27 April 2015

I SAY

I SAY © Farouk Asvat  

     Shosholoza!  But many are the reigns pulling us back.  We could struggle, lacerate our minds, go forward; or we could give in and reel backwards into darkness. 

     The journey to justice is difficult.  And we cannot wait until we are doctors to shout against injustice.  Today a man's balls are being burnt at police headquarters.  And we will wait until tomorrow to speak (if we dare).  Now is the time, the time is now. 

     In these circumstances it is appalling to see students who have nothing to do between lectures but play endless games of bridge, tabletennis and darts; and talk more mediocre than street-corners, if it is not of studies.  While around them a friend is whisked into terror sessions, just men disappear, and profound thoughts languish in banned minds.  And who cares a damn.  But they will come for you tomorrow, for hungry men in power devour the silent and the vociferous to quench their greed. 

     So act now with less talk. 

     I hope many more on-campus contributions will be forthcoming for the next issue.  For this edition, campus contribution is virtually zero.  Of the off-campus personalities asked to contribute, some did, others didn't because of public commitments, and one didn't because he was taken in under the "terrorism" act. 

     Therefore I hope the reading of Shosholoza disturbs your mind. 

© farouk asvat

composed: 17 July 1973 [johannesburg, south africa under apartheid].

[] Acknowledgements:
I Say / Ek Sê  was previously published in:
     Shosholoza #1 (afro-asian cultural club, university of the witwatersrand, johannesburg, august 1973)
     Weapons of Words (kindle, 2016);
     Weapons of Words (amazon paperback, p105, 2016).

     "Shosholoza is the song Blacks sing under hardship, especially longterm prisoners engaged in hard labour.  Shosholoza is like a child with no parents.  Nobody knows its origins, but everyone knows that when there is a deeprooted ache in the heart, the first thing to visit the lips will be Shosholoza.  The song with no beginning and no end, as old as misery itself. 
     This mystery song of dark ages was passed down to us by our ancestors through generations of hardship.  Its sound rises from the very depths of a tortured soul.  It encourages faith to take up when hope threatens to leave off. 
     Shosholoza means go forward." 
          ● Dugmore Boetie : Familiarity Is The Kingdom Of The Lost. 
= Ndebele folk song meaning 'push push'. 
[§] Books by Farouk Asvat:

● Sadness In The House Of Love (novel)
● The Gathering Of The Storm (novel)
● I Dream In Long Sentences (poetry)
● The Wind Still Sings Sad Songs (poetry)
● A Celebration Of Flames (poetry)
● The Time Of Our Lives (poetry)
● This Masquerade (short stories)
● Bra Frooks … (poetry)*
● The Paanies Are Coming (short stories)*
● In The House Of Love (novel)*
● Weapons Of Words (comparative literature & literary criticism)

¨ all my books are now available on amazon: in paperback & kindle
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© farouk asvat.  All rights reserved.
Farouk Asvat asserts his moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means whatsoever, or transmitted in any form or any means whatsoever, mechanical or electronic, including recording, printing, photocopying, or via any computerised means or media, including the internet.  This publication shall also not be stored in a retrieval system.  And the writing shall not be sold, lent, hired, resold or circulated in any form or binding or cover other than that in which it is published,
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Permission to publish or reproduce the writings in any format can be obtained from the author.
Reproduction of this work without permission, except for scholarly & nonprofit purposes,
is liable to a payment of 10, 000 ren men bi or US$ 1,500.

FEEL FREE TO USE THIS LIST FOR TEACHING PURPOSES.

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the NOVEL Sadness In The House Of Love by Farouk Asvat
is now available on amazon: in paperback @ $15 & kindle @ only $5
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