Hello 2024,
It’s Monday. My least favourite day of the week. My beef with this day extends far beyond your timeline. I must say that you didn’t do much to remedy this.
This year, I’ll be adding two features as part of our conversation. One of them is letters I’ll be writing to friends based on lessons they’ve taught me. While these will be public, their privacy will be respected. And Yes, I couldn’t face you alone. Made plans for back up immediately when you made that “after school is after school” threat to me.
Sis wam, where do I begin?!
Let’s start here, it’s Monday. Another day in the “struggle”. 2024 has me by the washing and has me ducking and diving. Jonga, the wrestle is on. You know the drill - mind all the puns.
I’m busy trying to catch my breath and then Naima Kay’s song hit me - lelilanga! Today is no typical Monday. Today is YOUR day! I do not have the vocabulary to describe the joy it brought. Whaaaaaaaat?!
A particular memory from my childhood pops up when I reflect on how our timelines got to link. I remember how we used to be fascinated by seeing teenagers or young adults passing by and looking good. After discussing the fascination amongst ourselves, the bravest of us would be brave enough to say: sisi, umhle! (You look good, sister). Now this usually had two main reactions. One where the person in question would ignore us and walk straight on. Another would be a blush accompanied by a “thank you”. Now the latter would leave you hoping if you’d also be like that one day. Let’s not talk about the former 🤣
You happen to fall into the category of the latter but, with a twist. An IT girl who is available for those who come after her to walk with her. I am always in awe at how you are able to do this - your humility and being available. Being available to share parts of your journey. Being available to share wisdoms learnt. Being available for deep and meaningful conversations.
Thank you for sharing parts of your journey. It is such a privilege to have you as umhlali (resident) in our village. Congratulations on your milestone!
As Bongi Maffin have said, namhlanje siyajabula!
You remind of this one time I saw a very clean girl while I was walking barefooted to the shops. I might have been in grade 4. She was sooo clean and well dressed. I remember she was wearing a white crop top, jeans, sneakers and she was carrying a back pack. She looked like she was from a well off family. That time I was sooo dirty, I walked slowly behind her marvelling. I still think of her even in my big age. I told myself that one day if I make it out of my hometown I’d look like her. Sometimes I wonder if she was a real person.
ReplyDeleteLol you've painted the picture so well. Have you made it out of your hometown? Are you like her?
DeleteOn a lighter note, I think she was a real person. It's just that as kids, our priority was having fun instead of looking clean.