There are certain actions I find inspiring or fill my cup of gratitude quicker than others; the easiest way to be on my forever-in-my-good-books-never-doubt-you side is to actually do what you say you would do. Whether this is directed to me or not (of course I’m even more mushy if it’s to me) I absolutely love it when I can trust someone’s word. The other inspiration is when individuals fulfill goals that they’ve been working towards for years (in some cases).

The latest form of inspiration comes in the form of short stories. Every time (for at least the last 7 years I’m certain) Mehluli’s name came up in conversation there would be talk of a book being written. Life happened; time moved on but that was always a constant thread. There was nothing more significant that could be spoken about him so consistently (it may also be because my mother was persistent in always asking the question of this book that had yet to make an appearance but let’s give life a little more credit too).

The Fabulist’s Bindle was produced. And I admittedly did not read it immediately. The idea of reading a book that required all of my attention on an electronic device did not gel well in my mind so I waited. Months.Passed.

And when I recieved the paperback version, I read each page indulgently. The book took me to another place; home far away, and to another time. The humour…well that was to be expected; not in your face and at some point did make me feel silly for not realising things sooner! It’s the type of short stories with thought-provoking life lessons or questions hidden in between the dry sense of humour that I particularly enjoyed:
“Once freedom was achieved, those political crimes were transmuted into acts of heroic patriotism. Where ordinary crimes such as drug-dealing – committed by fellow Africans – contributed financially to our political crimes, did this legitimise what would, in other circumstances, be inexcusable? It is immensely difficult to understand right and wrong when one is on a battlefield.”¹

My favourite story? “By any other name.” Maybe it’s because my memories of my youth gave me a deeper connection to the story or maybe it’s because I kept trying to see what the catch would be (without googling!). This book by any other name could also be called “The first step in Mehluli reaching his promised goal!”

Well done and Congratulations 🙂 And thank you for the inspiration!

Love, Light and Happiness!
My ButterflyDream

1. Nxumalo M. The Fabulist’s Bindle. Bantuland. 2016:35