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ketso · 1 year

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Episode 40

“I remember it was around this area”, I say.

Wandi and I are sitting at the back. Khotso and Senzi are sitting in the front. Khotso is driving. Rena and Moloko are at Wandi’s house with the domestic workers. Khotso trusts them. They used to work at the royal house, and he recommended them for us.

We are in the dodgiest of places in Ethwathwa. This place is called Barcelona. It’s just shacks everywhere. It’s filthy. There are no roads. They just took a sganga and put shacks on it. People are selling stuff; some are just living their lives. We are here to look for my dad. Khotso is serious about this lobola thing, so we have to find him. I would have asked my mother’s side of the family. I know where they are – street name, street number, konke. But I hate them. All of them. They do not deserve the respect that Khotso wants to give to people who raised me. My father didn’t raise me neither. But at least he did not abuse me, rape me, or allow people around him to rape me as a child. He just left. Hopefully, after taking the Mohale money and making sure that I don’t have bad luck in my marriage to Khotso, he will disappear again. I’d love to have a relationship with him, but I also don’t want to get my hopes up. He left us. He didn’t just leave my mother… he left me too. What makes me think that he will want me now? He has other kids that he loves, and he forgot all about me… his eldest daughter… if I’m even that!

“I just don’t know which shack to go to”, I say.

Wandi holds my hand.

“You guys need to go back to the house. I need to do this on my own.” I say.

“Mah!”

“Wandisa ukhulelwe. I shouldn’t be exposing you to this. You need to be at home resting! And I don’t know if I’m ready for you guys to see this part of me.”

“We are your kids! Bab’Khotso is about to be your husband! What are you still hiding from us?”

“Wandi, I don’t want you here. Please respect that! Please.” I snap.

“You two go ahead. I’ll stay with her”, Khotso says.

“I don’t want you here neither, Khotso”.

“Well, you are not doing this alone. Not after what you’ve told me. So, it’s either we all stay, or it’s just me. Take your pick.”

I’m annoyed.

“I’m with Bab’Khotso on this one”, Wandi.

I just get out of the Maserati.

The car drives off.

Khotso is with me.

I take a deep breath.

“I’ve organised a car for us. It’s on its way.” He says.

Mxm!

After asking around for about an hour - even our car arrived while we were still searching - we finally find my dad’s shack. It’s so…. And everyone who lives here is so cadaverous – well, the people we see.

Khotso parks this black Jeep in front of the shack. There’s no gate. There’s nothing. The shack is falling apart. I’m instantly down. Khotso looks like he feels for me.

I get out of the car.

Khotso is right behind me.

The door is open.

“Knock knock.” I shout at the door.

Khotso has one hand on my lower back.

“Sanibonani”, some lady says as she sees us. She came from somewhere in this place… behind some curtain even.

“Sawubona mama. Sifunana noTobias Ngwenya.” I say.

“UTobias wami? Indoda yami? Umncane kanje?! Ntombazane, amasimba engizokwenza wona for ukudlalela kwindoda yami! Umncane kanje?! Rha!” She’s yelling at me.

Khotso and I look at each other. He really wants to laugh. But I’m quite irritated. Why would I want her man when mine has his hand located on my lower back? And did she not see the car parked outside? Or how I’m dressed? Or my Hermes Birkin bag? I have a handbag that costs over R800 000 on my arm, a car that costs more than the value of her life, and a man who’s a prince next to me… what the fuck am I doing with a man who lives in such conditions?!

“EY WENA SFEBE NDINI?!” She’s still yelling.

“Mah, uTobias Ngwenya ubaba wami. Ngifuna ubaba wami.” I say.

To say that she’s shocked would be an understatement. Khotso is busy laughing under his breath here. What’s funny?! I don’t understand!

She finally lets us in.

The kitchen and TV room are in one room. There’s only one two-seater couch and a crate. Khotso sits on the crate. I just stand.

“Can I offer you water? Our juice is finished”, she says.

“Cha mama, siyabonga. Ukhona ubaba?” Me.

“I’ll call him.” She says.

She heads behind the curtain.

She’s talking to some man.

I can’t believe my dad lives in such conditions – especially because I can more than afford to give him so much more than all of this. I guess it serves him right for just leaving my mom and me when I was just a kid. But you know what… I can’t be like that. I did enough time in prison as well as away from my only child to be this judgemental without hearing his side of the story. I know my mom’s side of the story very well. She made sure that I knew it so well that I could recite it in my sleep. I haven’t heard anything from him. I’m angry, but I’ve lived enough to know when compassion and mercy are due. These living conditions… they are a cry for mercy and compassion.

He comes out from behind the curtain, limping and smelling like he hasn’t bathed in days. Where is the toilet and bathtub by the way?

“Maphuthi?” He even cries.

“Sawubona baba. Ngihamba noKhotso. He wants to be my husband.” I say.

My dad shakes Khotso’s hand. Khotso stands up and addresses him with respect that he doesn’t deserve.

My dad sits on the couch. His girlfriend sits next to him. I’m still standing. Khotso is comfortably sitting on this crate hey!

I don’t know how to be.

I don’t know what to say.

“You are very beautiful, Maphuthi”, the girlfriend.

“Thank you”, I say.

“I heard you were in prison”, my dad.

“I was. I did fifteen years behind bars.” I say.

“I’m sorry I didn’t come to see you.” He says.

“Why didn’t you? Why did you even leave mama and me?”

“Your mom kicked me out and kept me away, Maphuthi.”

“That’s not true. We needed you. You left us for younger women”.

“I’d never leave my only child willingly”.

“Mama told me you had many more children. You left us for them and their mothers.”

“You are the only child that I’ve ever had, Maphuthi. I lost my job and could no longer provide for you and your mother. She kicked me out and called me useless. She told me to stay away. I’ve never been able to tell my side of the story to you.”

“What about when I was in prison? I was grown. Mom died at some point. Why didn’t you come and see me? Tell me your side of the story?”

“I didn’t think you still wanted me”, he says.

“Baba, mom’s brother raped me. From when I was twelve years old. It never stopped until I ran away. Her sisters protected him, including mama. They did that because you were not there to protect me anymore. That’s what you left me to.”

He gets emotional.

I’m emotional too.

“I don’t want them in my life. I don’t want them part of this journey. I love Khotso. He loves me. He wants to marry me. And he wants to do the right thing… with you. Do you think you can at least open your heart to that?” I say, wiping my tears.

“Yebo. Kodwa, I also want me and you to try again. I’m dying, Maphuthi. I’m sick. I can’t afford medication. We live off money that Celia’s children are prepared to give us in a month for groceries. And it’s okay. It’s just… I never thought I’d ever see you again. Kodwa here you are. You are so grown and so beautiful…”

“Yena muhle kakhulu untombo!” Celia says. I didn’t even know her name until he said it.

“I just want a phone call every now and then. I want my child back.”

Khotso looks at me as if I should do something about his situation.

“What’s wrong with you?” I ask him.

