said, “It would be stupid to choose them based on their color instead of their taste. It goes the same with people darling.”
" Oh, I see. It’s like when the beauty loved the beast for his good heart although he was ugly."
"Exactly", replied Mrs Shannon.

    Shannon put the book down, kissed Amanda goodnight, and was about to blow out the candles when the girl whispered “Don’t. I want to read it once more." Shannon left the room knowing that the girl could not read, she was just looking at the pictures.

       Amanda loved books though she was too young to read. When her eyes failed her to continue "reading", the book slid and hit the candles before it landed on the cold floor.
She was left alone in her enormous bedroom. She could feel temperature rising in her body; she was sweating, shocked by the terrible scene when she opened her eyes. Flames were devouring everything around her. A voice from the other side of the door was calling her name. She called for help but nothing happened. Then the bare truth hit her, the wreckage caused by the fire had blocked the door. She wanted to scream but words have failed her. Her brain seemed to be burning with the rest of the stuff in her room. Flames surrounded her in a corner, she fell on the floor. Every muscle in her body seemed to scream, she felt like she was boiling. Only her lungs seemed to fight, gasping for a breath they couldn't reach. Her eyes were closing now, but she could still hear a voice of broken glass. An arm was holding her, dragging her away. Was it death? Yet how could she feel so comfortable in death's hands? She saw a face… It was her guardian angel.

The next thing she felt was when she was laying on the floor, a woman beside her, her mother, looking anxious and pale. The first words she uttered were «Nanny!!! Mommy?…. where is she?" Her mom looked even paler now. She explained to her what happened. 

         It was Shannon who saved her life. She broke the window, got past the flames and grabbed her; something fell on her head while getting her out of the window. She lost balance, and flames surrounded her. Only after two fire-men who intervened that she was taken out. “They say she won't make it to the hospital even if they drove her immediately”, her mom said.
“I know she saved you, but it was her fault! How could she let this happen? She was supposed to blow out the candles. She put your life in danger!  Black trash!" she spat on the floor.
Amanda wasn't listening; she had spotted Shannon with people around her. She got up, and ran to her. Her mom was shouting something she could not hear clearly.

        She couldn't stand seeing her in that state. Her skin was burned and deep cuts were all over her body. Her head was bleeding but no one helped. They only stared. “Can anyone help?” she shouted.
She sobbed harder and felt incapable. Her mom was there now, too.
Shannon looked at the girl, gathering her force and said “Don’t cry, baby. We are all dying. I’m not afraid of that. You shouldn't either." She sighed, lifted her eyes to the sky and said “someone’s waiting for me there… Very dear to my heart… An angel like you. He left me early… He’s waiting for me… I’m going to meet him. I miss him so much…”

Amanda remembered the story Nanny told her before about her son. The little girl started to have a clear idea about death. But her thoughts were interrupted by Mrs Shannon’s words.

       Mrs Shannon turned to her Elizabeth. She lifted her hand, placed it on her bleeding head then held it to the woman's eye level and told her “we all bleed the same color after all…"

     The words devastated Elizabeth. She felt ashamed for what she did and said. The smile on Mrs Shannon’s dead face haunted all her life… 

Written by 

Youssef Mabrouki & Nour Azaiez

(1st Sec- Dar Chabaane Sec. School)

Street Children

I encountered an appalling sight when walking in the street. By night, scores of sullen-faced, pale, desperate ragamuffins were sitting beside each other in front of a supermarket. They were children "of" the street. 

When I wanted to find out about their mysterious world, I discovered a myriad of hidden things. These feeble creatures aged between 6 - believe it or not - and 14 had to walk for miles in the gruesome streets of the huge city, looking for some money. It happens that, at the end of the day, they have nothing to eat. Therefore, they have to slumber with empty stomachs. And what a "beautiful, peaceful" slumber it is! Exposed to extreme summer heat and icy winter nights, they are most thankful to God for having offered them those few minutes of sleep. I also found out that many of them, especially the boys, are drug abusers, even drug dealers. To make matters worse, I knew that some of them have been illegally transported from their homelands to this city, and that some smugglers serving as mediators ensured it. This is real misery, poverty in its utmost aspect. 

As I asked about the reasons that forced them to lead this street life, I found out that street children shared almost the same life-story  They were either escaping an authoritative or violent family member or contributing in the family income of a family that also lives in the street. For some teenagers among these children, opting for the street life was motivated by a desperate search for freedom, as they can do whatever they want –or at least that was their belief.

