Be kind to what extent?

Madam – Be kind to what extent?

As I was enjoying my lunch, a group of boys from the primary school up the road from my home, were at my gate and called me outside.

They requested to break naartjies from my tree that was on the border wall to the other yard. The only ones left were at the very top that is too high to reach even with a ladder. I explained, but they still wanted to try, so I gave them permission and returned to my plate.

Then I thought about assisting them with a few brooms, so I woke up again and gave them the brooms. I returned to my plate. Could hear them outside and smiled at their playful young zeal. I reminisced. As I finished my lunch I went outside. They were not very lucky and were now banging at the tree with the sticks. I told them to stop as they were damaging the tree.

Staying true to my inherent kindness, I called them to my garage to lend them the ladder. They excitedly carried it to the tree as I followed.

The tallest boy climbed, but could not reach. As the tree is on the border wall for the next door yard, I told them to take the ladder there.

This time they reached a few of them.

As I did not wash my lunch down, I told them to bring the ladder and brooms back as I headed off to my kitchen to drink some water. Guess what?

Yes. Exactly! They ran away leaving everything there. I mean, being the clichéd ‘naughty boy’ is one thing, BUT what mannerisms are the young now learning?

Especially those, like these boys, who came from the previously disadvantaged sector and were en route to their bus/taxi stop? Must we be kind to what extent and educate, foster and nurture future what?

Mr. S. M