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Editor’s Note
Happy New Month! Spring is in session and so are inspiring stories for this month’s edition of The016. I am excited for you to read about all the young creatives and business owners who are doing amazing things. As the cover states, this month’s theme is “Cut from a different cloth”. We wanted to celebrate those who stand out in our communities. Those who are determined to make a difference not only in their lives but also in the lives of those around them. Designer Palesa Mokubung is our cover star this month. I hope you enjoy reading about her journey. I’d like to give thanks to the team for getting yet another amazing issue out. Beautiful work as always. Happy October. Till next month. Enjoy the read Reitumetse Shebe
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The team *Cover graphics > LeMricho Bikitsha
*Marketing Manager > Ndlalifa Mqwathi *Researcher > Palesa Mbele *Editor > Reitumetse Shebe
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CONTENTS
06 16 20
DANCE- MEET OUR CREATIVE OF THE MONTH: FLAB APRIL COVER STORY- RUNNING THE MANTSHO EMPIRE
FASHION- A PALESA MOKUBUNG COLLECTION
27
TRAVEL- TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE YOUR NEXT TRIP A LOT EASIER
38
POETRY CORNER- WORDS OF WISDOM FROM ZANELE NOLONWABO NGEMNTU
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CREATIVE OF THE MONTH
CREATIVE OF THE MONTH Meet Flab April. He is the Founder of Creative Minds Performing Artists. He is this month’s chosen creative. April inspires us through his love for dance. Flab, we celebrate you. Keep using your gift to change people’s lives. Keep shining. Flab’s quote is: “Dancing is the only thing that sets me free. It’s a way of healing people’s souls with movement. Dance is a text.”
Socials: FB: Flab April 6 | THE016 OCTOBER ISSUE 2020
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PHOTO TAKEN BY NDLALIFA MQWATHI
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PHOTO TAKEN BY NDLALIFA MQWATHI
PURCHASE OUR HIGH ANKLE STRAP GERALDO SANDAL FOR JUST R900
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FEATURE
SHOOT YOUR SHOT, IPS
Ipeleng’s pictures are a true reflection of him: sharp, eye catching and story-telling. The photographer has an eye for raw beauty and embraces it every chance he gets. He tells us all about his journey in photography, how it all started and a bit about his mom’s baking business. 10 | THE016 OCTOBER ISSUE 2020
Why photography? That’s a very tricky one. It’s always made me happy, the ability to show people the world from my eyes. It’s always been a coping mechanism for me in most cases. I never really thought it would be something I’d take seriously because I’ve always looked at it as a hobby. It later gave me so many opportunities to work amongst artists which grew my love intensely as I was able to meet new individuals constantly and learn so many things from different backgrounds.
more social media platforms will of course open as time goes. It was very random for me to start taking pictures for her as she had finished baking a cake for my cousin. I took a picture of the slice of cake and it made me intensely happy seeing the reactions I had been getting on social media. I later continued taking pictures of the items shed bake. That was pretty much how I started taking pictures for my mom’s bakery business.
You seem to be shy. How does photography help you in this regard? When did you purchase your first It has allowed me to express camera and what model was it? emotions without having to say I actually didn’t purchase it. A much. As people started seeing friend of mine actually gave it to my work, they began to approach me of whom I must say really put me even in public spaces and that me on a different platform. It was made me comfortable. Working a Canon 400D with a 55-200mm with different clients also helped to lens. An oldie that worked like gold feel comfortable around people. at the time. Have you ever broken or lost a camera before? I actually have never broken any camera equipment nor have I lost anything. I’ve always been extremely careful about my equipment. Tell me about your mom’s business and how you become her photographer? My mom’s business is something new, upcoming and still has a long way to go. It a bakery business established in 2019. She is currently on Instagram as @Mamos_bakery,
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What challenges have you come across in your journey as a photographer? Challenges will always be there because of the different environments you go to and the different people you encounter. My biggest challenge was actually raising enough money to buy a new camera. This may be a challenge most photographers encounter as Photography equipment isn’t cheap at all. Another challenge I faced was working for an event location of which I will not mention any names. I was refused pay for several weeks, because I really enjoyed the job and believed it would take me far. I would still go there every week and delivered services for them. As time went on I realized that this was actually crippling me financial, until I decided to leave the work place. Where would you like to see Vaal photographers in the near future? I haven’t encountered most photographers in Vaal but the very few I met and have close encounters with. I would have loved to see them doing so much better, producing quality content while staying united. Socials: Facebook: Ipeleng Instagram: @Ips.za Twitter: @ShotbyIps Pics via Ipeleng >
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EVENTS
Dinsthang?
