Bernie's Story: Part 1

By Hubert Spann

This story covers a black baby born in the south in the early 1950s. Having been partially nursed by a wolf, he learns to communicate with all animals and birds. Forced to leave his home at the age of twelve due to racism, he walks, with the help of his animal friends, to Philadelphia. Along the way, he rescues a girl from an attempted rape and has other adventures. He also discovers a gold mine. The remainder of the novel covers his attempts to right the wrongs that are being done to other blacks.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 12, 2011
• ISBN: 9781469133850

Hubert Spann

Hubert Spann was born in Lumpkin, GA and currently lives in Northern California. He is an Air Force retiree and is married with four adult children. This is his first attempt at publishing a novel, but is already working on Part Two of this story.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Bernie was born in a one room shack in the middle thirties in the southern part of Georgia. He was delivered by a midwife. There was no doctor in the town at the time and, even if one had been available he would not have assisted in the birth. The mother was a Negro. Bernie’s mother was still living with her parents as she was still a teenager. They had not been living in this part long and all they could find vacant was this shack. With the help of his son-in-law her father had been able to buy 10 acres of land. He was a carpenter and had begun to build a house.

Bernie’s mother and grandmother helped make a living by working in the fields around the area planting in the spring, weeding during the summer and picking cotton or shaking peanuts in the fall. A few days after Bernie was born his mother was back in the fields. She would place Bernie in a small handmade low basket at the end of the field. When he cried she was able to go and breastfeed him or change his diaper. What was not seen was, as they got farther away from him, a timber wolf came up and looked at Bernie. The wolf was curious about this tiny critter. It was the first of its kind she had seen. She touched it with her paw and he giggled. The sound was pleasing to her so she continued to tickle him. She seemed to know not to use her claws as they would damage his hairless skin. She also felt motherly as she had recently given birth to two baby wolves but they had been unable to survive.

Whenever someone approached that end of the field, Wolf would move into the thicket nearby and watch. After seeing the mother feeding Bernie when he cried she came back to him after she left. The next time Bernie started to cry she offered him one of her tits. She had very recently lost two newborn pups and was still gestating. He fed gleefully until he was fully sated. This became a pattern. It was never understood by the mother as her breasts would be hurting from being too full and Bernie would rarely cry for food and would eat very little except at night. They feared that something was wrong with him but he continued to gain weight. In fact, he was growing faster than a normal baby his size.

In the middle of the summer the house was finished and they were able to move in. At first there was only one bed available so Bernie’s mother, Mary Ellen, had to sleep on a pallet on the floor in her room. After a couple of weeks they were able to obtain another bed. There had always been a cradle for Bernie. After seeing the work Bernie’s grandfather, George, had done building his own home his carpentry skills became in great demand in the town by both Negroes and Whites. George was what was called a jack-of-all-trades as he was able to work on a multitude of different items including guns, plows and many other items.

CHAPTER 2

Mary Ellen and her mother continued to work in the fields and Bernie continued to be taken care of by Wolf. Even when they moved to a different field Wolf was able to find him and continue her administrations with him. At six months Bernie started saying Mama and Gran. He knew the difference between his mother and grandmother but was equally happy with either. What was also noticed was that he was making sounds that were almost animal. What they did not know is that Wolf was teaching him how to speak to her and other animals. If they had been able they would have realized that Bernie was becoming more fluent in animal language than English because it was less complicated for the young.

The reason the house was built in that particular area was water. There was no plumbing in that area of town and the people living there were not able to pay the huge cost it would require to get it placed in the area. There also was no electricity and lighting was by kerosene lamps. Heating and cooking was by wood or, when it could be afforded, coal, using a cooking stove. There was one fireplace in Bernie’s home and was the gathering place for the family each evening. All toilet trips were made before dark as each individual had to go to the outhouse. This was a small building of wood set over a hole that was dug in the ground and a wooden toilet seat built over it. The smell was kept down by using lime. When it was too full it was filled with dirt and a new hole dug. Below the house, down a small hill, was a fresh water spring. This spring was always flowing and the water was always cold and delicious. Water was brought up from this spring with buckets and used for clothes washing, drinking, bathing and anything else water could be used for.

When Bernie was six months old his mother found a job taking care of a white lady’s children. This was good with her as she hated working in the field. It also gave her more of an opportunity to see her boyfriend as he would pick her up from work on his way home. They would park in a secluded area for a while. Afterwards he would drop her off close to home and drive to his home to eat supper with his wife and children. Bernie now spent the time in the fields with his grandmother and her friends. Since his mother was not available to breast feed, his grandmother mixed a solution of water and karo syrup in a glass baby bottle for his feedings. While he seemed to enjoy it he never cried for it. When they were shaking peanuts she would move him farther from the fields to avoid the dust. Bernie had started crawling and when they were away from his area Wolf would lift him out of the basket and Bernie would crawl around and they would play together. Bernie would be back in the basket and had learned to pretend to be asleep when he was checked on. When he was hungry he would crawl under Wolf’s stomach and satisfy his hunger. Since no one saw him with Wolf no one thought to tell him this was dangerous. Indeed, it was not, as Wolf handled him as gentle as his mother.

