THE BROWNS

A fireman at an accident scene

Our elders say “fire is a good servant yet a terrible master”. It comes or pays you a visit unannounced sometimes and leaves a footprint of devastation.  But on certain occasions, it comes bearing gifts. Gifts that make you smile at a bowl of perfectly boiled rice, a bucket of warm water for your baths on cold nights and what have you. Such a good servant.

However, when it ravages properties and destroys our very existence, many would often point accusing fingers at the MEN IN BROWN- The Fire Service. They are vilified and often sentenced without trial in the court of public opinion.

But take a closer not a cursory look at the activities of the fire service in Ghana and you will be filled with nothing less than utmost admiration for them.

In the event of a fire outbreak, regardless of how small, many run for the safety of their lives. Yet these men and women throw caution to the wind and run towards danger at the expense of their lives. Many beautiful lives have been lost, just so others may have it. If this is not bravery, what other word(s) can best describe such acts of selflessness an dedication to duty. Don’t say they are paid. Every life matters.

So, when next you see or hear the siren of the fire appliance bulldoze its way or weave through traffic to a scene of distress, say a prayer for them. 

GREEN GREEN GRASSES

I had not the faintest idea what laughter meant until I sat with them though my Christian name means laughter. These were a group of gentlemen, some I knew fondly, the others by acquaintance at the baby christening of one.

Like the sudden outburst of a broken heart-ed lover, they started laughing. The  kind solicited from deep within. It was raw, uninhibited laughter at a silly joke. I conformed by laughing as well. But I looked stupid, like a school boy who couldn’t answer a simple arithmetic in a class with his crush.

Sooner than later, bottles of cold beer went round for whoever felt the need to satisfy their cravings on a warm Sunday mid-morning. Surprisingly, the carton went back as it came. Untouched. It was quite intriguing as these were not people not to partake in a feast without the crispy, sharp, golden bubbled beer.

In my quest to find answers, I discovered the secret. A pale green aqueous substance was to be held responsible for such cheerful outlook.

For those who had had it several times before, the experience varies. The story changes with the first timers.

“ I felt like someone was riding a bicycle on my back”

“my guy, the way this thing make I chop ‘eeeeerrr’, my wife happy rough” one guy said.

“chale, the first time nu, around 2am, I sneaked into the fridge and ate everything including my daughter’s baby food”… another chipped in.

“ there is never a dull moment when I take it. I could watch GTV all day…everything looks and sounds funny to me…”  commented one guy who barely spoke. 

“I thought I had lost a leg. Meanwhile, it was propped up against a wall. This was insane… he said amid laughter”.

“Hmmm!, I recall my mind saying cake! Cake! Cake!. I had to dash out to buy 10 cedis worth of it. Having finished it, I felt for Fanta. It makes you wanna eat though you feel full. Your taste buds are seriously active…

Whatever the pale green aqueous substance, which was passed from one interested person to the other gleefully, I am sure it has some mystical properties. Anyway, when I am old enough, I would want to try it and “laugh like killer”.