“Ey ntombi… it’s kidneys. He needs a donor. He needs dialysis. The clinic sometimes turns us away. So, he’s not getting dialysis the way that he needs it. And as for a kidney donor, I don’t know if he will ever get it.” Celia explains.

I take a deep breath.

Khotso looks at me as if to say that we can get a kidney off the organ trading the church runs. I nod my head because I agree with him. But I need to get him to a hospital, and I need him to be treated.

“Baba, I’ll take you to a hospital. You need medical attention. You’ll go to a private hospital.”

“Maphuthi, that’s not what I want.”

“You are the only surviving parent that I have. I’m not going to lose you. You owe me that much.” I say.

He sees that I’m serious.

He nods his head.

“And I’m getting you out of this place. You can’t live here.” I say.

“Serious?!” Celia is so excited.

“Maphuthi, cha!” My dad.

“Why not, Tobias? Ukuzala ukuzelula! Ingane wants to!” Celia.

“This is my child. And I don’t deserve her kindness!” He says, crying.

Khotso and I look at each other.

I go to where he is sitting.

I kneel down before him.

“Baba, let me take care of you. Uwena kuphela umzali enginaye! I have three beautiful children. My eldest is Wandisa. She’s expecting a child. Cabanga baba, ngizoba ugogo. Mina! Wena, uzoba ukhokho.”

He laughs.

“My second born uLefatselabarena. We call her Rena for short.”

“Cha, lona linzima igama.” He says.

“Yeah. Yena and my baby, uMoloko, are Khotso’s babies. Umama wabo washona. Kodwa, blood couldn’t make us any closer. They are my babies. You’ll be in their lives too. They can’t wait to meet you. They must find you healthy. They must visit you in a bigger house. UKhotso owasebukhosini. Mabazo lobola, baba, I want you to be proud of your home. Umam’Celia has kids. We all need a home to visit our parents in. Our kids need a home to visit their grandparents, make you run around everywhere and exhaust you. I can afford to help you, baba. I have money. I have a good job. I have a nice home. I have nice cars. How can I be all of that when my father lives like this? Hai baba! Mus’ ukubukisa ngami.”

He is crying.

“Kulungile ndodakazi. I’m sorry I didn’t protect you. I’m sorry I left. I’m sorry I lost my job and couldn’t provide for you like you are providing for me now. I’m sorry I couldn’t take care of you like you are taking care of me now.” He says.

I just take a deep breath. I stand up.

“Singahamba?” I say.

“Okay. Ningasilinda phandle. I’m just getting my bag.” Celia says.

Khotso and I step outside.

“I’ve just texted for someone to start looking for a house. It will be in a quiet place, perhaps still in the township. Celia looks like she enjoys the township life.”

I just laugh.

“Do you think I’m doing the right thing?” I ask him.

“Come here”, he says to me.

I rest on his chest.

We hug for a while. Then he says, “You did the greatest thing. I’m proud of you.”

We kiss.

“We are ready”, Celia says. She’s holding my dad’s hand.

We open the doors for them. Khotso and I sit in the front. They sit at the back.

We leave.

My dad is admitted at a private hospital in Benoni. He even looks better. A lot better! The drip is doing wonders for him. I asked Wandi to bring him pyjamas and toiletries. She walks in with Senzi, Rena and Moloko. They have the stuff. Senzi even has food with him - food for all of us.

In no time, dad and Celia have met the kids. We are all eating and are chatting together. Khotso confirms that the house has been bought. Celia is so happy, she even dances. Wandi is the one who entertains her. She has an iPad out and she is helping her choose furniture for the place. She’s beside herself shame.

Nkosinathi walks in.

We all look at him.

“Hey baba.” Wandi greets him.

“Kunjani, baby girl?” Nathi.

“I’m good. Umkhulu lo. Mom’s dad. This is glammy Celia.” Wandi.

“I’m happy to meet you.”

“Ubani wena?” My dad.

“UNkosinathi lo, baba. Ubaba kaWandisa wegazi.” I say.

“Ngiyabona. Manje ufunani la?”

“He’s a doctor.”

“A specialised physician. I’ll be working with your nephrologist to make sure that you heal well.” Nathi says.

“You are using words I don’t understand.” My dad.

“I’m part of the doctors that will be helping you, baba.” Nathi.

“Cha. Umkhwenyana yena uthini?” My dad.

This hurts Nathi a bit. Khotso giggles. I’m glad my dad is receiving Khotso well.

“Baba, with all due respect -

“He is paying for my stay here. If he’s not happy with you as my doctor, nami angikufuni!” My dad.

Nathi is pissed.

“It’s okay, baba. Let’s let him do the only thing he probably ever does right.” Khotso.

Nathi is not okay!

Wandi and I just look at each other. These two! Hai!

Visiting hour is over. We were here all day, so we don’t give them a hard time when they ask us to leave.

We leave Celia at her hotel room. We told her that we will be leaving together in the morning. She’s just so happy, shame. I told her she could even eat at the restaurant in the hotel. It’s all paid for. Lol! Khotso and I are staying at the same hotel. Wandi, Senzi, Rena and Moloko leave us here then head back to Wandi’s and Senzi’s place.

…

This is why I honestly love Phuthi… she doesn’t dwell in victim mentality. Yeah, she’s had a rough life, but she doesn’t blame the world for it. She understands that shit happens, and you must just deal with it. I’m most proud of her for how she’s dealing with her dad. She’s helping him out. Today, they are moving into the house that we bought for him. The dad is still in hospital. It seems he’s going to be there for a few more days. The wife is… ja neh. Being around her is honestly like going to a comedy show and not having to pay for it.

Phuthi wanted to go clean and move shit. Nah! People must stop being stingy with job creation. We got cleaners and movers to do all of that. Senzi and I are at the house overseeing this. Moloko is here with us. The women have gone to the mall to buy groceries and whatever else is still missing. The problem with this is that these movers keep asking us how things should be positioned. I don’t think any of us here are close enough with any woman to understand interior design. We keep telling them to ask the ladies that are cleaning in there for input. We all don’t know.

Food arrives for us. I ordered for everyone. The movers are very happy; so are the guys that are putting the fence around the house as well as the gates we requested: one pedestrian gate and one big gate leading to the driveway and the double garage. I got them beer with their food. They are very happy. The ladies, I got them Coke, Fanta Orange and Sprite. Senzi said these drinks are usually safe with women. Everyone is eating now.

Phuthi phones me as we also eat. Moloko is having juice, not beer. Phuthi would kill me if I even gave him a taste.

“Hey baby”, I answer my phone.

“Hey love. How’s everything going there?”

“The people are done. The fence and gates are also done. Now we just need to figure our way around the alarm system. The people showed me, so I have to show the owners of the house.”

“Okay, that’s good. A truck with beds and carpets is going to arrive shortly. They have instructions on where to place the beds and carpets”, she says.

“Baby, how far you guys? The people keep asking me where things should be placed and what they should face. I have no fucking clue on how to direct them.”

