Sign of the Times

Here's a story I wrote for my Short Story course. Comments/critique welcome....

SIGN OF THE TIMES

“Yuh see dat sign outside there? That is the sign of power, meh boy. Yuh know what I mean? Is the power to heeeeal you seeing there. When a man or woman coming with they problems and ailments, dat sign is like water to their thirsty soooouls, boy. Yuh understand what I saying?”

The apprentice nodded eagerly and his mentor discerned the bright light of complete devotion shining in the young man’s eyes. He smiled as his young charge turned toward the imposing sign that had adorned his yard for the past fifteen years. He was particularly proud of the sign: not having had the option of formal schooling - had he been given the opportunity, he was sure he would have been the brightest in the class; and he was doubly sure that even in his unschooled state, he was ten times brighter than those rich fools who came to him for spiritual guidance - he was glad that he could acquit himself in such a scholarly manner. It would have devastated him to be classed with the idiots and pyah-pyah obeahmen who ply their trade to the poor and powerless.

Though the paint was flaking in a few places and the red colour of the lettering was not as brilliant as the day he painted it freehand, Uncle Popo still felt pride and vindication that he had so elevated himself to be advisor of the rich and powerful. He felt the power surge in him anew. Today he felt especially compelled to  share his thoughts.

“Yuh eh see dat sign boy?” Uncle Popo asked with pride and expectancy. The apprentice contemplated the sign as if it held the secret to life and his own future. It read:

POWERFULL SPIRITUAL HEALER

Ye Wary and Disconsolate, find REST for your SOULS.

UNCLE POPO will SOLVE all your problems and ailments

He agreed that it was a very impressive sign and that his mentor did wield a great deal of power. His acceptance of this fact pleased Uncle Popo.

“I been watching you, yuh know,” the older man said to his apprentice. “You eager to learn but yuh know yuh place. You is not the first apprentice I take on, yuh know. Dem others was too boldface and disrespectful. As soon as they learn a little thing or two, they feel they could run me out of my own business. Well I deal with  them forthwith!

“But I notice that you different. Is a nice change after dem other bloodsuckers. I feel I should reward you. I will show you a little trick in the trade. Hear this…”

“Uncle Popo, before yuh tell me, let me bring something for you to drink nah. It making real hot and I know you must be thirsty.”

“Thank you, meh boy. Bring some of that fancy ice tea you does make. Put plenty ice in it, yuh hear?”

“No problem, Uncle Popo.”

In a matter of moments Uncle Popo was savoring the first sip of the iced tea. His eyes rolled over in delight as the cold, sweet, delicious beverage soothed his parched throat.

“What yuh does put in this thing boy? Oh God it niiiice!”

Uncle Popo smiled when he saw his apprentice blush. He congratulated himself on his excellent choice of understudy. When the time came – ten, maybe fifteen years in the future – he could close his eyes and turn over the business to this worthy young man. The fire he saw in this one…..

The apprentice kept steady focus on his mentor as he listened to him reveal the secrets of the obeah ‘profession’. The light in his eyes seemed to glow brighter the more he listened. He was careful to keep the look of humility and dumb awe on his face, so that Popo would not suspect his dark musings. Foolish old man, he thought, and smiled as Popo drank deeper of the poisonous brew.

One week later…

Mabel couldn’t handle this damn man again nah! Everywhere she turn somebody was telling her how they see she husband with some woman. How much he really expect she to take?! But she know what to do for him – he feel he bad? - she will tie he blasted foot! Uncle Popo accustom fixing she business for her.

But what is this?! Uncle Popo get a new sign? What the hell….

POWERFULL SPIRITUAL HEALER

Ye Wary and Disconsolate, find REST for your SOULS.

                        I

UNCLE POPO will SOLVE all your problems and ailments

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT