A Canadian Immigrant Story Part VI
Brian Sankarsingh weaves a tale of a Canadian immigrant
Peter glanced once more at the packed duffle bag.
“Vijay you have been my model tenant. You helped me in the basement and didn’t even ask me for money. Why do you think I would throw you out on the street? Come on man. I am Trini too. I know how hard it can be. Listen, here’s the deal. This month I need to start construction on the basement. Instead of paying rent, help me and I will give you a little money as well. What do you think?”
Tears welled up in Vijay’s eyes as he vigorously nodded in agreement.
“Good man. We start working on Monday,” said Peter as he exited the apartment. “Oh, and Vijay, don’t tell anyone else in the house about this okay. I don’t want people to think I’m a softie.”
August 29, 1988
Peter just left and I am sitting here crying. Mum always says that she’s praying for me and praying that things work out. I wonder if those prayers are what’s working right now? I don’t know for sure but the fact is I have a place to live – even for a little bit longer. Maybe I might be able to survive here. Maybe I might make it after all. That night as he lay on his air mattress, Vijay wrote a poem to help him relax.
MY JOURNEY My journey has just begun And already I feel the pain Loneliness and fear Tug at me once again I’ve travelled oh so far For a better future I am determined to succeed And not just be a loser Whether he believes it or not No man’s journey is solitary He can always find camaraderie Even in adversity
Immigration Papers
The next two months Vijay worked tirelessly to help Peter. Working together in that basement they shared their life stories and started becoming fast friends. Peter as a second generation Canadian; his parents had moved to Canada from Trinidad in the early sixties. He harboured no love for the country itself, but seemed to have a soft spot for fellow Trinidadians. Vijay told Peter about the love of his life whom he had left back home. He spoke about his parents and even spoke about his dreams of building a successful life in Canada.
Although life had not drastically improved for Vijay, the stress of not having to worry about making enough money for rent over the past two months had certainly put him into a different frame of mind. He continued being frugal with his money; still limited himself to one meal a day and still walked to anywhere he had to go. Autumn brought with it a degree of ease and comfort with cooler nights. Trinidad had only two seasons; dry and rainy, so the change in temperature and falling leaves were a new experience for Vijay.
A few months later, Vijay wrote excitedly in his journal:
November 22, 1988
It came! It finally came! I am now legally permitted to work in Canada. I was so surprised when I opened the mailbox this afternoon.
Peter was not working on the basement today. There were only a few things left to do anyway so I lounged around for the better part of the morning. The leaves were almost all gone now and I was marvelling at how the world around me had changed so drastically. What was once verdant green changed to muted brown. As I opened the mailbox next to the front door, a letter addressed to me was the last thing I was expecting. My hands were trembling as I climbed the three flights of steps to my attic apartment. As soon as I got inside, I carefully opened the envelope. I had been assigned a date to appear at the Immigration Canada office so I could get my work permit. I was ecstatic.
Stay tuned for the continuing story…
Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.
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