She laughs then says, “We are done shopping. We are just going back to the shack to get clothes that they’ll still want to wear then we are coming.”

“Didn’t you say that you are buying them new clothes?”

“I did buy them new clothes. But they want some of their old clothes.”

“Phuthi, please hurry, babe. Please. I know nothing about interior design. I didn’t even do it in high school as a subject. Please.”

“Baby, an hour tops… we will be there.” She says.

“Okay. I love you.”

“I love you, baby.”

We hang up.

“They need to come back now”, Senzi says texting Wandi.

Good, he must add pressure.

“Can I go play with those kids?” When did Moloko get ideas to play?

“Do you know them?” I ask him.

He shakes his head.

“Okay, I’ll go with you”, Senzi.

“There’s no way that the two of you are leaving me here alone with all of these people. It’s not happening.” I say.

Moloko seems upset.

Senzi wants to laugh at me.

This is shit!

The ladies finally arrive. Now it’s a session of offloading the car and packing things into new cupboards. Celia packs their clothes into the cupboard. Phuthi and Wandi unpack the groceries. We have to carry the washing machine, fridge and weird other essentials. Celia then also puts linen on the beds. The house is very nice. It’s a three-bedroom house. It has two bathrooms. It has a kitchen, dining area, TV room and laundry room. It has a really nice garden as well as a veranda. If I were as old as Phuthi’s dad, that veranda would be my favourite place.

We got them a domestic worker who will come in every morning then knock off every afternoon. They are old. They shouldn’t be cleaning and all that by themselves. By the time that everyone is done with everything, it’s visiting hour at the hospital, and we must all go to see the old man. That man better not charge me an arm and a leg for lobola. Does he know what I had to go through today?

…

We were in Gauteng for two weeks. The dad is home and he’s very happy with the house and everything in it. Celia is now acquainted with quite a few people on the street already. We are now headed back to the kingdom. The dad has even said that he’s ready for the lobola date. He even gave me a date.

Today, we initially came here to say goodbye. But Celia cooked. And she invited her children and their partners.

We all briefly met. The kids hit it off well. The young ones are running around. The teenagers are chilling in the garden outside.

I’m with the dad in the TV room. He’s watching soccer on the 75inch TV we bought for them. He’s also busy complaining about Celia’s children. She has two sons and one daughter. He keeps saying that he doesn’t want her kids to be frequent in his house because when they were down and out, they were not around; and when they did help by sending R200 once every three months, it was like pulling teeth. I just feel like this lunch will be dramatic.

Phuthi is in the kitchen, helping Celia cook. She does this everywhere we go. She says it’s because my kids and I have a specific diet. But also, I’m from a royal family. My food is a very sensitive issue and I’m very happy that my woman understands this.

Phuthi serves my kids and I specifically first. Celia’s kids look at her weird. Oh well. I’m not about to explain myself. Celia gives Phuthi’s dad food. The kids dish up for each other and their children. Now we are all at the table. Moloko, as usual, is next to Phuthi. I swear he thinks that Phuthi is his girlfriend. Phuthi has already cut his meat for him. It helps with the braces situation.

“Do you see what other kids do for their parents?” Celia says, looking at her kids.

They don’t say anything.

“That’s why she’s so fortunate. She drives nice cars, she has a lot of money, she lives in nice houses… even her children are beyond blessed. And you know what, her blessings will never end because she looks after her parents. Nina nizophelela la elokshin, driving your small cars and never affording what you think you can afford… living off credit cards and debt all over the place.”

“Hai mama, sizwile ke! Phuthi is amazing. We get it. You’ve been telling us since two weeks ago.” The daughter.

“Yes. She’s amazing. She’s an example. What do you do for your family?” Celia.

Phuthi and I look at each other.

“Just so we are clear, I don’t expect you to be frequent in my house. I want you to be as scarce as you were when we lived in the shack. I hope this suddenly won’t become the on your way home stop or where you drop your kids when you have things to do. Stay away like you’ve always stayed away.” Phuthi’s dad. I really thought that he was going to keep that shit to himself.

“You can’t keep us away from our mother”, the daughter. I’m learning that she has the biggest month.

“I’m not keeping you away from your mother. I’m keeping you away from my house. I have every right to do that.” The dad.

They are quiet.

We eat and finish.

Phuthi does the dishes. The daughter helps her, but they don’t talk much. I’m chilling in the kitchen because I wanted to chat to Phuthi, but hey… there are strangers here. Now I’m just on my phone. I’d go to the TV room, but Phuthi’s dad is here so I’m choking with him.

By the way, we bought him a car to get around. It’s a Mercedes Benz E-Class and it’s white in colour. Celia complained and said now he’s women issues will start all over again. Apparently, he lives for skirts. Phuthi is not even trying to understand.

“Mama”, the daughter says to Celia.

Celia looks at her.

“Can we talk? Privately?”

“Yini? Uding’ imali?” Celia.

Which part of privately was misunderstood? I don’t want to hear this!

“Hawu mah! Why make an announcement?”

“When you call me and speak to me with a small voice, I know it’s for money. You are never that nice to me.” Celia.

The daughter is quiet.

“How much?” Celia.

“I need to settle school fees for the kids. I also need to -

“Where does your mother work, Charity?” Phuthi’s dad.

“I’m talking to my mother, Tobias! Angazi wena ungenaphi!”

“You are talking to your mother who doesn’t work… who has never worked! That’s who you ask for money. Where do you think that money comes from?”

“Tobias -

“Ungazothi Tobias wena mntwana ndini! Your mother borrows that money from umashonisa. She’s never able to pay it back and as a result, my entire furniture ended up being confiscated by people because of izikoloto zakho! I don’t know why she doesn’t put your house and possessions as collateral! Now you come here. You see my car that my ONLY child bought for me. You see the house and all this furniture that my child and my mkhwenyana bought for me, and you feel like ubambe i-lotto! Lalela la wena, angizusebenza wena mina! I’m not going to be having people take my possessions because you live a life that you cannot afford. And wena Celia, just know that if you go and borrow any more money for this child, I’ll kick you out of my house niyosogola ninodwa le!”

Silence.

“Mama, are you going to help me?” Charity.

“Anginamali, Charity. You know that.” Celia.

“You must go and find a job like everyone that is your age does”, the dad.

“Just shut up wena!” Charity.

“Charity, kukwami la! You will not disrespect me in my own house.” The dad.

Celia looks at Phuthi… hopeful.

“I would help, mam’Celia. Kodwa after witnessing how your children treat my father when I don’t even treat you that way, I’ll let life continue to humble them until they know abantu abadala.” Phuthi says.

Now Charity is very regretful. She’s realising that she would have got hectic money from Phuthi, but she couldn’t behave around new people… now she’s lost out.

“Ngiyaxolisa sisi. It’s just that a lot has happened”, Charity says to Phuthi.

“I don’t care. This is my father. No one talks to him like that and gets to be acquainted with me. No one.” Phuthi says.