A brief run through of events that recently took place
VIC MOVER’S 3RD HUBBLY AND CULTURE Victor Matlala (Vic Mover) hosted his third Hubbly and Culture all white VIP experience at t he Zikode BnB in Meyerton. The event was a success. Congratulations on pulling this event off Victor!
KARABO LIETSISO MURAL Graffiti artist, Karabo, was given the honour of painting a mural for Heritage Day at Evaton Mall. The mural, according to Karabo, is an infusion of cultures. Members of the public were invited to have their hand prints included in the mural.
WORDS OF WONDER 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Poetry lovers were serenaded with words at the Words of Wonder 1 Year Anniversary. This event was hosted on Heritage Day at African Flavour Gallery. Attendees were dressed in their respective cultural attire and the stage was lit with some performances by local creatives. We wish you many more annversaries to come! THE016 OCTOBER ISSUE 2020 | 13
FEATURE
THE LANGUAGE OF MUSIC M
“The way I dress is very important to oeketsi Khethanyane, best known me because I believe as a person you by his stage name, DJ Mega, has been need to take good care of yourself as making people dance to the hits he well as your image. You would hardly produces all from his passion for music. see a DJ on set in a three piece suit. It DJ Mega is a producer and vintage makes me stand out.” model from Meyerton. Although passionate about sound, the “Motho ke Music wa Modimo’ hitmaker says he loves the “Music is something I have acquired to technical side of things. my name. It’s a form of magic that I’ve “Recording or setting up sound for live managed to control so far. Music can events and being able to bring control the tone of a person’s soul and everything together.” emotions. The power of music should DJ Mega says his sound is inspired by not be taken lightly.” being unique. Speaking of the power of music not “I have always liked being unique so being taken lightly, what kind of that inspires my sound in a huge way as reactions do you get when you play? I sounds different from other “The very first song I played for an a producers.” udience was a song called “Hey Hey” by Being an only child taught DJ Mega to DJ Black Coffee. The audience’s reaction work for everything he has. He says he was amazing to see. I loved seeing the was never handed things which is turn excitement on people’s faces.” helped him in the long run. Vaal Dress code “I believe what is lacking in the Vaal If you’re a lover of DJ Mega’s music, you music space is that many artists make will be familiar with his dress code. The music not knowing the ins and outs of Producer wears suits when playing. This the industry, not knowing the music aspect makes him stand out because a law side of things. This can be fixed by DJ wearing a suit is that last thing doing research to better your anyone would expect at an event. knowledge as an artist.” He says his appearance is very important to him. 14 | THE016 OCTOBER ISSUE 2020
Lessons DJ Mega says he has learned many lessons along the way but these two are the ones that have stood out the most: 1.Use what you have. My first single was recorded with a phone. 2.Don’t make excuses for you not to work and believe in your work. Socials DJ Mega on all socials.
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COVER STORY
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Embracing the Mantsho in you
pic via @palesamokubung on Instagram
Designer Palesa Mokubung has taken the fashion industry by storm. She started her own clothing brand, Mantsho, in 2005, which was named after her. The purpose of creating the brand was to encourage and inspire women to love themselves. Mokubung then went on to become the very first African designer to collaborate with Swedish company H&M on a collection. We got to catch up with her for a chat. Here’s how it went.
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•When did you fall in love with fashion? People think that my first job was at Stoned Cherrie, but I started at Hilton Weiner as a store assistant and within that space I discovered a love for the culture of retail, cleaning, preparing and opening up for people to come in and buy. I loved the influence that fashion had on people - how people would leave a clothing store feeling different. When it came to varsity and deciding on a course to pursue fashion felt like a natural choice
the house.
are unique.
•What was it like to own your own clothing label? It’s like a dream come true but it is a lot of work, undying commitment and sacrifice. It means that one has as to be a dreamer, have a fighting spirit and stay in power, but you also need God in it or else it is not going to work.
•You inspire so many young girls. What is your advice to girls in the Vaal who are aspiring fashion designers? There is space for you in the industry. You cannot become a successful designer if you are busy looking at what the next person is doing. You need to focus on what is in front of you, what your challenges are and what your dreams are (which are all valid).
•Why the name Mantsho? It’s my name. It reminds me to be strongwilled and to stand up for what I believe in and who I am. And I believe that this is how women all over the world should feel about who they are and a Mantsho garment gives them that.
