I could see the giant white beings.
They had wings too.
They were the ones demolishing the castle.
They were doing it in stages.
At strategic places.
The main concentration was around the tower.
That was where it was.
The thing I now carried.
Secured with the belt.
We had to get it out, before it was too late.
xii
I saw them in the distance.
Turning round and round on the grass.
They were dancing.
They seemed happy.
I couldn’t understand it.
Couldn’t they see the fire right behind them.
The dragon that was fast approaching.
Every now and then it seemed like he noticed.
But would then be distracted by Nia.
They hunched next to the lake’s edge.
I saw as it rose from the water and faced us.
It had what looked like a vuvuzela in its hand.
Thank you, Lord.
All praise be to God.
That’s what we needed.
I would not be able to make it.
Nia could go without it.
But me not.
I needed it.
I saw as it put the vuvuzela to its mouth.
We started descending.
I saw it clearly now.
It was not a vuvuzela.
It was a trumpet.
Long and straight, with the curved, rounded end.
The thing spread its gigantic wings.
The water dropped like rain onto the lake.
The fireflies seemed to fly around in it.
He and Nia just sat and stared at the lilies.
I could see that I would have to try something.
I slid slowly down the dragon’s back.
Careful to avoid the sharp scales.
They seemed to be readying themselves for attack.
It stopped flapping its wings.
The sudden stop made me lose my balance.
I slipped towards the left wing.
It knocked me off its back.
Two of the eyes stared at me.
Suddenly beetle like things started crawling from the holes along its sides.
Straight at me.
Sharp razor like teeth exposed from the deformed faces.
The dragon’s tail was now ready to strike.
I glanced over quick as I saw them still unaware of the dragon that was ready to kill them.
The only way it could, would be to strike both the orangey and purplish-blue creatures that were dancing upon the water.
They were linked.
To him and Nia.
In a way that if disturbed abruptly.
Could have dire consequences.
I remember when mommy woke me up.
I nearly slit her face with the cracked marble in my hand.
I didn’t know what I might do if the dragon succeeded.
Lord, please protect her.
They were unaware of it.
Utopia was deceiving them.
It wanted Nia to remain too.
Without her, it would have no purpose.
Seize to exist.
More however.
It was craving for the love that came from her.
Whenever she was here.
They were her willing slaves.
Utopia loved her.
Just as I did.
Do.
Very much.
Uhm.
To keep her from returning.
Lied in the box I was carrying.
I had no choice.
I lunged into the air and grabbed its tail.
I slid towards the tip.
It didn’t try to shake me off.
All eyes were fixed on the kill.
The ferocious beetles crawled fast down its belly and back, towards me.
More slime.
Like it was some toxin.
It oozed towards me too.
I didn’t know what else to do.
I slipped till right to the tip of its tail.
The stinger was starting to emerge.
I used the tail to swing myself around.
Failed the first time.
Then.
Just as it was about to strike the purplish-blue creature.
I slammed hard into the stinger.
It hit me right in the chest.
I heard the loud buzzing trumpet noise.
It was deafening.
I held my hands to my ears.
The dragon seemed to be in agony too.
It started twisting in awkward positions.
I could hear the squeals leave its body.
The sound not only came from its mouth.
But from the holes in its sides as well.
It disappeared right in front of my eyes.
The tail the last to disappear.
The stinger was lodged in the St Christopher charm.
I saw as it turned to dust too.
The charm as if the stinger was never there.
Not even a scratch.
Thank you, Lord.
Nia took my hand.
We stood up.
I stared at those doe eyes.
I took the box and handed it to Nia.
“This is for you.
No time to look though.
We have to leave.”
I took off my shoes.
Nia stared at the box in wonder.
It was covered in diamonds.
She always said they are a girl’s best friend.
More Marilyn influences.
The parlour queen tricks.
I am sure.
I took Nia by the hand.
The red vuvuzela in the other.
It was with the things I got ready for her.
I took it just in case.
Seems it was now our only hope.
Ha-ha-ha.
Funny.
Uhm.
I was sure we were going to make it.
They started running towards us from the forest.
They were aware of where we were.
The red eyed monkeys.
Or baboons.
Ugly gorillas.
We jumped.
I was however held back.
Nia’s hand slipped from mine.
She stared back at me from the water.
I didn’t bother to try and jump again.
I threw the vuvuzela towards her.
“Blow as hard as you can!”
I shouted.
Not sure if Nia could hear me.