Then Phuthi looks at me and says, “Ready to go?”

I nod my head.

“Celia, please tell your kids to leave too. I need to rest.” The dad says.

Celia is so sad. I even feel like helping. This person probably just needs 35k. All this for a mere 35k?! Hai man!

The kids have left.

I know Phuthi gave her dad cash. She told me that she was going to do it. Now we are being walked to our car. Celia is making so much noise, making sure that everyone comes out to see us - or rather see her see off her successful kids. She’s so weird.

“Please phone us when you arrive”, Celia yells.

“Nihambeni kahle. Thank you for everything.” The dad says.

“Rest, baba! Please! And make sure that you go to your dialysis and all doctors’ appointments. I’m going to phone them and ask. Your medication will be delivered first thing ekuseni!” Phuthi.

“Yebo ndodakazi. Don’t worry. Ngizophila. I owe you a lot.” The dad.

“Bye Mkhulu”, my kids says. So, they speak Zulu now?

“Nizeni phela bazukulu! Ngifuna kugcwale nina la, si zwe ngomsindo wenu!” The dad.

“Sizofika mkhuku!” Rena.

Hai! This is not happening! Phuthi is laughing at me.

We finally drive off!

I’m glad we did this. I’m glad that Phuthi found her father.

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guidedsailor · 3 years

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Frosty Country Road

Wenas Road, Washington

#my photos #original photography #photographers on tumblr #imiging #frost #winter #radarplz

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scottbcrowley2 · 6 years

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Private road leads to Wenas Mammoth - Mon, 16 Jul 2018 PST

It seems that making driveways and roads is a way to see the Yakima Valley’s pre-history. When Bronwyn and Douglas Mayo were having a private road put on their property north of Selah, they made a mammoth discovery. Private road leads to Wenas Mammoth - Mon, 16 Jul 2018 PST

#Spokesman.com: Latest stories #Private road leads to Wenas Mammoth - Mon #16 Jul 2018 PST

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skullpipe-blog · 5 years

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Logre por segundo año completar el desafio #rapha #500k hoy me apaño un amigo, ibamos pal loli con lo pedaleado el fin de semana pero la hicimos igual a wena media. #pedaldammit #strava #road #bike #cycling #rutazero #misnachas

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hydraproduction · 4 years

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Single Track "" included on album "一巻の終わり" (End of the Road) and written by 居酒屋の未亡人 (izakaya no miboujin.

Hydra and Ally - Guitar Arthur Kwok - Bass Lik Shun Wong - Drum Based in Hong Kong releases April 20, 2020 Credits:

Produced by Hydra @hydralam Recorded by Hydra, Lik Shun(Drum) Re-amp: Law Chun Him @Group Studio Mixed and Mastered by Hydra. Cover Art by Papaya Fung Yuko Nakajima Special Thanks to Him @Group Studio, Wena Ho, M431 -------------------------------------------------------------------- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnXgScZLZrYBandcamp: https://izakayanomiboujin.bandcamp.com/releasesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/izakaya.miboujin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izakaya.miboujin/

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billysigudla · 5 years

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My Dear Sister!! . He drops you and drives back to his Wife and kids.. throws away the used condoms along the road and buy sweets to clean your fishy smell 😭he first take a shower to clean your unwanted sweat and smell on his body😢 . Then he agrees and accept within his Heart that he can't leave his wife because of wena 😫😪 . He forgives himself for cheating while moving to the Mother of his Children 💑He hugs her and ask the Kids about their Education.😊" . He eats Food cooked by his wife not 2 piece of KFC that he bought you after having sex with you💔 . He speak about their Future. He make love to her 😘 he doesn't take shower like he did with you😏 because he is used to that Aroma of his wife 😌 then she sleeps on his Chest while discussing their investment and Policies and Planning their Anniversary😆😃 and you are alone Struggling to Complete a 3 Year Course😞😠 . He Gave you R200 Note with 2 piece of KFC and Coca cola for Him to get between your legs Fela..💔😢 . You proud and lie to yourself that "at least he's trying his best Omfa zaka".💔😢 . Banyana Bulang Matlho LA Berekisiwa for Mahala...R200 keng?..Keng R500?😢 Etsena gakae into his Pay?.😢 . Just Share for awareness).😢💔 https://www.instagram.com/p/ButwgwMBdgv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=gwjlz2a5z7jj

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ketso · 1 year

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Episode 38

Thabang and I are leaving today for Tamia’s wedding. But first, I have a meeting or date or something nyana nje with MmaKB. She asked that she and I do lunch and drinks before Thabang and I leave.

I’ve packed my bags, Thabang’s bags and my children’s bags - including Meme. After my meeting with MmaKB, we are leaving. I’m leaving to meet up with her using my Tucson. We will be travelling in the X5. That’s the one that Thabang will load then we leave.

We’ve also moved into our new house. It’s a very nice house. It’s a six-bedroom double story house in Taung. I love the house. I did sell my house in the township. Tshenolo is in a new crèche that’s quite close to home. Meme and Mosetsana have moved to a new school - one school. It’s the school that is honestly quite up there with education. It’s the school that the royal twins went to as well. All of Thabang’s kids go to school there.

The other two kids - Mahali’s kids - are currently living with MmaKB so they can go to school. But every weekend and holiday, they are with Thabang’s mother in Dithabeng.

I arrive at Reahile, where MmaKB and I are meeting. She’s already here, having wine and eating a salad.

“Hey. I’m sorry I’m late. The packing took longer than expected”, I say as I sit down at the table.

“No worries. How are you? You look good.” She says.

“Thank you. Ke shup hey. How are you?”

“I’m good. Look, I won’t keep you for too long. I know that the road to Mpumalanga is quite long and ahead of you. I’ll get to the point. I want to chat to you about possibly living with Mahali’s kids while she’s away.”

Hai guys! What is this?!

She sees that I am taken aback and hears my soft chuckle. Because really, WTF?!

“Is it a problem?” She asks me.

“Yes, it is a problem, Mmakabelo.”

“What is the problem? Those kids are Thabang’s kids. Despite your feeling about mme wabona, you must still love them because they are Thabang’s kids... just like Thabang loves your kids.”

I knew she’d take it there. And I’m not offended shame. I’m comfortable with where my kids are with Thabang.

“You think you are clever wena, neh?! O nahana ho re o bohlale wena. You think I don’t see what you are doing?”

“What am I doing, Morafe? Please, enlighten me.”

“You know very well that Mahali doesn’t like me. As a mother, I don’t think you’d ever be comfortable with your kids staying with someone that you don’t like or trust. I know I wouldn’t be comfortable with it at all. But here you are, creating further tension between Mahali and I. For you, what’s happening between Mahali and I is a joke… a film you want to sip wine and watch while you appear to be the peaceful wife and the problem solver. You are actually a shit-starter wena.”

She becomes upset now. Then she says, “I think you have no idea how a polygamous marriage works.”