•You are the first African designer to collaborate with Swedish fashion com•What was your pany H&M, how did it upbringing like? feel to reach such a I came from a warm milestone? and loving upbringIt felt like I was fiing. My grandmother nally getting what I worked at a CMT deserved. That the factory and she would industry was finally acalways make me cute •What would you tell knowledging my exislittle outfits with off cut your younger self? tence, my talents, and materials from work. I It’s going to be a ride. my unique voice. But also grew up in a it will all come together most importantly, that creative environment: and make sense one the continent was fimy uncles would day. You need to stay nally getting its respect listen to loud music and in your lane and do and the global recognithere were always what feels right for you. tion that was long musical instruments in Remember that you overdue. 18 | THE016 OCTOBER ISSUE 2020
•I love that your clothing focuses on women. What do you want women to take away from your clothing? Do you want them to feel empowered and/or confident? I want women to feel comfortable, elegant and have a forward sense of style. •How many people are employed at Mantsho? Seven people •What challenges have you faced along your journey? I have faced so many challenges but firstly, the biggest challenge we have faced as an industry is the Chinese imitations. Building a team is also quite challenging. Also, textiles can be challenging, and designers tend to buy fabric at the same place, and it can be difficult separating yourself and we overcame that by creating our own range of prints and textiles Socials: Instagram: @palesamokubung Facebook: Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung Twitter: @PalesaMokubung
Pic via @palesamokubung on Instagram
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FASHION
A Palesa Mokubung c o l l e c t i o n Pics via @palesamokubung on Instagram
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Project Title – PODCAST KO KASI Production Company – PUO PHA PRODUCTION Executive Producers – LODI MATSETELA, VINCENT MOLOI Head Facilitator – MATJAMELA MOTLOUNG Coordinator/Facilitator – LERATO MOKHERE Support Facilitator – TUMELO MOHALE and BONGI DAMESI Partners – Barloworld, Blah-blah Productions, South African Native Arts Productions, Sedibeng FM Workshop period – 9 WEEKS Podcast Ko Kasi is a Training Workshop” that will be taking place in Bophelong township in the Vaal Triangle from21 September to 17 November 2021. This workshop will then produce a podcast series of 6 intimate stories that examines the life’s conditions and issues that threatens existence of a better life in Bophelong. While there’s hope and efforts made to improve the condition of life in this community, there’s a sharp contrast between what this community is named (BOPHELONG – place of life) and what its reality is today. But this podcast project also provides an opportunity to change the narrative, to tell the kind of stories that reflects the beauty and character of our people. There is an obvious beauty in us that we turn to overlook. Podcast Ko Kasi will attempt to bring those stories to the fore. Podcast Ko Kasi is produced by a multi-award winning Puo Pha Production which has produced shows like Society, Tjovitjo, Skulls Of My People and many others. This will be the first of its kind empowerment project that the directors of Puo Pha, Lodi Matsetela & Vincent Moloi will be undertaking in the Vaal. Puo Pha has acquired services of much acclaimed theatre administrator and talent development officer, Matjamela Motloung who is based in Sebokeng. He will be supported by the local talent of Tumelo Mohale, Bongi Damesi and Lerato Mokhere. XXX ENDS 26 | THE016 OCTOBER ISSUE 2020
TRAVEL
Let the travelling begin! Now that travelling has is permitted, it’s time to travel. This time, with some knowledge on how to make your trip a lot less stressful. Lerato Matsoso, a seasoned traveller, lets us in on her tips and tricks when it comes to travelling.
