Originally published in Brittle Paper (March 2020) The first thing Andile did when he discovered the grey pube was pour himself a whiskey. The second thing he did was call Litha. “I have a grey pube,” he said when Litha picked up. “What time is it?” “How can I have a grey pube when I’mContinue reading “The Lucky Ones”
Tag Archives: gay
Why Don’t South Africans Read Fiction?
Originally published in The Kalahari Review (June 2018) “Why don’t South Africans read fiction?” Greg says. He presses his fists into his eyes and groans theatrically so Thapelo knows he is joking, sort of. He already regrets saying it. Generalisations are so obviously untrue (not all South Africans, obviously), but how can he speak withoutContinue reading “Why Don’t South Africans Read Fiction?”
The rise of the bears
Mambaonline | 2 September 2015 I’m usually a reluctant and late follower of fashion trends. I remember thinking the cardigan would never catch on again, and I held on to my silver sneakers for much longer than was acceptable. I can never predict, despite six years among the hipsters of Cape Town, what the next bigContinue reading “The rise of the bears”
Congrats! It’s a fur baby
Mambaonline | 27 July 2015 I have disliked dogs, quite intensely, for most of my life. They smell. They have no sense of personal space. Their movements are startling, confusing and sometimes scary. They feel no shame about their bodily functions. While I don’t really feel any compulsion to have a cat in my space either,Continue reading “Congrats! It’s a fur baby”
Everything’s Political
MarkLives | 3 November 2014 When Vermont legalised same-sex marriage, US ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s celebrated by renaming one of its flavours “Hubby Hubby” with an illustration of two grooms on the tub. A few years later, in support of same-sex marriage in the UK, it changed its “Oh my! Apple pie!” flavourContinue reading “Everything’s Political”
In defence of bottoms
Mambaonline | 16 October 2013 There comes a time in every coming out story when the mother, mischievous and cocky with wine, finally plucks up the courage to ask the question that’s been wriggling to get out since she first clapped eyes on the first boyfriend. The question that is simultaneously endearing in its naiveté andContinue reading “In defence of bottoms”
Love in the time of change
Mambaonline | 28 February 2013 Fate has an unhealthy predilection for making us eat our words. Like a toddler trying to assert his authority over his younger brother, Fate has to prove that he knows best and what he says goes. Especially if it’s against your wishes. The world is full of married people who sworeContinue reading “Love in the time of change”