“So, o tlo yetsang? Send me back home to learn? Akere that’s what you are good at doing? And then do what with my children? Pawn them off to someone I’d never even pay to be their babysitter for five seconds?”

“I sent Mahali home so that you and Thabang could enjoy the first few months of your marriage. If she were here, we both know that she would have shown you flames.”

“I don’t need you to protect me from Mahali. Please, don’t do me any favours. I can handle Mahali. She’s not the big bad wolf that will huff and puff and blow my house down.”

“I do what is best for this family.”

“Don’t you get tired? To be so invested in everything that has got to do with Thabang’s penis? Don’t you crave for him to just hold you and fuck you without thinking about nna or Mahali? Do you ever enjoy Thabang’s penis inside of you? Or are you always in COO mode that you don’t have time to even buy lingerie that will excite him? Keng? Sex ya lona ke “get it out of the way” fela?”

Now she’s really angry.

“The answer is no, Mmakabelo. I will not live with Mahali’s kids. As the senior wife, I’m sure that’s more in your job-spec than it is mine. And please, don’t ever stress about my marriage. I know how to handle and manage my husband within the capacity of my marriage.”

“If you don’t take the kids, Mahali comes back.” She says.

“Tell her I said welcome back.” I say then I leave.

Wahlanya oe!

My family and I are now on the road. I can just tell that MmKB spoke to Thabang. He is very weird nje. And I’m very keen to hear what she said. I don’t trust her. I just don’t. And she doesn’t want me as an enemy. I’m also annoyed and Thabang can also see it. I think we are just waiting for the last kid to pass out then we are chatting. Tshenolo is already out. Mosetsana is halfway there. Meme is listening to music, but she’s also dozing off.

“Mmakabelo phoned me”, he says.

“I figured that she would.” I say.

“You want to tell me your version of the story?”

“There’s not much to tell. She wants me to live with Mahali’s kids. I told her that I wouldn’t do it.”

“Why not? You know that they are my kids too, right? So, you don’t love my kids?”

“Really Thabang? Seriously?”

He’s quiet.

“Yoh! Mmakabelo o tletse masepa. Honestly”, I say.

“What did you say?”

“I said what I said! And you are full of shit too for not seeing right through her. How do you not see it? She’s not the COO you think she is. What sense does it make that I look after her kids? Mahali and I don’t get along. If Mmakabelo is the peaceful maker she claims to be, she should stay with them because Mahali gets along better with her than she does with me. Can you imagine what will happen if she comes back and finds her kids with me? I would never forgive you if you passed my kids onto someone I don’t like. No mother would. These are the facts. And wena you are going to play the “my kids card” the exact way that she did.”

He’s silent.

“You know what, Thabang… Mmakabelo is your COO in your marriage with her. She doesn’t run shit in my marriage with you. You and I discuss our things. Mmakabelo doesn’t run shit here. I don’t run shit in her house or her marriage with you. She’s definitely not about the peace that she insists she wants in the family. If she wants to start shit with Mahali, she must leave me out of it. But I will not be a pawn in her little chess game where she watches shit pop off between Mahali and I, then she gets to be the peaceful one. I’ve figured her out. Maybe it’s time you did too. And this whole thing of her sending Mahali away for me…. For us… it’s bullshit. But if it’s really for us, tell her to bring Mahali back. Her kids need her.”

He’s silent.

I just look away as we drive on.

…

It’s 2am when we arrive at the lodge that we will be staying at. Everyone is staying here from what I understand. The white wedding will also be here the day after tomorrow. I’m still quite irritated at Thabang.

After he parks the car, I climb out of the car. I wake Meme up as I open the door where the kids are.

“We here?” She asks me.

“Yeah. Let’s go in and sleep. We will unpack in the morning.” I say to her.

She yawns then nods at me.

I see Thabang has Mosetsana in his arms already. I take Tshenolo and put him in my arms.

Our chalet has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. I settle Tshenolo in one room after changing him into pyjamas. I put Mosetsana in another bedroom after changing her into pyjamas. Meme settles herself in. But I do go and say goodnight anyway. They are all passed out in no time. Now, Thabang and I are in the room allocated to us. I’m still not talking to him. He is unsure of how to be.

“Baby”.

“No, Thabang. I’m not going to talk about your other wives tonight. I’m here with my husband and unless we are going to focus on us, I don’t want to hear it.”

“I just want to say that I understand where you are coming from. I’ve heard you and I’ll sort this out. You won’t live with the kids.”

I look at him.

“Thank you.” I say.

“And I’m sorry that I accused you of not loving my kids.” He says.

“T, you have to realise that women don’t like each other. At all. And none of us will ever do anything as a favour to the other. We are all fighting to be perfect in your eyes. We share a penis. We would never like each other. Ever! You need to understand that. And sometime, you need to step away from a situation for five minutes and ask yourself if what you’ve discussed with your COO or any of us is for the benefit of this family. Your COO is not always going to get it right. Her intentions are not as pure as you think.”

He nods his head.

“I also want to say thank you”, him.

“For?”

“Mom tells me that you go see her very often. That’s special to me. And I love your relationship with her.” He says.

“I learn a lot from her. I love picking her brain and I genuinely enjoy her company. Plus, I trust her to keep me in check. She can be honest because you know… she’s not sharing a penis with us.”

He laughs then says, “Wow!”

I strip for him.

He watches me closely.

I’m now in my red and lacy underwear.

“T, only you will protect me in this marriage. Not the COO. Not anyone else. I need you to always pull through for me. For us. For our family. I can trust you, right?”

Now I’m on top of him.

He is pulling my panties down.

“I got you. I love you. You are the only woman I’ve ever loved like this. I’ll protect you with my all.” He tells me.

I’m now riding him like a bull! My work is done here! And best believe that Mmakabelo will pay for this!

…

I’m so happy that this woman is my wife. Morafe is all that I need. I’m glad that she doesn’t give me ultimatums that involve divorcing the other two because she has me so pussy-whipped that I’d probably do it.

We just woke up and she woke me up with a blowjob. Yoh! You know, Morafe knows how to serve me sexually. She touches me in places that my other two wives are sometimes too scared to touch me in. She knows how to fuck me. Sex with her is a shared experience. It’s not just me doing all the work while she just lies there. Sometimes, she makes me scream. And I love it. I love her.

Now, I’m fucking her against the window. She’s not scared that someone will see us. She embraces it. Both our asses are out there and if anyone is looking, we are giving them a show.

She screams. I moan with a hint of a scream.

Good morning.

Morafe is now getting the kids ready for the wedding. We quickly showered together, then she got back into a gown so that she could finish up with the kids. I’m all showered and lotioned up, but I’m wrapped in a towel lying on my back… recovering from last night and this morning. My penis is very happy with me.

