... He was born in Sophiatown, Or Alexandra, I am not sure, but certainly not Soweto. He skipped school during playtime to hock sweets peanuts, shoelaces, pilfered in town, caddied at the golfcourse. He can write - only his name; He can read - The World: Our one and only paper, The Golden City Post - murder, rape and robbery. He has served time at the Fort. Prison is no shame, just as unavoidable and unpleasant as going to a dentist. Hes a clever not a moegie; he never says bass to no bloody white man. He wears the latest Levisons suits Made in America; from Cuthberts a pair of Florscheim shoes Americas finest shoes. He pays cash thats why hes called Mister. He goes for quality, man, not quantity, never - the price is no obstacle. His furniture is from Ellis, Bradlows, exclusive. Nothing from the O.K. Bazaars except groceries and Christmas toys for their kids. Very cheap! says his wife. Yes, his wife - also born in the city, Orlando! shes pretty, dresses very well: costumes from Vanite or Millews. Shes very sophisticated, uses Artra, Hi-Lite skin lightening cream, hair straightened, wears lipstick a wig, nail polish: she can dance the latest Monkey. He married her after he had fathered two kids to prove her fertility. Theres the occasional domestic quarrel: he punches her a blue eye to show her hes the boss. He takes another cherie to the movies at Lyric or Majestic. They dine at the Kapitan and sleep at the Planet. Maybe go to a night session in a posh shebeen: jazz, booze knives and guns. The wife sees a nyanga to bring her man back home. He runs a car - 60 Impala Chev. Automatic, sleek. He knows he must carry a pass. He dont care for politics He dont go to church He knows Sobukwe He knows Mandela Theyre in Robben Island. So what? Thats not my business! ~ Mbuyiseni Mtshali, The Detribalized, from his Sounds of a Cowhide Drum.
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 10:56:26 +0000
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