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All aboard! đ&#x;§ł First things first! Plan your trip months in advance, depending on where you’re going allow for anything between 6months to 1 year unless your destination is local. đ&#x;§łDraw up a budget. Do not leave anything out, even the tiniest amount that you suppose won’t make a difference, most probably will! Even better if you save up a little bit more than your budget đ&#x;§łIf your method of traveling is via flight, when checking and booking for flights , always search incognito mode (private mode) on the net, that way prices won’t fluctuate frantically. Also, rather go straight into the airline website rather than through a travel agency site. This will save you quite a bit of rands. Lastly, always check in online if you can. This will save you some time and will ensure you avoid any long queues when you arrive at check-in. đ&#x;§ł Unless you’re a man, don’t pack light! Cater for every kind of occasion. đ&#x;§łEnsure to check off these items hours before you travel. Itinerary, your ID, your Passport and VISA(if traveling international), medical insurance if you can get one. đ&#x;§łYou travel bag must have these essentials: •Sunscreen not just sunscreen but with the right amount of SPF (depending on the weather and climate of where you’re going, but it’s necessary most of the time) •A good bikini/ swimwear (not one! Anything over two is okay) * Flip flops * Sun hat * Shorts * Summer dress for the ladies * Toiletries * Good quality Camera (if you’ve got one, otherwise your phone is usually fine) * Enough water, snacks or food for en-route Of course you’d then need adequate winter clothing if going anywhere cold. 28 | THE016 OCTOBER ISSUE 2020
đ&#x;§ł If you can and have the time, capture every single moment! I haven’t done this myself but I want to get into a habit of capturing every single thing. Not necessarily for posting, aesthetics or gram purposes but just to seize the moment, to make looking back on my trip a little easier. Try to compile it in a little short collage/ video or vlog and keep it to yourself. It doesn’t have to be perfect. đ&#x;§ł Before deciding on a destination, look up all the facilities that are within reach, and how to get there. Choose a place that’ll be central to almost everything you might need. Adding on that, always check Uber/Bolt prices from point A to point B. Not too far, just the right distance. If you can walk there, even better. đ&#x;§łI don’t think we have pondered upon how beautiful a country we have got. Try to travel and explore within South Africa before going abroad, I promise you, it will be worth your while! There are many breath-taking places we don’t even know exist. Mzansi is beautiful and that is an understatement. Social media handles @mellow.matsoso on IG Mamello Lerato Matsoso on Facebook
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FEATURE
Matseliso Photolo: A force to be rekoned with When they say people with good hearts are rare, Matseliso was included in that number. This phenomenal woman lives to serve the needs of others. She’s a natural caregiver and she takes this from her grandmother. This is her story. Who is Matseliso Photolo? Matseliso Photolo is a passionate, long winded do gooder. Some people say I am stubborn, my family, but I think I am just particular - I like certain things done a certain way. That’s just who I am. I am a thinker but I am happiest when I am doing and making. Maya Angelou’s really just said it all when she said, “what I really want to do is be a representative of my race, of the human race. I have a chance to show how kind we can be, how intelligent and generous we can be. I have a chance to teach and to love and to laugh.” If my life were a quote that would be it.
What inspired you to work with children? I don’t think it was ever even a question. I was born into it. My grandmother started working with children and started Lesedinyana Day Care Centre in 1993. So I am really a product of my upbringing. I feel most myself when I am surrounded by children and my amazing girls who are blossoming into brilliant young women. Tell me about Lefurile Passion Project Lefurile Passion Project is my baby, well now probably toddler but still it’s very near and dear to me. It’s a non-profit that has evolved with me and grown with me and
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helped me grow. It started as an organization that sort to rejuvenate and revitalize schools to create centres of excellence in our communities but after experiencing resistance at all levels, the vision changed rather than focusing on big institutions we now focus on young children and the girl child. We want to plant seed of courage in every child to push them towards pursing excellence, passion and creativity by exposing them to different opportunities and activities that challenge the status quo.
How important is it to train and develop children from early ages? Children are sponges, literally. Early learning can set them up for life. Children are curious by nature, tapping into those natural curiosities and creating an early love for learning is what we strive to do everyday at Lesedinyana. In my opinion the earlier the better. Developing a love for literacy at between the ages of 2 - 6 means developing life long readers. The same applies with any skill, with a little extra encouragement and motivation who knows what the future holds for these early learners? A good foundation is everything.
enough funding. But I think its taught us to be creative and think outside the box to get the projects we need done to be done. The real challenge I think would be the unemployment rate in our community, but staying true to our core beliefs that every child deserves and needs good quality early childhood education means that we are not in the business of making money but in the business of developing minds. Which is why our fees will always reflect the community we serve and remain affordable even ‘cheap’ according to some people. As a girl mentoring other girls, how have you handled the stereotypes such as Pull What challenges have Her Down syndrome, shaped the way you etc? Do you face them run your development at all? centre? I think that firstly I am I don’t know if I would blessed to have an call them challenges or extremely supportive opportunities wrapped family. They’re always up in inconveniences. the loudest cheerleadYes, it would be nice ers and source of conto have more funding, stant affirmation that there can never be I can’t even hear the
noise. Yes there are comments and people or even girls being nasty about what we do but it doesn’t bother me. As for the girls, we are a sistahood, we don’t tear one another down, we build each other up. Those are the values I try to instill in the girls. Another girl is not your competition she’s another queen just like you, help her fix her crown. Who is on your team? Who helps you run your centre? We have brilliant team and we have been fortunate to have worked with people and teachers who share the love of c hildren and have a passion for early education.