Let me actually phone Mmakabelo and solve this issue between her and Morafe. To be honest, I hear both of their views. It’s just that Morafe has made me view things a little differently. Mmakabelo would have never been on my suspect list for trying to start shit. But the way that Morafe made me view Mmakabelo’s intentions has now made me question every decision she ever took… like sending Mahali away for six months. Even my mother thought that it was an extreme consequence for just being hurt that I was getting remarried. But the way that Mmakabelo positioned it to Mahali made it seem as if this was for Morafe. Now, Morafe has her sent away for six months then looks after her kids. It does almost seem as if Morafe is trying to take her place OR Morafe is suddenly the new wife in charge, making Mmakabelo less of a threat to Mahali thus Mahali ends up being an issue for Morafe; ‘dangerous’ as Mmakabelo puts it. It’s as if she’s planting the danger herself then she will appear as if she warned me that it would happen when something bad actually happens.

“Hello?”

“Mmakabelo, ujwang?” Me.

“I’m fine, Mothipa. I wasn’t expecting your call.”

“It won’t be long. Morafe won’t live with Mahali’s kids.” I say.

She starts giggling in disbelief.

“You are already making this woman unclear of her place in this marriage, Mothipa.”

“I think you are the one that’s unclear of your place in this marriage.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m the husband here. My role is to protect all of my wives. Now that I’ve heard what Morafe has to say, I’m questioning a lot of your intentions… not just with her, but with Mahali too.”

“What did this woman feed you, Mothipa? Mahali was right about her!”

“The point is… you will live with those kids. And you will not bring Mahali back. I’ll deal with Mahali moving forward. Until further notice, you live with the kids. Am I clear?”

“Mothipa! Stop this! Keng ka wena?!”

I hang up.

“The kids are done and breakfast is ready. I’m quickly applying my makeup and getting dressed neh”, Morafe says, pouncing around our bedroom.

She’s so beautiful.

I just smile at her.

I also get up from this bed and start getting dressed. I’m just wearing some chinos with a siSwati pattern shirt. It has siSwati prints, but is mostly linen itself.

As soon as I’m done getting dressed, tying my sneakers’ laces and all, I head to the kitchen. The kids are eating and chatting. Meme is feeding Tshenolo.

“Good morning, everyone”, I greet them.

“Morning!” They all greet me.

“Did everyone sleep good?”

“We did.” Mosetsana says.

I see Meme giving me looks. I take it she heard Morafe and I last night. But she mustn’t get familiar with me. We are not friends.

“Your food is in the warmer. I will just quickly get it for you.” Meme says as she heads to the warmer and gets me the food.

She puts the plate of a full breakfast in front of me. This looks so good!

��I can pour you juice. Or do you want coffee?” Mosetsana asks me.

“Juice will be good, baby girl. Thank you.” I say.

She pours me juice.

Tshenolo comes to sit on top of me. I take his plate from Meme and feed him while I eat.

I worry about this boy. I really do. He’s very emotionally needy. If it’s not me, it’s his mother. When we are both not around, it’s Mosetsana. I’ve told Morafe that we need to consider therapy or something for him. He might be more affected by his crazy father than what we think. Mosetsana can at least express herself, so we generally know what’s going on with her. Tshenolo is definitely different. He’s quiet, but attaches to people that he trusts.

“I want to wear makeup like mommy. I want to be pretty like her. She says I’m not allowed yet. When will I be allowed, papa?” Yoh, it’s so early for Mosetsana’s grilling.

“Why do you want to wear makeup? It’s for adults, baby girl.” I ask her.

“I want to be pretty like mommy. Mommy is so beautiful.”

“But you are beautiful. Gorgeous. I won’t cope if you get makeup.”

“Why?”

“Because boys will always be looking at you. I’m going to start killing people. No boys should be looking at my baby girl. No ways.”

She’s in stitches. So is Meme.

“I’ll help you, papa.” Tshenolo says.

I fist-pump him.

She’s still laughing.

“Okay guys, I’m ready.” Morafe… the stunner… yoh!

I’m still picking my bottom lip up from the floor.

“Wow! Wow mommy! You look wow!” Mosetsana.

“Let me take a picture! First of the parents, then with the kiddies.” Meme.

Meme takes pictures of us.

Wandi is the one who knocks on our door and tells us it’s time to go… now, we bounce.

…

The wedding

I actually don’t understand half of the things happening here. It’s just really hot. But thank God we are in a tent. Mosetsana is sitting on top of me and Tshenolo is sitting on top of Morafe. She’s cuddling Tshenolo. Mosetsana is playing games on my cellphone. Morafe and I are holding hands. This is actually beautiful.

The Khumalo family are gifting the Maphumulo family. Everyone is dressed in siSwati… except for the Maphumulos. They came here is their isiZulu outfits and are not prepared to change for shit.

Now, there are speeches. But at least we are having lunch as these speeches are being said. The food is really nice. The mother is really happy shame. She tells Tamia that she must go and build at the Maphumulo home, not tare anything apart. She tells Tamia that when she gets there and finds children that belong to her husband, she better not say things such as “I didn’t come here with children”. She must embrace those children, feed them and be their mother. From what Morafe has told me, that’s exactly what Tamia has done. But it’s good that her family is encouraging this and not saying her daughter is too good for that. She says that this is now a grandparents’ home for all of Ntuthuko’s kids. They must feel at home.

The dad is very emotional. He just says that the Maphumulo family need to understand that they are taking his ONLY princess. So, they must please not see a daughter-in-law in her, they must see a princess… a queen.

I look at the happy couple. They will not stop looking at each other. Ntuthuko is looking at Tamia like he’d be having sex with her if it weren’t for all of us. But she does look gorgeous. He looks good too.

The dad now gives Ntuthuko a gift. Inside the wrapped box - as it is being opened in front of us now - is a key to the house. The dad explains that it symbolises that he is home now. He can come by any time and feel at home. The other gadget is a suit jacket and it’s really nice. With this gift, he now has a seat at the family table to have important conversations about the family as he is now the son in this family. This is really beautiful. The last gift is another key… we all look behind us. It’s a seven-seater Range Rover Velar. It’s gold in colour. That’s his gift to his only son-in-law to ask him to look after his princess and also welcome him in the family as his son. Ntuthuko is very happy. We are all cheering because this is very nice. Ntuthuko and the dad hug each other. Tamia is incredibly happy.

They now call up Ntuthuko’s kids. They are nowhere to be found. They are playing with their newfound cousins… the kids to Tamia’s brothers. In their absentia, they are also given welcome to the family gifts. I think this is really beautiful.

Finally, Ntuthuko’s parents now speak. They thank the Khumalo family for being so good to them and for welcoming their son so beautifully. They thank the Khumalo family for such a beautiful bride who was clearly raised right. They promise to look after her… to be good to her… and to treat her like the queen that she is. Their speech is short and sweet.

Now there are dancers performing while we enjoy dessert. Ntuthuko’s kids come and get Mosetsana and Tshenolo from us, saying they are going to play. We let them go play. They are more than excited to leave us. We don’t know where Meme went. But we are happy she found people to hang out with. Before we know it, people are partying and dancing. Morafe leads me to the dance floor. Now she and I are dancing together. I can’t even dance, but I’m having fun.

