A little backgrounder.
Gab is busy preparing for the second big test of his young life. The first major test he took was to gain entry into a select Year 5 class (called Opportunity Class) back in 2009. In mid-March this year, Gab will take another admissions test. This time, it is for Selective High School entry. Gaining entry into our first or second school choice dominates our daily conversation. Oh, not just that, it dominates our daily activities.ย Click here and here for previous posts about our rigorous preparation since 2008.
The road to our final objective is littered with complaints, a few tears, lots of tantrums, many arguments, and plenty of heart to heart chats. I have had to defend myself in many occasions why he has to take this path of “most resistance”. Gone are the days when children quietly accept decisions made by their parents regarding education. I never questioned why I had to change primary schools three times, only to move to a government high school, then on to Manila for my degree. I just accepted that “Mama knows best”.
Four weeks away from the big selective exam, Gab and I amicably agreed to reduce his game playing hours to 2 hours and on weekends only. He was to complete all tutorial and school homework; then read any book during spare moments. There will be no new purchases of beyblades, game apps for iPod, nor any new DS or Wii games. This pact went great for the first week. But on the second week, the whinging began.
“Mum, I really really need this cool app. Haven’t I been a good boy at all?”
Everyday, I get nagged. Still, I kept firm with my resolve.
Finally, one morning, he showed me a poem. Apparently, he became quite desperate.
Poem of persuasion
by Fernando Giron
Mother oh mother,
I’m not sure why,
Why can’t I have game dev story,
Not even the lite??
I’ve been a very good boy,
As far as I know,
I’m bored waiting for selective,
So says my big toe,
I’m as bored as a bull,
With no one to chase
I’m feeling really sad,
You can see it on my face,
Please mummy please,
I want this game,
Could I at least have the lite?
That’s all that I need..
Sent from my iPod
(All punctuations by Gab.)
Of course, my semi-tiger heart melted. This boy has learned to pull mum’s strings! Much like how his father did before him.
I caved in. I convinced myself that this is a creativity iPod game anyway, so it must be OK!
Nelson Epifanio says
Great poem! I will buy my son an ipad (or the new macbook) for a poem like that.
Cha R-g says
Daddy, you are too generous ๐ great ski pics btw!
Nelson Epifanio says
I’m only saying that because I know my son will never be able to write a poem like that. It’s just not in our genes.
Tet VS says
Awwwww!!!! Apparently, all the training that he’s had through the years has bear fruition. He’s become a good writer like his momma ๐ And he has the makings of a good lawyer because he knows how to win his case. Hehehe!!! And he’s sweet, too!
Rowena Inovejas says
Such eloquence. Manang-mana. Pati ako lumambot ang puso, gusto ko tuloy syang ibili din ng game dev.
Gerlie Cardenas says
I love Gab’s poem. He is certainly a smart kid. He knows the shortest way to your heart and fish a “yes” from a mum’s witty and resolute plan. That is what I call getting in thru the backdoor. ๐
Cha R-g says
Guess what? I am now being hounded with –
“Mum, can I get my beyblades in advance? Shall I write a poem or an exposition?” (I promised him beyblades for taking the test. Cheap lang, thank god ….)
Then I go , “Darlin’, you are driving me to the poor house!”
… or perhaps I should go to the nut house ๐
Chiqui*Kat says
Ohmygoodgod he is a genius. But, that, we already knew. Now in poetry, too!!! Na dalรฉ si mamรฉ.