“Bubbles will find you!”
I tried to push closer, but the force pulling me back, literally made my body bend.
“Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!”
I shouted.
They now surrounded me.
Nia stared in horror.
“Go Nia!”
They were about to jump in after her.
A few circled me.
Nia glanced over at me before they grabbed me.
Those doe eyes.
Beautiful.
They never looked more beautiful.
“Nia!”
They started dragging me backwards.
I tried to resist with all my might.
“Sweetpea…”
I managed to nudge closer to the edge.
“I love you.”
Those doe eyes.
Like they were only looking at me.
Then I was alone in the dark.
Void of anything.
Thought or feeling.
Just alone.
In the darkness.
xiii
2013
Georgie looked exactly the same as he did back in school.
Big muscles.
Flat mouth.
Those two top teeth always exposed.
He still loo
ked like a clown.
Umf.
I wanted to smile.
But I managed to restrain myself.
I put the leather pouch in my pocket casually and stand firmer into the ground.
I didn’t know what to expect.
Georgie looks the same.
Yes.
But he had a harder edge to him.
Almost like a life of violence was part of his skin.
It sort of gave that off.
Like his skin was tough and worn.
Those eyes still dark.
Blue circles much more prominent.
Deep wrinkles at the corners.
You were never sure with Georgie.
Was he smiling or was he about to lash out.
The mouth was the confusing part.
“Salaam, Whitey,” he says.
I still felt a slight sting as he said that.
It didn’t seem like he meant me harm though.
“I never thought I’d see your...” he hesitates.
Runs his teeth over his lower lip.
His eyes go smaller.
“What brings you here?”
Georgie lights a cigarette.
He inhales deeply.
His tensed jaw seems to relax.
Guess we were buddies now.
He smiles slightly.
“I’m looking for him… the one with the scar across his face.”
I didn’t think I’d ever see Georgie again, let alone speak with him.
Told you.
You should never have come.
Uhm.
Georgie takes a drag of his cigarette.
Puffs circles into the air.
Then stares at me.
His eyes open.
Almost like the dark circles were lighter.
The wrinkles less prominent.
He was curious.
He looks quickly to his left and over my shoulder.
He starts.
“Why are you looking for him?”
His body seems to tense up a bit.
The jaw muscle twitching again.
I crossed my arms across my chest.
“I have something to give him.”
I removed all emotion from my face.
Returned his sudden stare.
“What?”
Georgie was nervous.
“None of your business.”
I was sure I was being reckless.
But I wasn’t scared of Georgie anymore.
I would not be the only one left injured.
That he could take to the bank.
He gave me a glare.
Took a last puff of his cigarette and shoots it into the air.
It rolls down the street.
“You won’t find him here.”
Georgie seems sincere.
“He and his daughter moved to the Bo-Kaap.”
Georgie looks around quick.
Then comes closer to me.
“The mosque at the top of Long is where he’ll be.”
Georgie turns.
“Just ask for Achmet.”
His clown face back.
“Sure was an eventful day, hey.”
I look him in his eyes.
He was referring to that day.
“Sorry about your dog. “
What was all this sincerity from Georgie all about?
“He didn’t deserve to die like that. But he was brave.”
He looks around nervously again.
Then winks at me.
“Salaam, Whitey.”
He disappears around the corner.
Literally like he vanishes.
I sensed that I should leave too.
Yes.
You’d better go.
xiv
I found the mosque easy enough.
I was not sure whether to go in or not.
A young boy came to the door.
I asked for Achmet.
The boy went inside.
Suddenly I felt hot.
Small droplets formed on my forehead.
My throat suddenly dry.
Perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea.
I told you.
Go.
Leave.
While you still can.
I paced around.
I could easily disappear around the corner.
Just get it over with.
I decided to stay.
This was something I had to do.
Perhaps gain some peace of mind.
No more of this constant guilt.
Yes.
I had to do this.
Uhm.
Umf.
Go.
If he finds you.
He’ll kill you.
Don’t you remember.
What you did.
Remember how you took it.
You did.
Didn’t you.
Now you will pay.
You are responsible.
Go.
Before he kills you.
I start biting my nails.
Perhaps I should go.
I did do it.
I did.
Can I be so stupid to think that this could make things right.
Or different.
Stupid fool.
No wonder she left you.
You’re slow.
Fool.
Dead.
Dead fool.
For once I was happy for the Cape Town wind.
As it blew across my sweat drenched head.
