Je Suis Nombril (I am bellybutton)

Je Suis Nombril

 

It’s a grey August day and I am standing by a soft mound of dirt. Around me are a  handful of friends, dressed in black, and a Pastor. They gently pat my arm and walk away to their cars. The deed has been done. My mother has been buried and the ritual is over. No, I correct myself, not my mother; my mother’s body. As I stand there alone with a cold wind whistling around my collar, I recall a phrase that has not passed my mind in many years. “Je suis nombril.”

I had been teaching sixth grade when I first met Jean Marc. A fine young French boy; his father had emigrated back to Australia after his Parisian wife tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer. Being fairly confident in speaking French myself, I had the pleasure of welcoming Jean Marc into my class.

I have always been able to clearly remember his first day. When asked to introduce himself to the class Jean Marc stood up and proudly proclaimed, “Je suis Nombril.” I chuckled to myself, thinking it a joke, but when I asked him to speak in English he simply said, “I am Nombril.” Not wanting to argue with the child on his first day, I let the matter pass and "Nombril” stuck. As far as I recall he was called Nombril for at least the duration of his being in my class.

Now standing in a deserted cemetery a scene unfolds in my mind.

My curiosity had gotten the better of me one day, and I pulled Nombril aside. “Nombril,” I asked, “Why do you call yourself Nombril? You know it means bellybutton don’t you?”

Nombril stood up straight and his dark eyes became instantly sober. "It is for my mother." He paused for some time choosing his English words carefully. “I am attached to my mother,” he said gesturing to his navel. “I am cut off from my mother.”

I had wanted to ask more questions but I knew I was treading on sacred ground, therefore I smiled and dismissed the boy with no further comment.

It’s only now some fifteen years later as I stand by my mother’s grave, deep in contemplative thought, that I finally start to understand the meaning of these words. “Je Suis Nombril.”

 

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Author's Note

Appreciate ANY comments

Reviews

[Vernika]

This is simply beautiful. This bond. And the way you've depicted it. Thank you for this amazing story! :)

[Stan Lee]

Thank you Vernika! I'm happy that you liked my story and the special bond it depicts. :) Thank you!!

[Vernika]

You're very welcome! :)

[Kuro]

Thank you for a good piece of writing; it taught me something new, and it did through the experience of a child that continued with the experience of the author.

[Stan Lee]

Thank you for reading my story Kuro. :)

[AliciaB]

This is a very unique, thought-provoking, and touching story. Very original idea with the bellybutton - and yet, at the same time, it's something we can all relate to. The story itself is very well-written, with a nicely balanced and fluid interplay between the present scene and the memories. Just one thing - I think you mean "Australia" instead of "Australian" in the second paragraph. :) Overall, I highly enjoyed reading this. Very nicely done!

[Stan Lee]

You're right. Thanks for pointing that out AliciaB. I have fixed it now. Thank you very much for reading this and reviewing. You always leave the most positive reviews AliciaB. :) I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it. :)

[AliciaB]

You're welcome! :)

[alanwgraham]

Superb writing and a very profound thought. I have just been to my father in laws funeral which I think will inspire some writing. As a racist he married a Moslem lady who insisted against his own wishes and his family that he was buried as a moslem.
Again, well done.
Alan

[Stan Lee]

Thanks for reading and reviewing my story Alan.

[Zugzwang]

This story was quite arresting, not only for the twist at the end, but for the philosophical musing on the nature and origin of belly buttons. They don't call it navel gazing for nothing, eh? (Ohhhhh, snap!)
Seriously, good story.
z.

[Stan Lee]

Many thanks z. Thanks for your insightful comments on navel gazing. ;) I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed this story and its unusual philosophical musings.
Seriously, thanks. :)

[Zugzwang]

No sweat, I enjoyed reading it.

[Taylor]

A masterpiece. You are such a wise young woman. I don't think it matters whether you are 9, 19 or 90, the death of one's mother really does leave one feeling bereft in the world, the tether severed. You have encapsulated this profound truth so directly and with such exquisite impact. My only suggestion is to look at your repetition of ""standing" in the first two sentences. Marvelous job.

[Stan Lee]

Thanks Taylor! Now that you say it, I see what you mean. Definitely will have to revisit the situation as it "stands" ;) And thank you very much for reading and gifting me with such a generous, encouraging (and always helpful) review. Friend among friends! :)

[J.Arthur.B]

how a word meaning changes over the circumstances, in this case it changes 15 years later. great story easy to read, straight forward

[Stan Lee]

Thank you for reading and reviewing. Glad you liked it.

[mattavelli]

This is a touching story.
"(a least) the duration of his being in my class."
Mothers are the most special people.

[Stan Lee]

Thanks Matt, You're the first person that picked that error & I've changed it now. Thanks for reading and reviewing my story. :)

[mattavelli]

My pleasure. Do you often talk to yourself?

[Stan Lee]

Quite often, why do you ask? :)

[mattavelli]

I noticed the theme in a few of your stories. Do you ever play out scenarios in your head, which leave you with feelings of satisfaction or anxiety?

[Stan Lee]

:)






Do you always ask interesting questions in public posts? lol. Feel free to message me :)

[Shannon]

Oh my. I am glad to have had this one brought to my attention. Besides the subject matter, which was extremely touching, I found it extremely engaging and easy to read. Beautiful!

[Stan Lee]

Many, many thanks S.Mi. I do appreciate you taking the time to read and leave such a lovely review. Very glad to hear that you enjoyed my story. :)

[Woody]

unusual name but good little story, Mademoiselle.

we are all nombrils, I suppose. this brings out the importance of the Mother and that's what makes this story appealing.

[Stan Lee]

Merci beaucoup Woody! Your review is spot on. I'm glad you liked it, even with an unusual name. ;)
Truth is, No matter where we stand today, all of us were once literally attached to our mother. Our nombril is proof of that.
Thanks again :)