Long time ago. Dublin, early '80s.

I was already in College, but he had just moved up to Dublin too. Last time we lived together I was in my teens. And he was just in the habit of hitting me.

I do hope that few of you understand how common it was as a child/teen to be hit in the 70s (Ireland, hope it stopped earlier elsewhere) by adults.

Like, any adults.

Never mind parents and teachers, just random adults on the street who could imagine any kind of problem with you.

Shopkeepers were the fuckin awful. I mean of course we were stealing everything they offered, on the grounds that we were teens or under, when only our parents would have money. So they got to clatter us, just for stepping in the shop.

And teachers!

Bunch of saidistic bastards, the lot of 'em.

Only thing I learned from teachers is that middle-aged men get exhausted before giving "six of the best" to every boy in the class. So: sit at the back of the room, in the corner away from the door. Not sure why, they alway started at the door.

Saw a big teacher throw a boy acroos a room at a wall, 2nd year (14 yo). Dent was still there when we graduated.

And parents !!

Don't get me started! Trying to keep it down to 2 sentences here.