Although I deeply feel sorry for those children with agonizing souls, I have to say that their situation will become much worse if there is no real initiative to embrace their cause on the national level. Listen to them, take care of them but also make sure others don’t go through the same hellish conditions.

Mohamed Ali Slama-3^rd Arts1- 

Dar Chabaane Sec School

(Checked by A- Hadji)

LOVE

One day, it was announced to FEELINGS  that the island where they dwell would sink, so they should all prepare, take boats and leave. Only Love remained. 

Love wanted to stay on land until the last moment. 

When the island was about to sink, love decided to ask for help. Wealth walked past love in a luxurious boat. Love said " Wealth, can you take me with you?"

   "   No, Sorry I can’t. There is plenty of silver and gold on my boat. I have no room for you".

Love decided to ask Pride for help "Hey Pride! Take me with you, please”

         "I can't help you Love. You’re all wet and you might spoil my boat ". 

Sadness was not far from Love. "Sadness, let me aboard”

            "Oh Love! I’m so sad …I need to be alone."

Happiness also walked by Love and was so happy that he couldn't hear Love’s call .

Suddenly a coarse voice reached Love’s ears:

 " Come Love, I always keep a seat for you."

It was an elderly who had spoken. Love felt so grateful and full of joy that he forgot to ask the savior’s name. When he arrived ashore, the elderly went away.

But Love wanted eagerly to know the name of the benefactor.

       "It was Time”, answered Knowledge .

         "  Time? Why did Time help me? "

Knowledge smiled and with the usual wisdom answered : 

" ONLY TIME CAN UNDERSTAND HOW LOVE IS IMPORTANT IN LIFE "

Chaima Aouadi -2 Arts- 

Messadi Sec- School- Nabeul

(Checked by Mrs Hadji)

The most valuable thing in life

*A true friend *

The manager of a shop tacking a sign above his door where you could read : " Puppies for Sale”.

Ads with pictures have the ability to attract children’s attention. Soon a little boy was seduced by the ad and asked : " How much are these puppies ? "

The store owner replied: " from $30 to $50 "

The boy reached to his pocket and said" I have $2,5. Can I see them? "

The store owner smiled and whistled. His dog named ‘Lady’ ran out of the kennel, down the aisle of his store followed bye five puppies. 

But a puppy was lagging behind... Immediately the little boy noticed it and asked: " What’s wrong with that little dog ? "

The man explained that the veterinary said it has a birth hip deformity that is not curable. The little boy got really excited and said: " It’s the puppy I want ! "

The man replied: " No, Don’t buy that puppy! It’s useless! I’ll give it to you free… "

The boy was upset. He looked at the man right in the eye and said: "I don’t want you to give it to me. It is as good as the other dogs and I’ll pay for it. I’ll give you $2,5 now and 50 cents every month. Is it OK for you? "

The man insisted: "Remember, it will never be able to run, jump and play like other puppies…"

Spontaneously, the boy wrapped the bottom part of his trousers… it showed a sick , twisted leg supported with a large metal rod ... “Look! I don’t run fast and the puppy will need an understanding owner... "

Ashamed, the man bit his lower lip... Tears filled his eyes… but still he forced a sad smile to the boy.  

“If only I could find good owners like you to all my puppies…I would be fully satisfied…”

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If you find someone to appreciate you for what you are, accept and love you as you are…that is your true friend.

Chaima Awadi-2nd Arts- Messadi School

(Checked by Mrs Hadji)

3rd Arts-Project-2013

For a Drug-Free School Zone

This is the end-of-year project. 3rd arts- 2013 - 

Dar Chabaane Secondary School

Son & father…father & son

Father…

Now that I’m old enough I really want to go…I need to learn how to live…Manage my own business by myself …Be responsible and take care of myself. Trust me dad; believe in my dreams even if they look crazy for you… I just want to give it a try…Trust me dad…that’s all I need. I have a life plan and I will succeed dad. I Just need your benediction…

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

Son…

I’m not sure I can let you go this easy way…you are so dear to me…Seeing you leave will tear my heart apart…But I will give you the chance to decide by yourself…It is your life after all. I know that freedom is your aim …But I also know that I have raised you well and I trust you…

Son, always keep in mind that if you need me, I am yours…If you miss your family, we are here for you…If you feel homesick, the house is always open for you. You will always be my little baby…

Rima S- 3^rd Arts

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Dad…

I have always felt something missing in my life… someone who understands me… someone who listens to me, considers my ideas and respects my point of view. Dad …I wish I could find this at home. If only you came closer to me, understood me without spending all the time blaming me…without dictating my behavior … While my friends and teachers praise me…you have always made me feel worthless...Supporting me financially does not give you the right to dominate me…You are pushing me to rebel…you are pushing me to go away… But I wish you could just give a hand without interfering in my private life …

