Adelaide B. Shaw

A Tragic Love Affair

He is born after his father dies and before there was a marriage. The boy’s grandfather refuses to acknowledge him publically, but agrees to provide for his education. In exchange, his mother is to remain silent regarding the boy’s paternity. The no name boy is given a name by his mother’s brother, a name which means fighter, for that is what he will have to be.

He studies music and teaches children what he knows, organizes a small band and plays at local village concerts, parades, family celebrations and church festivals. He writes music for the church, marries and has 10 children. The child–the man–neither rich nor poor survives and remains a fighter.

skinned knees and elbows
the boy dives into the sea
and comes up laughing