CHAPTER 3

Once the farm work was over grandmother spent her spare time finishing her preserving of vegetables, jams and jellies. Much had been done on the weekend when she was still working. Her garden plants such as green beans and peas had already been picked and preserved. She worked with her neighbors and they used Mason jars. Of course, Bernie was often under foot and they had to be careful not to step on or stumble over him. It did no good to put him in his cradle as he could now get out of it easily. He would sometimes almost beat his grandmother back to the kitchen. His mother had weaned him and now spent very little time at home. When she did come home often she would be drunk. While the county she lived in was a dry county, moonshine (illegally brewed alcohol) was easily obtainable if you had the money. Many time this led to an argument between the two ladies. Bernie was now old enough to understand and it saddened him and sometimes he silently cried. For some reason Wolf could feel his sadness and would talk to him from a distance. This would immediately lift his spirit. Although during the winter months they could not be together, they could still communicate. Many wondered why this wolf was around this area and why she could be heard howling day or night and yet no one could find her. It seemed even stranger Bernie, although still not able to talk very well, was able to imitate the howling. What was not realized is that he had learned some and was still learning to talk to wolves. They discouraged this and when he would start they would cover his mouth.

Being unable to talk to Wolf Bernie started trying to find another method. He soon realized that he could understand a little of what other animals were saying. He started experimenting with the host of cats that lived in and around the house. In a matter of days he was able to hold his own in talks with them. Even for cats they were surprised. Bernie learned that with little effort cats could talk with other animals. They just chose not to. With a lot of coaxing Bernie was able to get one to pass a message on to Wolf and let her know that he was ok. Bernie did not know how but in a couple of days Bernie received an answer from Wolf. She let him know that she was happy that he was ok and that she missed him dearly. She told him that she would be leaving for the winter but would see him in the spring.

By this time Bernie was saying Mama and Papa but he was addressing his Grandparents. He no longer saw that much of his mother and used these terms to the ones that were taking care of him and that he saw often. He was too young to understand why this would upset his mother. Since he had been weaned he saw very little of her.

CHAPTER 4

The winter passed on and during this time and unknowing to his grandparents, Bernie continued to be able to learn English. He also was listening to and learning different animals and birds language. He learned that most of the language of any species of animals could be understood by many other species. As he crawled around the living room he could not understand why his grandparents paid no heed to the words of the cats in the house. The cats, meanwhile, was very happy that he was listening and understanding and participating in their communication.

Spring finally arrived and it was time to return to the fields. It was a little early for building so Bernie’s grandfather also went to work in the fields. He used the farmers’ mules or horses to plow the fields and get them ready for planting. After the seed were sown by others workers he would return and plow beside the previous rows to cover the seeds.

As before, Bernie was placed at the back of the beginning row in a special playpen that his grandfather had built during the winter. It had been built with the idea of keeping him in and it worked for a while. Handmade toys had been placed in the pen for him to play with. However, he spent very little time playing but a lot of time talking to the animals and birds that were around. After about a week of this Wolf returned. Bernie was so happy that he started to cry. After she came up and licked his tears away he hugged her around the neck. When she asked him to come out and play he told her that he could not get out. She told him that she would find a way and that she would be back soon. Shortly after she left Bernie’s grandmother came over to check on him and found him happily playing with his toys. After she left Wolf came back and leaned against the playpen with her head inside and lower enough for Bernie to wrap his arms around. He was already strong enough to hold on while she lifted him out of the pen. Once he was outside they started playing. Wolf and Bernie would bump heads trying to knock the other over. Naturally Bernie lost each time. But he enjoyed playing. He could also stand by holding on to Wolf. They continued on in this manner during the entire spring planting. By the end of that time Bernie was learning to stand and walk a few steps alone.

From that time and on during the summer there was sporadic work in the fields doing weed removal. At the beginning of the summer Bernie’s mother decided that she wanted to leave the south and move to the northern U. S., mainly Philadelphia, PA as she had some relatives there. She did not want to take Bernie so he was left with his grandparents. He had some understanding of what was going on and was somewhat upset that she was leaving. However, it happened and life went on. Bernie learned to walk and talk very rapidly from that point on as though he had a goal. Unknowing to his grandparents he was learning to talk to animals even more rapidly.