My phone rings. It’s Mmakabelo.

“I’ll give you some space”, she says. She saw my caller ID. I kiss her. She walks to say hi to her friends.

I find a quieter spot.

“Hello.”

“So, this is how it’s going to be now? You will be disrespecting Mahali and I now?”

“What are you on about?”

“Those photos on Meme’s instagram.”

“On Meme’s what?”

“Social media. She posted pictures of you, Morafe and her kids. We don’t do things like that. Why are you allowing that girl to change things in our marriage like this? This is inappropriate, Thabang.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about. But if it’s just photos, I don’t see what the problem is.”

“Thabang, you have girlfriends everywhere. You think we don’t know? Those girls will see these pictures, be triggered to comment and cause chaos. The next thing we are a running joke and a topic for everyone across the world. People will dig into our lives and we will no longer have privacy. Morafe is not your only wife. Please think about our privacy too.”

“Yerrr! Mmakabelo, just relax! Please! And I stopped seeing other women when Morafe and I got together. You don’t need to worry about that.”

She’s quiet.

“Hello?”

“Morafe made you stop seeing other women?” She asks this as if she’s disappointed.

“I just figured I have my hands full with three wives. If you also want to post pictures of us on social media, feel free. I’ve never stopped you before. Now please… relax. I have to go.”

I hang up.

“Everything okay?” Morafe asks me.

“Mmakabelo says Meme posted our pictures on insta-something. So, she was upset.”

“She follows Meme on instagram?”

“I’m the only person who doesn’t know what that is?”

“Am I not allowed to have pictures of us on socials?” She asks me.

“I told her to chill. She can post pictures too if she wants.”

“This isn’t a problem, is it?” She asks me.

“It isn’t. Did I tell you that you look amazing today?” I say.

“You didn’t tell me.” She says seductively.

“You look amazing”, I say… heading for a kiss.

She lets me kiss her.

I hear a flash and a light hits us aggressively. I hope it’s not another picture that will end up on insta-what what.

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guidedsailor · 4 years

Photo

Frosty day driving on Wenas Road south of Ellensburg, Washington

Interesting fact: This is a full color photo.

#my photos #original photography #photographers on tumblr #imiging #winter #frost

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diaryofakasiehousewife-blog · 7 years

Text

Before the marriage

Insert 2 So today we are at his parents' house, its the Monday after the weekend of our wedding. We had our wedding in September and for some reason we had planned to go for our honey moon January next year. Sitting with us in his mother's lounge, his mother(who kept looking at me like i was some creeping creature sitted on her fake leather couches) and his older brother(Sebalo). Sebalo was atleast 8 years older than my husband but he still looked fine. He dressed well, also married and with two kids and had a very successful career. As she, my (my mother inlaw) was going through our monthly budget as palways, my husband was now outside in the garden talking to his father. She was busy going through the receipts that she told us to bring along when we came over, receipts of the wedding expenses, what my dress really cost, the decor, the food etc. Going on about how I could have hired a gown instead of buying one. How disorganised my maid of honour was, that she was clueless and wasted money on unimportant things, that i could have hired a wedding planner. "Wa tseba Tumi ngwanaka, ha ke sheba direceipts tse na kao fela, you guys could have saved right about R13 000 on this wedding." "Mmm, ka bona." I said "Sheba mose o wa hao wa lenyalo, this is something that you could have just hired at a reasonable price and saved my son a lot of money." She continued. "Really, ma?" Just then my brother inlaw interfered. "Dont you think gore, since this was Tumi and Kabo's (Yes, that Kabo) wedding day, how they wanted things to go its totally out of your control. They married and they are happy and that's all that matters." "But..." "No buts ma." Sebalo interrupted her before she could finish her sentence as he exited the lounge. So now it was just me and her in lounge. I immediately took out my cellphone and logged into facebook just to keep busy and avoid the tension. I could sense her eyes piercing through my skull as i went through my newsfeed. "Is that a new phone?" She asked "Ma?" As if i didnt hear her the first time "Phone eo, e ntsha?" "Oh yes, le thoma go e bona ma? Kabo got it for me the weekend before lenyalo." I said with a fake laugh. "Hmm, my point exactly, bana bona? Are they part of your budget?" Ahem, byanong mo di a bowa mos... cleared my throat. "Tumi..." just then Kabo called me from outside, "its time for us to go now babes." Or did i stand up quickly, a ka nagana ga bedi. "Ah ma, it was really nice seeing you again, thanks again for your effort ka lenyalo. Much appreciated." Out...ka se batle le go senya nako. Wheeew! Ka tla ka hema Outside the house was Kabo, her father ( Bra Tommy) and his ever fine brother Sebalo. "Banake, tsela tshweu, dont be strangers aseblief." Said Bra Tommy as he stretched his hand over to shake mine. "No papa we wont, re lebogile." I said We all shook hands and said our goodbyes, got into our car, now number 7 and drove off. Yes, I got married to Kabo, the guy i had dissed from Mabopane. Like i said previously, things between me and Thabo went perfectly fine from that first night we spent together. We became inseparable and during that time we were dating, i didnt have any contact with Kabo. Kore, i was so drunk in love ka di savanna over Thabo. I was in it with both legs. Well Kabo didnt just give up easily, for about a year he continued pursuing me, he called, texted, he promised me heaven and earth. But with no luck, my heart was set on Thabo and only him... Two years into our relationship, things started to change! My wonderful loving Thabo started cheating, yoh he cheated big time. Right left and centre. There were texts on his phone, photos of nude girls, late night calls. He didnt have time anymore. He just became a different person in a blink of an eye. And on the day we broke up, i found her in bed with another girl. For the third time. And please note that i didnt catch her with the same girl each time, i found him with different girls all the time. This was just unbelievable, a guy cheating on me? Me? Gape ke nna Tumi, Tumi the player! Tumi wa legwegwe, mepako, yellow bone, alles. I mean this must be a dream... Or ke wele banna? The first time i caught him in bed with a chick, i just stood there and cried. I mean this dude had the chick up against the wall, doggstyling her, deep inside it, the way he often does me! And of course he apologised his way out and got away with it. Told me that he was too drunk and wasnt thinking straight and he tried to call me to come over to his place and i wasnt picking up his calls, then this girl showed up and one thing led to another. Poor me! The second time, well i didnt really catch them red handed! I went to his flat and found lil miss sunshine all curled up cosy on his couch wearing his favourite t-shirt, the one i bought for him on his birthday. Well atleast i thought it was his favourite. "And nou?" I asked ka attitude as i entered the lounge and closed the door behind me. well she just sat there and continued watching tv. "Ausi, hello." This time patting her shoulder "Hi, please dont do that again!" She said to me ka attitude "Or else?" "Or else, nothing." Just then i proceeded to Thabo's bedroom without saying another word to her. Damn this girl...giving me attitude like this in my man's apartment. Who the hell does she think she is? Damn, this bedroom is a mess, a sexy mess thou. Wait! Its the kinda mess we made the first time we shagged. Underwewr everywhere, empty packets of condoms all over the floor, pillows off the bed and that smell of latex. Furious, i rushed back into the lounge where that sl** was sitting. "What the fuck is going here?" "Hey wena look at me when im talking to you" as i grabbed her by the neck. "Listen here Tumi, if you are going to be asking me all these questions, then i suggest that you wait for Thabo or call him." She said calmly "Cause i have nothing to explain to you." She continued. "You know my name?" "A se wena girlfriend ya Thabo?" "So if im Thabo's girlfriend, what the hell are you doing in his t-shirt? Di panty tsa go di batlang in his bedroom floor?" "Thabo and i are just fuck buddies, so if ull excuse me, i reaĺly have to go now!" Just like that, she went to Thabo's bedroom, got dressed and left the apartment. Well, this chick sorted me out i have to admit. She put me right in my place. Well, didnt i forgive him again? I did... The third time shem, i caught him red handed again... Well, lets just say that was the last time he saw me. I was fed up, i was tired of him. And i got rid of him for good. That night, the night Thabo and i broke was Friday and my girls and i decided to go out on a drinking spree! To drown my sorrows of course. We got all dressed up of course, in our Sunday bests and hit the road. Pretoria House 22, here we come! Tonight i just wanted to get laid, i had one thing in my mind. If i could just get a good African dick tonight then ill be sorted. We got there, found ourselves a nice corner spot to sit, allowing us to see who goes in and who goes out... Well, we decided to go get ourselves some drinks to begin the night. So my friends Lesego and Poppy went inside the club and left me so that i can keep our seats secured.... 10 minutes went by, and damn it seemed like forever. I mean its only 21:45 and the place is not really packed yet. Maybe i should just relax, the night is still very young ke sa tlo tagwa. Just then this two fine guys started walking towards me. Wow am i lucky already or am i lucky already. Nah i cant be, its too early to be thinking that already its too. There will be many fishes for me to catch tonight. Wait a minute, does one of this guys look familiar? who is this guy? Kabo? Shit this cant be! Damn its him. "The Kabo" the ever fine brother from Mabopane............. Is he gonna be my skhafthini tonight?