It brought relief.
My face less hot.
I breathed in deep.
Relax.
Relax.
Yeah right.
Give it a try.
I’ll help you.
I cringe.
The memory was suddenly there.
Vivid.
Crystal clear.
I cringe some more.
It would be best to leave.
Don’t be a fool.
You fool.
Idiot.
Just go.
Be bold.
It will not be the end of the world.
I look back at the mosque entrance.
Go.
Someone starts approaching.
You’re dead.
I swallowed hard.
Lord, please be with me.
Sherwynne, I love you.
Sherwynne, I do.
It was him.
Scarface.
He didn’t look the same at all.
Not as skinny and thin as I remember.
More muscle to him, but he was still lean.
His face opens up with a broad smile.
His eyes seemed suddenly watery.
He comes and gives me a hug and kisses me on my cheeks.
Once on the right.
Then left.
Then right again.
“Allahu Akbar!” He seems extremely happy.
I didn’t know why.
And what was he saying.
“I have made dua for the day that I may seek your pardon. And here you are.”
He smiles even broader.
“I am Achmet.”
He reaches his hand out to me.
“I’m Sherwin.”
I say nervously.
Still couldn’t understand what was going on.
“Come, please come with me to my house.”
He gestures that we should start walking.
“Please. I must open my heart. So that you can see.”
I look up at his beaming face.
There was no reason to be scared.
Scarface.
Achmet.
He meant me no harm.
Soon we were at his home.
He calls out to his daughter I presumed.
He asks me to sit down.
“Please, make yourself at home.”
I sit down at the kitchen table.
A girl around my age comes from the
hall way.
A scarf hangs loose over her head.
She ties it quick as she notices me.
She smiles shyly.
I swallow hard as she enters right after the girl that still stared at me curiously.
I told you.
You are nothing but a fool.
It was her.
Simoné.
End of Gratitude
Whisperers
Simoné
"Simoné. There's something I must tell you.”
"Sherwynne, wait. There's something I must tell you. About that day. Tuesday, 22 January 1991. Do you remember?"
I nod.
Yes.
"Well, the day just after that one. When I didn't come to school. I sent you a note with Tash."
i
2013
I was now more uncomfortable than before.
Uhm.
Fool.
“Sherwynne!” Simoné says excitedly.
She comes and gives me a quick hug then joins the girl standing at the sink.
“You know Fatima’s friend?”
I assume he was referring to the girl.
“Yes. Sherwynne and I go way back. We met in… 1990.”
Simoné looks down.
Then up.
She smiles again.
“What brings you here?” She asks curiously.
I didn’t know what to say.
“He came to see me. Will you please excuse us. Sherwin. This way.”
Thank God.
Achmet starts walking down the hall.
I glance at Simoné quick. She seems to be blushing. The girl giggles too. I wondered what they were on about.
Umf.
Girls.
I follow Achmet down the short hallway into what appears to be a study room. Big table in the centre. Lots of books all over the place. Most seem to be in some scroll language.
He asks me to sit on one of the chairs by the table. He moves some of the books and loose papers away then takes a seat next to me on the chair at the head of the table.
Before he could speak, I started.
“Before you start, there is something I would like to give you.”
I take out the leather pouch and put it in front of him on the table.
He looks at it.
He seems.
I don’t know.
I cannot be sure.
He seems to be in deep thought.
I wanted to ask.
But.
“Astagfirullah.”
I had no idea what he was saying.
He seems to want to cry too.
I was now really uncomfortable.
I shouldn’t have come.
I have only upset him.
Yes.
All for nothing.
“May Allah forgive me.”
He takes the pouch and squeezes it in his hands.
“Sherwin, I owe you an apology. I’m sorry I left the pouch there for you to take. I wasn’t sure you would take it, but you did. I am sorry.”
What?
Did he leave the pouch there for me on purpose.
But he.
“All praise is due to Allah that you did.”
What did he mean and who is Allah?
“If you hadn’t, many people could have died.”
I swallow hard.
*Gulp*
“Davids wasn’t kidding about the electricity. He wanted to blow the whole place up, then hit the Waterfront next.”
“Golden Acre would have followed.”
I had no idea what he was talking about.
“Davids’ clients were able to supply arms, illegal, in return for the stuff.”
He unfolds his still clenched fist.
The pouch all wrinkled.
He drops it on the table.
“What Davids’ did to get it, only Allah knows.”
He looks at me.