I'm a jealous bastard so I had trouble even opening Sheldon Oberman's book, "This Business With Elijah". lt's not fair; Sheldon's name is on eight books, he's written nine children's songs, he's written and directed three films, has done journalism, has won numerous prizes. And then there's the honors. Enough, l'm starting not to like him again. But, I forgive him, I always forgive him. Because he grew up a poor boy like me.
At first, I doubted Sheldon's credentials. How can I be sure he is a poor boy? After all, he grew up with comic books and food and I don't think he's ever been hard luck desperate: But I finally declare Sheldon a poor boy because he grew up over his parents' clothing store on Main Street (that's right here in Winnipeg for those who are something other than poor). For a few years, Sheldon shared a room and a bunk bed with a boarder until the old soldier moved to the living room and died. Sheldon didn't go to Disneyland. Never owned a bike. But I didn't know I was poor, says Sheldon.
"My family owned a business. I wore dress pants to school."
Sheldon, you were poor. And once you're a poor boy, you're always a poor boy. lt's a gift. Accept it. Like growing Up in a family of musicians or hockey players, poor boys appreciate a certain kind of life. They know lots of secrets because no one hides stuff around poor boys, no one pretends. People are willing to say "Fuck" around them. Poor boys have great adventures.
They listen to sage, old men and learn that money, a buried statue, a fishing pole, all have magic power. They fall in love with women in their thirties and are capable of the most dramatic, heroic feelings of deep romance. They watch as adults, those alien beings, drink liquor and laugh at nothingness and cry for the same reason. They hear the truth, the truth adults are afraid to tell each other.
If you're a smart poor boy you grow up and become successful, ltke Sheldon, the teacher, the writer, the speaker. If you're an especially smart poor boy, you promise yourself to always remember what it's like to be a child and you write it aIl down someday.
For Sheldon Oberman, someday has arrived, it's inside "This Business with Elijah".