Forgive Me Baba

Early Beginning

Life has always not been too difficult for us in the beginning. I was born and brought up in a humble family, although poor, was contented with the little we had.

My name is Rasheed and this is my story

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"Rasheed, Rasheed"; my father's voice raged across the field. I was in a corner, somewhere in the field, harvesting the crops that have already rippened. Immediately I heard my father's voice, I stopped what I was doing and ran to where he was waiting for me.

My father was a hefty fellow, with a hairy chest and a rough face, he's an old man, but a loving father, some may mistaken him for a brute, but he's not, he's one of the most loving fathers you'll find in earth.

"What took you so long boy?"

"I was working Baba"

"Well you need to drop your tools for now, there's an urgent meeting at the town hall today and we need to be present"

"Ok Baba"

I did as my father said, took my bathe and followed him down to the town hall for the Important meeting.

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Upon arriving at the town hall, the building was filled to the brim with people whom were all bearing long and anxious faces, I looked at my father, he too was worried.

"Everyone, everyone, please be seated"; cried the town mayor.

"You all may not know the reason why I summoned you all here, but it is really something important, the rebel forces of Senator Luwanji have defeated the government forces of President Mubunku stationed at Lumpaki".

Immediately, he said this, I felt a cold chill run down my spine as we all knew the reputation these men had as they were branded as one of the most blood thirsty fighters in the region. So many of our townsmen were not happy with this decision, and thus, the hall was filled with noise from different corners of the building.

The Mayor raised his arm indicating that everyone should be quiet and then began; "The army needs young fighters, men ranging from the ages of 17-30, and they demand that we provide them with new recruits before this week end".

At this, the people flared up and they were series of arguements from all around the corner, so many of the townsmen do not want to send their sons to war, they believed that sending more men to fight against the rebel forces was a lost.

I looked at my father, he was quiet throughout the whole meeting, one look at him and I knew the reason why he was in such a sober mood, he was worried and he was scared for my life. Later on, the people agreed to do as the army requested and we all went back to our several homes.

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Later on that evening and after dinner, I had a short conversation with Baba, then when I asked him about what he thought about me enlisting, this was what he said;

"Rasheed"

"Baba"

"Are you ok with joining the army?"

"That is what is best for our people Baba, someone has to fight Baba"

"Oh….my son, I have lost your mother, you're all I have"; he said with tears streaming down his face.

"Fear not Baba, nothing will happen to me"; I said wiping off the tears from my old man's face and giving him a warm hug.

We both wept together and after that, he placed his hands on my head and prayed for me and once he was done, we both retired to our beds and slept off.