A Long Time Ago but Not Quite Far in Time

Breton was forbidden. Forbidden by the law of sharp blades, loaded guns and school whips that scared the children for ages. Just one word, the first note of a song and you were punished. It was difficult for Brieg because he came to school without any knowledge of French. No other possibility - he passed the first few weeks in school without a word. Joy disappeared from his eyes, head was turned down to the pavement, he grew from boy to man. Now he understood why his ancestors sang all the sad songs about the Breton nation, he understood but couldn't do anything about it. He was just a boy of five. Always when he left the school he started to sing, always in Breton and so close to the school wall so that, as he hoped, the professors would hear him. He knew this will eventually ruin his future on the French scene but he had no other choice. He liked it. He enjoyed running.