Dad, I have always been respectful…I would like to see you appreciate my decisions…I want to choose my own destiny…be active and not passively waiting for you to tell me what the next step is…I have set my life goals and I will achieve them. That’s my resolution…

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

Son…

I am not a dictator and I have never dictated rules. I was just trying to protect you because you were too young to choose... I was sometimes harsh with you because I saw you under the strong influence of your friends…I don’t want to lose you to drugs or any other addiction…I know what is best for you…but I have also praised you when you did good things…Taking you out of trouble is not interfering in your life…I think it’s still early to live on your own son... Family life is a guarantee against social ills…Think about it again…

Ines B- H-3rd Sec

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Dad …

Please, listen to me just this time. I want you to feel what is torturing me. I can't bottle up anymore… I ‘m your son and you have to listen to me. I'm old enough to decide alone…So give me space…let me think, make mistakes and learn from them. You always encourage trial and error…How can I learn without really experiencing the world around me?!

I have dreams and I want to make them come true. But how can I do that when you're constantly pushing me to do what YOU want? That's just not fair…I don't want to marry and have a family and settle down. That would be the end of my life…I want to go places, see the world...

It really hurts me when I try hard to talk to you …but you simply turn your back at me. You become thoughtless when it comes to me…I'm sick of saying this to you and I’m sick of always saying YES to you... Today I’m saying NO! I feel it's time to rely on myself and do what I see convenient…You have to understand that and take it easy...This is not declaring rebellion, it’s simply seeking freedom…I am not ready to sacrifice it… You can't control my life any more… This is my destiny…I live it the way I like…I need space and I will ask for help when I need it...Don’t ever question my love to you dad… You will always be my loving dad!

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

Son…

I love you and I can't see myself saying goodbye to you…I can’t imagine that someday you will pack and leave…my life will be meaningless…. The family is the nest for all of us… This house will be void without you… All I did was to protect you and prevent you from making fatal mistakes…

I have never wanted you to be like me... I was like you once and I obeyed my father. I had my own vision but I waited for the right time to carry them out. Look at me; I'm happy …I have a wonderful family and a wonderful life. You're still young and you don't know how dangerous society is if you’re not coached…You might do things that turn your future upside down….I just wanted to make you a man... I don’t think I was doing harm to you here…I was all the time trying hard to keep my dear kids around me…but this seems to have bothered you…Sorry if I was sometimes pushy and harsh with you ...

Yosra- B- R- 3rd Sec

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Dad...

I'm really sorry, but you have never tried to understand what I say. We can never agree…I have dreams...You prevent me from fulfilling them... You never let me do what I want, take decisions alone without fear… without control… You have never made an effort to understand me…I sometimes wonder if I really exist for you... You make me do what I don’t like…You expect me to think like you …I can’t even talk to you…You turn away every time I come close to you…You do not make me feel I really exist… I will go out and search for people who value me, talk to me, accept me as I am. I can’t be ‘YOU’ dad. I know that you are not listening to me…you have never listened to me any way …It’s high time I started my own life…

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

Son…

Just listen to me …You are not old enough to decide alone… You can make wrong decisions and regret them later…Society is full of wicked people and you may be a prey for them. I want to protect you not imprison you. May be I am pushy and overprotective but I love you son… I have always listened to every word you said but some of your ideas are really crazy…Discussing them would have separated us more…there is so much you have to go through and I have to be by your side…You are my dear son and I can’t let you carry out what is in your mind. It’s not the right time to leave… Take it easy and wait till you graduate from college…

Zina. M-3rd Sec

GRATITUDE

Last night I had a dream

That showed me how precious you seem

You’ve been very kind to me

And that really made me see

That you taught us from the heart

With you, teaching and learning became an art

You stood by me, you helped me a lot

And I hope you’ll see the result

Someday, a woman would come to you

Saying with delight you were among the few

Who enlightened her world

With every look and every word

And then she’ll ask “May I kiss your hand?”

Humble, she will feel like in wonderland

Because at last, she could say out loud

And confess in front of the entire crowd

She has always loved you so

And she’ll make sure that all the others know

At that moment I’m sure you’ll remember my promise

Specially written to you today in verse

And if you ask me about the dream I’ve seen

I’ll tell you, and that’s exactly what I mean

That I saw it in my vision

You have –perfectly- accomplished your sacred mission

To my dear teacher H- H -

S. B -3^rd Sec.

Checked by Mrs Hadji Hedia.