Mandla

Mandla watched the sky as he drifted far and wide in thought. The cool still air after the evening storm seemed to help him slip deeper and deeper into thought.

Flashes of distant lightening made him appreciate what was surging through his veins. They reminded him that he was alive and what he was feeling was real. The smile on his face, a clear testament of the memories invoked by the thoughts, lingered for what seemed like ages as his eyes sparkled from the distant lightening flashes and the fire that was burning inside him.

Just a few nights ago he had for the first time decided to let go of his fears and all that held him back. He had decided to confront his feelings and listen to his heart. Letting go of his carefully guarded mind was a hard-fought battle but he finally let go and surrendered for he saw the futility of fighting on. He risked being taken for a fool or even being rejected he silently contemplated as a cool breeze swept through the maize plantation bringing goose bumps on his dark skin as if to quench the inner fire raging through him.

It was not new this sensation he felt in his belly at every lingering thought of her. He had felt it for the first time a good four years ago. The only difference now was that he was now in a better position to deal with it and had the frame of mind to see it through. In his mind he knew very well that he didn't have a plan of action but to give his all. As for any expectations that accompanied his thoughts he quickly dismissed for many a time his expectations had not served him.

Like a man with a clear plan of action he stepped closer to his destiny. The heavens above wished him well with a handful of shooting stars, a fitting arrival and dawn of a new chapter.

Tomorrow

Tell me dear brother, where do you see yourself tomorrow? Yes, Tomorrow. It is a scary thought altogether, the prospect that tomorrow is upon you. Looking at the way panic sets in your eyes, I am inclined to think that you had not realized it. Yes brother, Tomorrow is here. Tomorrow is now!

Where will you be? What will you be doing? How will you be doing it?

I offer no solutions to these questions – those are within you. No, don’t be surprised. If you took the time and looked within yourself you will soon find them.

Go forth then, embrace Tomorrow as a sister. Embrace Tomorrow as a lover. Embrace Her as an opportunity to change your life, an opportunity to make life and give life.

Loosen the shackles that bound your mind. Gently now, the rush of liberation will have you addicted. Do you feel the weight off your shoulders? You have just taken the first step towards Tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the dawn of a new day. It is the beginning of something. Tomorrow is the hope which comforts us in the present. Tomorrow is the medicine of ills suffered in the past. Tomorrow is the manure used in greener pastures.

Arise oh brother! Tomorrow is knocking on your door. Shine for She greets you with the warmth that makes you forget the hurts of yesterday. Set your feet on the path that leads to Tomorrow. Oh brother I beg, hold Tomorrow’s hand and let Her be your guide.

Look not at the present. The past is too much with us. The present is too much for us. Tomorrow is who knows where. Tomorrow spells peace and refreshment. She sets the soul at ease.

Chase Tomorrow. Chase Her with all your might! Chase Her with your last breath, your last ounce of energy. Chase Her oh brother. She is getting away.

Let Tomorrow be the code you live by. Let Her be the reflection of your day’s work when you lay your head to rest. Let Tomorrow b e the yardstick you use to measure your success. Let Her be part of your being.

She is beautiful I tell you. She reminds me of the African sunset. She reminded my mother of the lightning that illuminates the sky on a dark night. She reminds my father of the love we all need. She reminds my sister of the joys of youth.

What does she remind you of my brother?

Is this not your future?