the way forward

Oft times when one encounters a brick wall, an overwhelming urge for capitulum to kiss clay with vigorous repetition presents itself.

In such an instance you would do well to be mindful of a caveat or two; a stubborn wall rarely commits to anything while living tissue tends to book the caterers.

Granny’s been over for a few days while Naeem observes Itikaaf. She would say, “Haha karakarwanu, ek kaan ma ti karilakwanu.*”

That’s a good bunch of sage to carry around as a taaweez**.

*Just say yes yes and take it out of one ear
**amulet/piece of scripture worn for ‘protection’

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saaleha

I am a writer and photographer (look up my work on www.shootcake.com) based in Johannesburg, South Africa. I have an MA in Creative Writing from the university currently known as Rhodes. My writing accolades include winning the 2014 Writivism Short Story Prize and the 2020 Ingrid Jonker Poetry Prize for my debut collection, Zikr.

6 thoughts on “the way forward”

    1. Certainly will. I grew up with her. Her short stay got me thinking in gujerati:)
      I’ve been on a bit of chippy rantage lately, coming up against so many brick walls, her words helped:)

  1. Gran’s are very wise…you still lucky you have her – look after her, take her advise and cherish her!

    I lost my Gran and when I hear “Haha karakarwanu, ek kaan ma ti karilakwanu.” it reminds me of her so much 🙁

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