Even back in those earlier days his grandparents felt that the only way a Negro was going to make it was through education. As soon as Bernie was able to talk and understand they started to teach him how to read and write. They were able to obtain a used small blackboard and mounted it in the main room. There he was first taught his ABC’s. It was not very hard as Bernie had an eagerness to learn. By the time he was 4 years old he could read and understand most books and was able to print and was learning to write. The blackboard had the written letters of the alphabet on the top and bottom and although aged, was still legible. From these he learned to write.

Due to Bernie’s birthday he was ineligible for school. His grandmother, Sue, went to the principal of the school, Mr. Johnson, and asked if they could make an exception. Mr. Johnson questioned and tested Bernie and did decide to make an exception. He quickly realized that Bernie’s education level was higher than most second graders. So, in September Bernie was enrolled in pre-school. After three weeks he was elevated to first grade. He really enjoyed school and at the end of the school year he was the top student in his class and was promoted to the third grade, skipping the second. Both his teacher and the principal saw that his educational level was genius. Much of this was due to his grandparents and their belief in education.

CHAPTER 5

When Bernie first started school Sue would walk him to school each day and he went, rain or shine. After his promotion he was in the same grade as a neighbor who had an older sister. She volunteered to escort Bernie to school. There was a walk of about a half mile but gave none of them any problem as they had been walking all their young lives. Many of the kids in the school had to walk three or four miles each way. There were no school buses for Blacks. Most of the books in the school were hand-me-downs from the white school in the town and it was a rare and glorious occasion when they received new books. Most of the books were in poor condition and had to be constantly repaired.

After school Bernie spent some time studying so that he would be prepared for whatever came up the next day. The first grade had no homework. His time with books, however, did not keep him from his association with animals. While Wolf was not around during the colder months there were still some small animals and birds and he was able to communicate with them. As soon as the weather started warming up Wolf returned and surprised Bernie by hiding under the house. When Bernie came out to wash up Wolf tried to surprise him by sneaking up on him. However, Bernie instinct, sharpened by Wolf, alerted him to her. He turned and immediately grabbed her and hugged her tightly and cried. At the time he felt that she was more of a mother to him than his own mother. They quietly talked and played together for a short time until Sue called him to dinner. This became a routine each day whenever possible.

During the summer, while her husband was working, Sue would haul water from the spring each Monday to use for clothes and linen washing. She would have to make quite a few trips as she had to fill three #3 wash tubs and a large pot that was used to boil the dirtier of the clothes. Bernie really felt bad that she had to work so hard and he was unable to help. He communicated his feelings to Wolf the next day. Later that day Wolf started talking to him from the woods near his home. She told him she might have a solution to his problem.

The next Monday morning when Sue went out to start hauling water she saw that the tubs and the pot were already full. This was very puzzling to her but she thought that her husband had somehow been able to do it before she was awake. How, she chose not to think about as she always was the first up. When he came home from work she thanked him. You’re welcome but what did I do? he asked. Why, filled up the tubs and pot, of course, she answered. I’m sorry but I didn’t do it, he replied. They both were left to ponder this mystery. All they could come up with was that some good-natured neighbor had done it. After a month of this they were really puzzled. No one they asked would admit to doing it.

One Saturday, as they were sitting outside and watching Bernie play, they heard Wolf howls from the near woods. It was close enough to worry them and the grandfather was thinking about going in to get a gun. They were startled when Bernie started making similar sounds while smiling. Mama and Papa do not be afraid. Wolf is my friend and she wants me to tell you what has been happening. Are you saying that you can understand wolves and talk to them? Sue asked. Not just them but all of the other animals and birds that I have met, Bernie replied. You’re just imitating their sounds, Sue replied. Hearing this, Bernie made a few chirping sounds. Immediately a blue jay landed on each shoulder. After chirping together with Bernie they both flew off. I told the one on the left shoulder to bring me a pecan and the other one to bring me a plum. Within a few minutes both was back carrying the objects Bernie had mentioned and placed them in his hands. After a few more chirps they flew off. Now do you believe me? he asked. They both nodded as they were too stunned to speak. Wolf has been badgering me to tell you the truth but I was afraid of your reaction. Wolf has been my friend for as long as I can remember. She was the one that started me learning how to talk to other wildlife creatures. There are a few I still have difficulty talking to but I can soon understand any animal I meet. Wolf wanted me to tell you why the water was delivered every Monday morning. I saw how hard you worked and asked Wolf if she could help. She had a friend, Bear, whom she had met after arriving here. When asked he said that he would take care of it. When everyone was asleep he would bring friends and they would go down and fill the tubs and bring them up. They would use one to fill the pot. The reason for this was to save you work.

