The Things One Learns in Life

My parents once told me, soon you will have a little sister.
I said
I don’t believe you, prove it
So they bought a cot, baby-proofed the fridge, the toilet, bought a mobile, toys, diapers.
Came home one day with a noisy bundle that took up far too much space in my life.
And I learnt what it was to make room for another.
And I was skeptical no more.

My brother once caught a caterpillar, said it would turn into a butterfly.
I said
I don’t believe you, prove it.
So he built a rearing cage of wood and taped mesh.
Dropped into it hand-picked leaves, paper towels, the caterpillar.
And we watched as it molted, the pupa dangling like a drop,
Until one morning, having escaped from its cocoon
Was a painted lady in the flesh, in the wing, flying.
And I learnt what it was to develop and grow.
And I was skeptical no more.

My teacher once told me, the same force that keeps you grounded, keeps the Earth sweeping the Sun.
I said
I don’t believe you, prove it.
So she drew out equations like stars across the blackboard,
Attached to them names of women and men
Burdened me with their books, the weight of their wisdom heavy like giants on my shoulders.
Showed me, like some moon orbiting my darkness, that light can lead to understanding.
And I learnt what it was to seek truth.
And I was skeptical no more.

A man once told me, I will love you forever.
I said
I don’t believe you, prove it.
So he got down on bended knee, spoke his vows, planted flowers in the garden, nursed sick children back to health, left me the last piece, tolerated my inconsistencies and irrationalities, died at 87 with me at his side.
And I learnt what it was to cherish another.
And I was skeptical no more.

A showman on TV once said, I can be President of the United States.
I said
I don’t believe you, prove it.
So he mocked the weak, lied and lied some more, showed us what the worth of women could be reduced to, boasted of his wealth, privilege, and ignorance.
Lost an election, fair and honest,
Three months later, took office.
And I learnt what is was to forget what I had learnt
And I was skeptical once more.

(written by Sarah Khawaja for and read at LitUp! «Populismus am See», 21 June 2017)