Tanner Ave : St George Dragons
Like father, like son
Oh, and you know, do you?
Yes, I do know! his father screamed.
I know, of course I know. And I know he would deeply disapprove of your selfish lifestyle! With total disregard to your family history. Your grandfather was a proud and simple man, if he wasn't dead. This would kill him!
Kieren turned away, stormed out of the house. His father ran after him.
Go on then! Go on your selfish way, after all we've done for you!
Kieren turned, removing the SCG access pass from his wallet.
After all you've done?" he said. "My God, anyone would think I was one of your employees! After all you've done? What have you done? What the hell does that even mean?
He walked back up to his father, holding the pass up to his face.
Is it this? Does this make me a failure? Does this symbolise my descent into ungodliness?
Kieren flicked the pass across the lawn; frustration was burning in his eyes.
Youre ashamed of me, for what? Because I make you look the fool to all the old school folk at that bloody pub you worship downtown? Because your son likes to be his own man, and make his own decisions, trying not to ride on your back? Are you ashamed because I dont attend your functions, or praise your name like nearly everyone else we bump into, or speak your religious football language? What is it, dad? What are you so ashamed of?
Looking into his fathers eyes, his frustration was replaced by a deeper sadness.
What do you mean by after all you've done? What is it you feel I've failed you in?
His father took a deep breath, remaining composed.
You no longer need my input in your life and you have forgotten the proud heritage you are part of. That's what I mean. You've become your own man, and no longer follow our ways.
Kieren's eyes shot up to heaven.
Oh, please! he cried out, before returning his gaze to his father.
Dont you see dad? Cant you see what you're doing? Youre not talking about us, you're talking about your religion! A hope of the past returning through me. Sure, you feel better by talking to your mates about this dream but it's yours! Thats what you dont understand!
Kieren took out another pass from his bag.
You think you've tamed me. You think you've captured my dreams in yours. You think I look like you! Oh, Lord!"
His father shot back.
Nonsense, Kieren. Nonsense! You are a rebel, rebelling against all that we have trained you for, looking for any way to justify your actions. I dont care what promises were given to you. Can't you see it's a cheap attempt to get to what we all hold dearest? They are not after you boy, but only that surname name you are so desperate to run from!
You're right, dad, I am a rebel. You may disagree, or even preach a message against my kind every arvo at the pub or at every reunion you go to. But I'll tell you this, Im a rebel because I follow one. I listen to the convictions of the most important. You try to shame me back into the things that I did growing up, shame me to stop pursuing my dreams and the things that I am good at, shame me back into the image of who you expect your son to be, the image you adore, you idolise! But dad, I don't want to live in your image.
So what then?
His fathers voice had transformed from anger into complete desperation.
You're prepared to turn your back on us, for a fleeting moment, something that might but probably won't turn out as you hoped. Pass up the opportunity that I can provide for you, an opportunity to have what I have?
Dad, if you don't come on this ride with me you will be left behind, it will haunt you. You will regret it for the rest of your time, of that I'm sure!
Impossible!
This is the exposed recording from eight years ago when the Jack's neighbour secretly recorded a conversation between Garry and his son Kieren as they ventured outside their house, yelling at each other.
To this day Kieren Jack has not spoken to his dad, even though Garry was seen at the 2012 AFL Grand Final in Melbourne.
*745 words*