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My grandmother is still extremely active in the running of the Centre, okay not extremely but active nonetheless, it helps keep her young. My mother is the team manager. We have three teachers, me being one, the other two are Mam Maserame and Mam Connie. To make sure the children are fed and happy we have Ausi Nthabiseng or ‘Miss Chef’ as the children call her. And we have a rotating parent volunteers.
In your opinion, why is it important for girls to empower other girls? For me, it’s important because we’re constantly fed information about what it means to be girl. What a girl looks and should act like. Whether it’s the media, your aunt, teacher or motho a moholo kerekeng, it’s girls do and girls don’t. Girls can’t and girls shouldn’t. Those voices that girls should are there but they are overpowered by shouldn’t, can’t and don’t. Its important for girls Where would you like to to understand and believe see your centre as well as that just as they are, they your children (for a lack of are enough. Their dreams a better word) in the near are valid, their ideas are future? valid, they are valid whethYes, they definitely are er they are “shouldn’ting” all my children and my or “don’ting”. There is no sisters. I would love to such thing. Girls are exsee every child thriving actly what and who they fulfilling their potential and chose to be. Having menbeing their best self every tors, and its by no mistake single day, whatever that that there is no cookie looks like. For the Cencutter mentor is further tre, its been 27 years, I solidifying the idea that see want to see us age girls aren’t here to play like fine wine getting betnice and they came to win. ter and better every year. Having someone believe Firstly I would really love in you and your dreams is our swimming programme so important at any stage grow where every child will in life but also more imporleave Lesedinyana know- tantly through your teen ing how to swim. And also years, when everything a music programme in the feels like the most. Girls mix would be fun. Giving empowering girls for me is our beautiful kings and girls seeing other girls for queens the opportunity to who they are and supportlearn to play an instrument ing one another. would be really something.
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Tell me about the book fundraiser and how you would like the community to get involved Book Dash is this really cool organization, the mission is to have every child own 100 by the time they are 5 and if you know anything about our country you know that most households, about 58% do not own a single reading book. We want to create a reading culture among black people and we want our children to be lifelong readers and life-long learners. We’re running a bake sale fundraiser to get 100 books to some ECDs in Evaton. The minimum donation is R100 and if you’re around Vaal we can arrange a delivery (at fee) for your cake if you can’t collect. I really would love everyone to rally together and get our young children reading. Children who own books are better readers than those who don’t and we all know the stats about reading level in South Africa. Getting books to children in ECDs means solving the problem of low literacy levels. So please support, it’s for the future of our country.
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HAIR
Let’s talk about natural hair
with Nancy Chingandu
My journey to return to natural hair started back in 2014. At first I wasn’t even sure myself if I was going to go through with it. After seeing my sister’s blow out I knew that I was never going to relax my hair again. Because I was so uneducated about natural hair I didn’t know what products to use and back then the only natural hair YouTubers/bloggers you could find were from America and most of them had hair like Yara Shahid. The struggle was real when I got to Clicks. So for about 2 years after going back to natural I used organics shampoo, Dax it’s in a black plastic bottle and black chic hair food. They work then but if I knew now what I know now I wouldn’t have bought those. Now I have 3 brands I trust that I buy natural hair products from, which is My Natural hair (South African brand), Dark and Lovely and my favourite which I’m also an ambassador for-The perfect hair also South African. The journey is still going on and I’m still learning more about my hair everyday 34 | THE016 OCTOBER ISSUE 2020
My 5 tips for growing Natural hair 1) Wash your hair once a week or once every two weeks. A healthy clean scalp promotes healthy hair growth 2) Always keep your hair well moisturized. I recommend doing LOC (liquid (water), oil and cream) or LCO (liquid (water), cream and oil) methods. You can choose the one the best suits your hair. I personally do the lco. 3) Using products specifically designed for natural hair also helps, they usually contain all the good stuff your hair needs. By the way we have some very good natural hair products here in South Africa so support local. 4) Protective styles are the key. As long as your hair is in a protective style it is less manipulated therefore allowing it to grow. But remember to not put too much tension on your hair when getting a protective style as that may cause it break. Don’t forget to moisturise even when you have a protective style. 5) Finally enjoy the process. Natural hair is a lifestyle not a job. When you love something you take care of it. Don’t rush to get to the big afro enjoy the journey, believe me when you get that big afro you’ll miss the #twa.
