The Legend
‘What legends do you know, Grandpa?’
Jim looked at his grandson, a smile crinkling his mouth and eyes. ‘A legend, eh? Well, now, let me think.’ He relished the idea of imparting some history and wisdom to this errant child. He loved him dearly, but he was a handful.
He stroked his chin. ‘Do you know the story of Hercules?’ Jayden shook his head. ‘Well, that’s an ancient legend about a man who was given twelve jobs. You know, like chores. Except these were really difficult. He had to be strong and brave and very clever to do them.’ He looked at the boy for signs of interest, but was disappointed to see a frown and pursed lips. ‘What’s wrong, Jay? That is a legend, I promise.’
‘No, Grandpa. I didn’t mean him.’
The older man tilted his head, thinking. ‘Our Anzacs. They were legends. I expect you’ve learnt about them at school, haven’t you?’
‘They all just died on a big hill,’ grumbled the boy.
Jim struggled between his own despair and his wish to keep his grandson engaged. ‘Can I tell you the real story of the Anzacs sometime? It’s much more interesting than that.’
Jayden shook his head. ‘No, Grandpa. Real legends. You must know some.’
A sudden thought took hold. ‘Neil Armstrong. The astronaut. Do you know about him? He went to the moon. The TV pictures came back to earth through our radio telescope here in Australia.’ Jim’s eyes shone with pride. ‘None of them knew if they’d get there or make it back home again. Can you imagine doing something like that?’
Jayden sighed, jumped from his seat, and disappeared into the kitchen. A few moments later, he returned with the paper, thrusting it onto Jim’s lap. ‘There,’ he said, pointing to a man in shorts and a maroon shirt. ‘He’s a legend. That’s who I mean.’
Jim looked at the headline with horror. Another drunken episode involving a football player. ‘Oh Jay,’ he said sadly, ‘these men play sport and they’re very good, don’t get me wrong, but that’s not what it means to be a legend. Legends do amazing things when they don’t even know if they’ll succeed.’
The boy fixed him with a scornful glare. ‘Grandpa, the Maroons have won the state of oranges ten times.’ He rolled his eyes, then stabbed at the photo. ‘I want to be just like him when I grow up.’
Jim’s heart sank. Well, nothing for it, he decided. This boy needed educating and who could do it better than him? ‘Jayden? Tomorrow, we’re going to the library. There’s hundreds of legends to choose from there. Don’t make up your mind just yet. Now pass me my stick, or I’ll be late for the march.’
‘What’s that about?’
‘Remembering my mates who didn’t come back.’
‘What, from the moon?’
‘No, Jay. A place called Long Tan. I’ll tell you that story one day too.’’
THE END