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matryxthequeen · 7 years

Photo

Painted and on the road for the gig! (at Wena's Nightclub & Showbar)

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makeyourownmyth · 4 years

Text

best read in 2019.

Again, just trying to finally get this done so the old stuff can get out of my notes (and I can also take a cheat day on my word count goal). It’s old, it’s never that timely anyway, but it’s here for me anyway.

Like I did with the visual media, I don’t think I’m going to break up books and comics anymore. I know I read more comics, and I don’t think I’m ever going to look back at this list in order to find the books I read anyway.

So, without further ado, first the bad.

Anti

Mister Miracle was fine, but overhyped.

Batman Last Knight on Earth was just really bad.

And Tom King’s Batman run getting cut short was a terrible decision from DC, especially in a time period where they can’t really afford bad decisions. But I try to cast fewer stones, so let’s be done there.

Honorable Mentions

I re-read The Dark is Rising sequence and it’s great. It holds up, it’s fun, and short, and plenty of real stuff. It’s meant for kids, so it’s not like they’re very long reads, but they’re perfect intros for kiddos. Get them for your nephews, nieces, etc.

Black Science finally ended. It was fine. After such an incredible start, I can’t believe the way it petered out, but I also wasn’t terribly disappointed. I wish I hadn’t read it monthly, and had read it in trades, but I’ll also probably definitely never get the trades or the inevitable omnibus, so... I hope people who read it that way really enjoy it, though.

Gideon Falls started weird, but has gotten better. I’m really looking forward to where it goes.

Not a long read at all, but a fantastically funny way to start the new year: a satirical look at the protests in France via the lens of a middle eastern WENA specialist (https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/karlsharro/an-ancient-land-beset-by-ancient-rivalries).

And even before the calendar flipped, Kyle Korver was doing great work in The Player’s Tribune with a piece called Privileged (https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/kyle-korver-utah-jazz-nba).

Ascender is a worthy follow-up to Descender, especially given how weak that series went out. So this one is better because it starts with a little less hype, a couple fewer people riding so hard for it, so it’s got some room to figure things out. It’s fun, plus the art is the best.

The Best

Batman: Curse of the White Knight - Sean Murphy still does basically the same thing at almost every turn, but it’s always good, so why would I hold that against him? Tons of fun, especially to see Bullock in his classic role, and Dick and Babs having that semi-relationship again.

Kottke.org is always the best source for practically everything I read, and maybe this should have gone under “watched media” but this NYT video series is straight up incredible. https://kottke.org/19/02/how-the-kgb-weaponized-fake-news-and-how-its-still-hurting-us-today

Batman 66 - Amidst a very bizarre side quest in Tom King’s run, we get this issue. The whole Knightmares arc didn’t make much sense to me. But when we get to see how brilliant Tom King actually thinks Batman is, it all becomes clear: this is a guy who gets his character and wants to show us things about him, even if it takes a weird, detouring way that doesn’t seem to make sense at first. Really strong writing by a really strong writer about a really strong character.

The Roxane Gay Profile in Playboy - One of our greatest living writers and cultural critics gets at least some of the respect she deserves from an unlikely source in 2019. I was happy to read it then, I’m even happier to post it now. https://www.playboy.com/read/roxane-gay-is-not-sorry

Seveneves - I finally finished this mammoth book last year, after starting it approximately four times over the last three years. It was not actually my cup of tea, but I think it’s so worth reading and so interesting a concept that it’s made me search out more hard sci-fi and investigate some of the technology that’s mentioned. I think its scope and ambition are more admirable than the book itself, and I think the plot, when it jumps, takes a hell of a leap. It didn’t work for me, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to basically anyone.

Batman 83 - I think King’s run of Batman has been some of the best Bat books I’ve ever read. And this was the issue that made me cry the most. There’s plenty of other, good ways to write Batman, and I know that tons of people are not fans of King’s run. (As evidenced by DC cutting his run short.) But for me? It works, and it’s masterful, and I love the forethought that’s clearly been put into telling a complete story. And this is where...well...this is PART of where it was all going. Am I happy about that? Not really. But did it work as a story-telling device. Hell yes. I will always remember the day I read this issue.

House of X and Powers of X - Simply put, the best X books I’ve read in way more than a decade and so important to comic books in general. It’s like the Knicks and the NBA: comics are just in a better place when the X books matter. Plus, they were actually really, really good! I loved the concept, I was excited by the beginning, but to be able to stick the landing (and then go even further with the books that are currently coming out?!?) really made it worthwhile. The combo of art plus Hickman’s dedication to long-term planning means that this will probably be even better a few years down the road when we get to do a retrospective on how we got to wherever he takes us.

#house of x #powers of x #comics #marvel #jonathan hickman #batman #tom king #dc #seveneves #neal stephenson #roxane gay #kottke #ascender #image #black science #gideon falls #the dark is rising #susan cooper

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