Socials: Instagram: nancy_mwiche Facebook: Nancy Chingandu YouTube: Nancy Mwiche
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ADVERTORIAL TsogaClothing Brand (#TCB) “Greatness in You” (#GIY) Tsoga Clothing Brand is a vernacular name for “wake up” derived from Setswana, one of South Africa’s official 11 languages.
Alarm →Further emphasizes the name Tsoga, that you do not need an alarm to wake you up in doing what you love. Bed →Further emphasizes the name Tsoga, do not sleep on your gifts, talents and purpose in life. The name Tsoga is for everyone to wake up and that “Greatness Is You” (slogan) Colors:→ Brown → Describes the dusty roads of the neighbourhood Black → Uncertainty of the future the process is not smooth sailing White→Provides the Faith and hope for the future. Symbols → Rectangle → Only makes sense that the name is the starting place and the end of the two circular linesTsoga 2 Circular lines →You do not have to try once, but you can try over and over again working on your craft. Fist→ It is a neighbourhoodsign of keep on going, do not lose Hope or give up.
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How The Business Started Have you ever heard the saying “There is light at the end of the tunnel” or “The storm before the calm”? These quotes became a reality. During the most difficult time ever throughout the globe, the positive that came out is Tsoga Clothing Brand. Just like most neighbourhoods throughout this pandemic the order of the day for most was meeting up and playing Ludo, sharing ideas and digesting this pandemic. The 1st of April we were discussing ideas on how to motivate and improve standards in the neighbourhood, that is when we realized clothes is one of the priorities throughout our neighbourhoods. That is when we put designs, the reason behind the brand and hopefully motivate and inspire people through our
Brand Ambassadors(6)→ 3 males and 3 females Tsoga Clothing Brand→ Name reservation with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission of South Africa (CIPC) Photoshoot→ Credit to Neo Lebohang Mohasa (Four2one snaps by Stapen- Facebook) Website→ Tsoga Clothing Brand own domain Youtube channel→ Credit to LeratoMoletsane (starboy)- Facebook Official opening of Tsoga Clothing Brand 1st week of December (all details to be communicated on all social media platforms from the 1st of December 2020).
Values 1. Sit back and tell yourself all the good qualities you have. 2. Surround yourself with connections that will always want to support you as you do. 3. Commit yourself to joy, happiness is your right so do not settle for anything else 4. Never quit when you experience a setback or frustration. 5. Spend atleast one hour a day in self development. Achievements THE016 OCTOBER ISSUE 2020 | 37
Zanele Nolonwabo Ngemntu is a spiritual being of note. The African Queen is our chosen poet this month. She graced us with two of her poems. Thank you for your gift. Camagu
POETRY CORNER
Socials: FB: Zanele Nolonwabo Ngemntu Instagram: @awkward_ess
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On days when being bother alive and woman, Feels more and more like a paradox that goes bump on the night. Impossibly dark and unsafe irony, Placed upon my existence and reduced it to dark corners, Alley ways, and behind people’s backs, Where you lay holding your tongue in the dark cellars of their minds. On days where nights come alive to hunt your breathe, That they claimed the soil wants back. It allegedly keeps writing a eulogy that changes depending on whether or not they believe you. It keeps calling your name to tell you to set yourself on fire in their hands to keep them warm. You should dance to the drums that beat your chi black and Blue. Be honest, It hasn’t been your day ever since you realised the night thirsts for your blood. It is a paradox to be both alive and woman on days where it feels more and more impossible.
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As the warm wind whistles, We lay loosely in the grass. Staring passed the ceiling made of glass, His beard brushes my cheek like bristles. Clouds gather. We both wonder. I try not to wander, off into the sky. As thoughts of love pass me by. Shoulder to shoulder, I see boulders. He sees castles. I grow colder. His fear fastens, A summer noose, Around my winter blues. In picturesque landscapes, Of thoughtful and attempted hues, That drape and cape me away, From what he perceived as a dark day, but, Forgetting that no matter how bright the day, It’s never here to stay. I was just shielding his pride. So he doesn’t forget his nature from the inside. How free and green the grass was, Before it yellowed in my storm. How it’s still summer even when he’s alone. My shade was an attempt, To not have him darken by his need to preen, And douse my scorching heat. How it melts away hopeful wishes. As the clarity of day nestles, The warm wind whistles. 40 | THE016 OCTOBER ISSUE 2020
Want more?
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