Geronimo and the New Boy.

Geronimo set off for school,

At twenty five to nine,

The summer sun was shining,

And everything seemed fine.

"Oh goody," he squealed happily,

"I’m glad that winter’s gone.

For in the warmer weather,

The fun goes on and on!"

"So although it is a Monday,

I’m as happy as can be,

After all those months of boredom,

Things are looking up for me!"

In no time whatsoever,

Bear was running through the gate,

And it seemed the other pupils,

Were feeling just as great!

They were being very noisy,

And playing with a ball,

"Oh brilliant," he giggled,

"I must go and join them all!"

But as Teddy went to do this,

He saw the saddest sight,

And thought "Oh goodness gracious,

This surely can’t be right!"

For standing in the corner,

There was a tiny boy,

But unlike all the others,

He lacked that summer joy.

"How awful," sighed our Furry Friend,

"I’ll go and ask his name,

And then he might feel more inclined,

To join in with our game!"

He went up to the newcomer,

And then he smiled "Hello,

Please join our game of football,

It’s so much fun you know!"

"I’d love to," sobbed the little boy,

"But confidence I lack,

The others do not want me here,

Because my skin is black!"

"I’d love to be a friend to them,

And join in all their games,

But every time I get too close,

They call me nasty names."

"My Christian name’s Mwansa,"

He went on to explain,

"And all these taunts I’m getting,

Are causing me great pain."

"I longed to make my home here,

But now I feel alone,

I only want some playmates,

Whom I can call my own."

Geronimo was most upset,

As anyone would be,

But said "You mustn’t worry,

Just leave this lot to me!"

They raced towards the others,

Who began to point and jeer,

"Because he looks so different,

Your friend’s not wanted here!"

Mwansa started crying,

And then he said "You see,

There’s no chance whatsoever,

Of them accepting me!"

Then to his sheer amazement,

The mild Bear blew his top,

"Oh yes there is!" he hollered,

"This nonsense has to stop.

Your skin may well be coloured.

But you are just like us,

It’s them who should apologise,

For making all this fuss!"

He looked at all the children,

Who were startled at his rage,

And yelled "You’ve been so nasty,

But it’s time to act your age.

This boy may well look different,

But you shouldn’t be unkind,

That’s why I had to stand up tall,

And really speak my mind!"

"He’s every right to be here,

And you shouldn’t call him names,

Apologise to him at once,

And let him join our games!"

"Okay, okay," cried Billy,

"Don’t make your face go red,

For all the gang have listened,

To everything you’ve said!"

He went up to Mwansa,

And told him "We were wrong,

But now you are most welcome,

To join our happy throng!"

"He’s right," piped up the others,

"So heartless we have been,

But we promise that in future,

We will not be so mean!"

"Oh smashing" grinned their new found friend,

"I love a game of ball,"

And feeling so much better,

He went to join them all.

They spent the next few minutes,

Having lots and lots of fun,

And Teddy was extremely glad,

That justice had been done!

THE END.