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Sabaydii,
Here is the continuation of a series ‘Coming home’ entitled ‘the old law school’
Hakphaang,
Kongkeo Saycocie
Located near Wat Sisaket
The old law school smiled at me
Hard to discern
What it was about
I remember
This law school was the place
Where they posted the list of students
Lucky enough to be sent to study abroad
Many came to see their fate
And went home with their heads hung down
Only a few was taken with joy
As their names displayed prominently on the board
Not a surprise to see
Almost all of those lucky names
Were from the revolutionary youth group
Still some with family clout
Or connection could land them a place
In the much coveted countries like the former
The less fortunate ones
Were sent to study in
Still a better place
Than study in
Aside from the medical school
For some unknown reasons
I had never entertained the idea of going to study in
At that time
It was nicely put
Those who were strong in any academic field
Were to go to Dongdok[1]
Becoming teachers much needed in the country
Too sad to say
No one wanted to go Dongdok
Only those having no choice
But to go there
Did so at the very last minute
As in any case
There is an exception
Some of my classmates
Being true revolutionary youth
Opted to go there
And now still trying to make ends meet
While their less academic oriented classmates
Blatantly occupying a prestigious position
With income and perks to last their lifetime
Who says life is fair?
Look at the regime
Based on that principle
How is it really doing now?
I myself well versed with the art of writing
Was sent to work at the Ministry of Information
Or KaSuang Kosana
Hardly did they know
I hated to be told
What to write
So my job lasted only a day
Seeing the place again
Really brought back a bad memory
When will the regime realize?
It cruelly stalled the growth of so many promising kids
Ruined the potential of so many young lives
And at the end
Took the country down as well
With a heavy heart
I turned my back to the old law school
And never to look back again
9.25.03