While our memories remain
intact, free from Alzheimer’s or any neurologic effects, we remember the words
of people who matter.
More than two decades ago, I
had to take American Literature as part of the requirements in my bachelor’s
degree. The subject was a major elective.
My AmerLit professor was Dr.
Cirilo Bautista, national artist for literature.
Many, if not most, of my
classmates were philosophy majors. My
goodness, philosophy students were very eloquent, bright, and they never ran
out of reasons.
In one of our classes, Dr. Bautista
asked us why the Americans were so open about sex, especially in literature
wherein they seemed so sexually active.
I forgot the exact novel or short fiction we were discussing.
The philo majors gave endless
reasons. Everyone of them seemed to
outdo each other, unintentionally of course.
I felt I was with graduate students discussing their theses.
I kept quiet in class most of
the time. I liked reading but not
discussing.
To my surprise, Dr. Bautista
called me.
I am a Pink Archer, but my
mind is green, ever and ever. So, I
replied, “Racial integration.”
Dr. Bautista asked, “What
about it?”
“The black body was curious
with the white body, and the white body was curious with the black body. So they had sex.”
The class gave an uproarious
laugh. And yes, including our beloved
Dr. Bautista.
When the class quieted down,
Dr. Bautista told me something I shall never forget, “I like how you think.”
===
In loving memory of
Dr. Cirilo F. Bautista
National Artist for
Literature
