Exquisite Arts Magazine Vol 1 - July/ August 2016 | Page 15

then took out the book for the day’s lesson and placed it face down. Peering over his glasses he firmly said, “Heinz, do
not do that again.”
About halfway through the hour, Mr. Bankwitz, while writing on the blackboard glanced over his shoulder momentarily
as Heinz took a quick pass at Maria’s hair. Without a show of emotion he put the chalk down, walked to the cupboard,
and retrieved the strap. “Heinz,” he called out in a stern voice, “step outside.”
Heinz who was unaccustomed to being disciplined, could not believe what he heard. He tried to explain, “I only brushed
Maria’s hair aside because it was blocking my view of the blackboard.”
“Step outside!” Mr. Bankwitz was clearly irritated.
Suddenly the situation seemed serious. Heinz began to shake, “I will never do it again Mr. Bankwitz. I promise.”
Mr. Bankwitz was not a patient man. “For the last time, Heinz, outside!”
Heinz lost his composure and sank to his knees. “Please, please don’t.”
Mr. Bankwitz got hold of Heinz’s shirt and lifted him like a limp kitten, steering him into the hallway. Heinz howled so
loudly and pitifully that other teachers emerged from their rooms to see what was happening. When Heinz returned to
the classroom he hung his head and did not even wipe the tears from his cheeks.
Witnessing Heinz’s humiliation, courage surged up in Maria’s fearful heart and her mother’s words echoed in her ears.
Before she had merely been an observer but now she was implicated.
Mr. Bankwitz opened his book and was about to pick up where he had left off when Maria’s faint voice made him spin
around. “I ha…hate spankings,” she said haltingly.
“What did you say, Maria?”
“I hate spankings” she repeated, her voice quivering.
Mr. Bankwitz was incredulous. “Apologize Maria” he demanded.
“I can’t,” she said and stood up. Her words were clear, her voice steady.
“You can’t? Then take your seat and be quiet.” Mr. Bankwitz’s ears turned red with anger and he seemed to lose his
bearings. That a pupil—especially a girl –would dare to question his authority!
“I can’t do that either, Mr. Bankwitz.” Maria was composed now, confident.
Mr. Bankwitz took several steps toward her in a failed attempt to intimidate her, then suddenly turned, gathered up his
book and briefcase and left the room without a word, slamming the door behind him.
A pencil rolled off a desk and clattered to the floor. Ordinarily someone would have picked it up. Instead the pencil rolled
and rolled until it bumped into the far wall; nobody moved a muscle. Maria remained standing, immobile as a statue until
the bell rang.
Everyone rushed out except Heinz. He approached Maria. “Wow,” he whispered and then touched her hair ever so gently
before running outside with the others to spread the word.

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