Sue and Joseph sat for a moment in stunned silence. Then Joseph said, You have never lied to us. But this is awfully hard to take. I can have Wolf to come up and see you. She has never been harmful to humans and only kills small animals for food. Bernie replied. Are you sure? Sue asked. Look, she has just come out to the edge of the woods so you can see her. She will only come closer if you say so.Standing there was a large gray wolf. We’ll take the chance, Joseph answered. With that Bernie motioned to Wolf and she slowly came forward. Slowly she approached Bernie and stood by his side. Mama, Daddy, this is my friend Wolf. With this Wolf walked over and first laid her head on Joseph’s legs and then on Sue’s lap. As she started to raise her head Sue placed her hand on her head and slowly began to massage it. All could see the pleasure that this brought to Wolf and she gave a contented low growl. She is so beautiful and so soft, Sue said. I love her. Bernie growled to Wolf and without lifting her head she growled back. I told her that you love her and she said that she loves you too. She has always felt this way about you but until now was afraid to approach you. She is doing it now because she feels that due to my skill to talk to the other animals I need to spend more time in the woods. She promises to take care of me. I am not scared because I love and get along with every animal. She also says that you need never fear to go into the woods. There is nothing there, not even the snakes that will harm you. With this Wolf looked up to Sue with such a pleading look until she could not help but lean over and hug and kiss her. How can I refuse her after she gives me a look like that? Just be careful, let me know when you are going and be back before the sun goes down. Also, make sure your homework is done. I did it when I first came home, he answered. He growled at Wolf and, without lifting her head, she growled back. Bernie laughed. She’s enjoying being with you two so much she doesn’t want to leave. She can come back anytime she wants. She will always be welcome. I am glad that she has been taking care of you and I hope that she will keep doing it. Sue replied. With that Wolf lifted her head and licked Sue on the face then went and did the same to Joseph. Did she understand me? Yes. Most animals can understand what we say. However they have a hard time understanding the meanings, especially when it comes to harming or cheating a fellow person or animal. They can understand killing for food when you need it but cannot understand doing it just for fun. Many can understand the joy in hunting but not in the killing for fun. Anyway, we will be back before sundown. With that, Bernie and Wolf left the yard and headed for the woods. As they neared the woods they could be seen and suddenly they seemed to disappear. There was no sound although they entered under the pine trees.

Bernie only spent about an hour in the woods as it was getting close to sundown when they left. He was back in ample time to do his chores and wash up for supper. After supper they settled down in the living room. So, how was your journey? It was fun but hard work. Squirrel has been trying to teach me how to hide. He doesn’t realize that it’s harder for me because I am bigger. But I think I am getting the hang of it. When we have more time I will also be learning to trail by Wolf. Bear also wants to work on my strength. He likes to wrestle and I am not even close to being a match, especially in strength or size. So, I’ll have to figure another way.

Well, we’re glad you having a good time, Joseph replied. Just be careful and don’t hurt yourself. That is one of the first things I’ve learned. If an animal accidentally harm himself in the woods it’s almost a death sentence unless he can find a place to hide and heal. It’s also helps if he or she has a mate to help them find food. However, the best way is not to get hurt. It seems like a lot of work for one so young, Sue stated. It is but it is a lot of fun and I am learning a lot.

CHAPTER 6

So, this training continued for the remainder of the school year on a regular schedule. Bernie came home, did his homework if there was any left, did his chores and then went off with Wolf. He was always home before sundown. They ate and after supper Bernie would study. His studying was at least two classes above the one he was in. He was exceptionally intelligent and became the principal’s helper. The principal was the math instructor for the higher grades. Being the principal he often had other important things to do. Bernie was a godsend. He loved math and learned very quickly. The principal started using him to teach the classes when he could not. Otherwise the students would be left on their own. At first there was some resentment having a much younger student teaching math but, after realizing how advanced he was that faded and many found that he was a much better teacher and taught them in a manner they could learn.

Summer vacation was not a time looked forward to by the older students. Even prior to the ending of school many was helping with the spring planting. Once school was over for the summer many would spend their entire days in the field. Bernie was too young to work but still had to spend time in the fields due to his grandmother working there. However, he enjoyed it. While his grandmother was working he would be off in the nearby woods with Wolf and other animal friends. Many of Sue’s co-workers were worried that she would let him go off alone by himself. She told them that he was not alone and was well protected. She would not explain further so they had to accept her word.

Meanwhile, Bernie was playing and learning the animals’ way and how they used their guild and strength to survive. He learned that the greatest threat to them was man. They were hunted mainly for food but many were killed just for their fur or for bragging rights. Their main teachings were how to avoid being detected by man. When asked about attacks by other animals they stated that most