Having things in common just like the early Christians
Enjoying the companionship as though it would last forever
The fading ding dong strike my bones as the in loco parentis
Take their place in the recess
Shall we part so earnestly?
Like the river, we each branch out
Cascading at the rate that no tock could bar
Suddenly from the distance, I hear another ding-dong call
And another bond to form in the chase for life.
This poem is one of the juvenile works of the author. The poem is a blank verse arranged in nine lines, set in a secondary school environment.
It is about the experience of the author as he finished his final examination in secondary school. As the school bell boy, he had the responsibility of ringing the bell for all important summons and the notification of teachers and students about the change of lesson periods.
At the twilight of his exit from the school, the author envisages all that he would miss when he leaves the school on the completion of his secondary school education: the camaraderie, the bond of friendship among schoolmates, the bells that won’t be rung or heard again. Here, he describes the teachers as in loco parentis that will not be there again which got him bewildered.
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“The fading ding dong strikes my bones as the in loco parentis
Take their place in the recess”
Shocked by the fact everyone is packing their items, he realizes he has no choice but to accept the inevitability of leaving. Each one would have to branch out to seek greater heights and achievements.
‘’Shall we part so earnestly?
Like the river, we each branch out
Cascading at the rate that no tock could bar’’
The author uses images such as the bells, in loco parentis which are symbolic of the school environment. He also compares the bonds among schoolmates, their readiness to share with those who don’t have, and the overall fun shared.
The author sees all of these lifestyles fast coming to an end as everyone prepares for another life after the completion of their secondary education.
“Like the river, we each branch out
Cascading at the rate that no tock could bar”
Bemoaning his loneliness, the poet realizes that he will need to move as another school ding-dong beckons.
