Notes on Godfrey's last Kite-flying experience, 1969
Stabroek News
April 8, 2007
1969: Two sons then, aged 5 and 6 respectively, so I made two colourful three-footer kites - replicas of Batman and the other Robin - and we flying at Cosmos Ground eastern side, in the rising sunshade of Malteenoes, 8 am Easter Mon.
Both kids like 'batty & po,' each insisting and arguing that their kite must go up first...Should have left them home!
Knew then, what Pa James experienced with Frank and Jesse!
Fathers must not have favourites, but can only raise one kite at a time.
Decisions, decisions, decisions - Damn Mother, still at home in curlers! Ya think it easy!
My coin change in the car, so spinning the toss to determine who 'bat' first.
Thank heavens they na twins!
The younger one, Brian, won't give in, complaining of 'second fiddle.' Always grumbling about having to wear 'hand-me downs.' Must be tactful - the kid developing inferiority complex, and already behaving like the leader of the local opposition political party!
Can't select on better school report - both terrible. The elder was proud of his scholastic improvement this term - placed 31st in class of 32 students.
Promised his mother never to reveal the 32nd child missed tests due to mumps!
These two definitely not chip off the father's block - they take after their mother. Can't even select on cuteness - they both resemble the father!
Bright idea: I explain to my factious rebels that Batman always attacked the crooks first and Robin swooped in later. The United Nations needs wiseowls like me!
I place the Robin kite face up on the ground - Cole Younger to stand guard next to it... "Don't move!"
Gary the Elder to hold up his kite by the Cosmos gate, Dad to yank and run into the breeze - Whoosh - Batman is up - Am elatedly running back, rolling out bolla - Father pleased as Ferraz's peanut punch, admiring his NASA achievment.
And suddenly... I feel a heavy, underfoot crunch as I just stepped smack into the middle of the Robin kite.
The little one was impatient, tried to raise it himself, and moved it into my runway path. Isn't it time to cuss?
I hand Gary his kite, bobbing and weaving in the air like Cassius Clay.
"Hold on tight Son!" Fathers must motivate offspring with confidence!
Isn't there a lesson here for Elder Bush?
Father attempting to repair the singing engine, Robin - Nose broken, like Geraldo Rivera after chair fiasco with his audience on TV. But no Way! Frame now a combo of Humpy Dumpty and the leaning Tower of Pisa. This is worse than fixing the local racial tensions!
Kites like marriage: When noses broken, na mend back!
Suddenly, Gary shouts, "Daddy why is my kite, going further, further, further away?"
Oh hell! Batman floating past the Dramatic Club Pavilion behind Cosmas. He just loosed his bolla! I bus' a silent cuss this time.
Father like Rocky McPherson, sprinting thru Cosmos gate, up Albert St. As I reached Sprostons Sports Club, the overhead electric wire at the railway line stop um!
Eight hours to make 2 kites lost in eighteen minutes - Ya think it easy!
That holiday morning Astor 9 am showing a Gary Cooper Double - Lives of a Bengal Lancer and Plainsman. We got there as the side windows were being closed.
Believe it or not, Cain and Abel still arguing. Threaten to throw them over the balcony. But remember we sitting in the Pit. Bought them 2 dozen sour stick and packs of channa. Both mouths full - Peace at last.
Thereafter, kite-flying chores passed to Grandfather - Fair exchange for 3 bottles XM 5-year old annually. The joys of fatherhood! Always wondered if girls are easier than rearing my Daltons' Gang! Third offspring another boy.
She can't make girls. Life is a beach.