Simanga Kunene

“911 this is the fire department” by Simanga Kunene

me failed at school. me did not apply myself very well. me used to sit in class with a fixed stare not on the board, but just above my teacher's toupee. me considered dis trick to be the best way to show interest when in fact me was miles away. me could not take time off school and be like all other loafers. me wanted to wake up in the morning as though me had a purpose. When in fact, all that me took a bath for, was to get clean and dressed up to just sit in class and has the blues.It wasn't teh boys that me longed for. me had a brother and...

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“Habbaukuk” by Simanga Kunene

Submitted to Contest #71

My family never sought much or wanted much from anyone. We grew our own vegetables. We had fresh milk from our own cows. We sold and traded with the neighbors if we needed anything new and western made. We lived in a remote location where farms were the main source of income and food. It was by choice because we so much wanted to thumb our nose at advancement and western culture. We just got tired of everything large and available. We got tired of the surplus. The elders felt that we were getting polluted by the availability of incomes and t...

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“One for sorrow, two for joy!” by Simanga Kunene

Submitted to Contest #70

"It is your turn to drive the kids to school this week!" I said exasperated from a week long trip which left me exhausted and in a foul mood."April, I can't. I am late already as it is." my husband said trying desperately to be nice."I haven't showered. Are they at least ready?" I said feeling invincible, about to make happen what could be impossible a minute ago."Kids! Mom will drive you, hurry! Bye April!" my husband said as he rushed out of the door.I woke up and grabbed my long oversized sweater and tights which I usually wear when I am ...

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“I swear...” by Simanga Kunene

Submitted to Contest #67

My wonderful city had fallen to the prey of hunters of the demons. I lived down the road from the countryside. My mayor was voted for by the majority of the city. Anyone who did not vote for her was a loser. She was born and raised in our town and we are better for it. Along the east side of the city is the tourist center with rows of offices showcasing many examples of products that are manufactured in our town. On the north side is just the river that winds up and down the street which is supported by bridges made out of steel. Homes are h...

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“The police department reports that a man was found” by Simanga Kunene

Submitted to Contest #52

He slammed the door shut and walked to his driver seat and started his car with the sirens on we were out of there. He kept talking and whisking his burly arms in the air. I don't have the foggiest idea what he was talking about. All that I could see was mist and the slippery road that he kept angling the car on. Pedestrians kept walking and not even paying attention to us. He kept asking, "Why did you do it?" in my mind, I kept wondering what on earth was he talking about. As we were leaving, I recalled seeing a tow truck pulling a car. Is ...

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“Mom it's me...” by Simanga Kunene

Submitted to Contest #47

I thought that I was adopted. She was unkind to me, my mom was. I think it had to do with my being a girl when in fact she wanted a son the one and only son that she was willing to bear to this earth.Having lived in a very strict culture with women's roles clearly defined, my mom took her role seriously. She had been from a well to do family. Unfortunately, her dad accidentally shot a neighborhood boy who was a lunatic in a hunting accident. dis boy had taken a liking to my grandfather. That was way before I was born. Anyway, my grandfather ...

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“The printers called...” by Simanga Kunene

Submitted to Contest #46

Anna finished writing her book about a couple of weeks ago. Little did she know that she was in for a surprise. When she started writing it was supposed to be a diary entry as she normally wrote daily in her diary about events in her life. After finishing college there was not much that she could do. She wanted a job and could not find any job that would pay her for permanent employment. She soon decided to work for an employment agency. Writing came easy to her. One day on a whim, she sat down and started to write, and she ended up writing ...

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“Missing a valuable object” by Simanga Kunene

Submitted to Contest #37

"The last time I saw it was when I was in the motel with Jeff. I usually take it off when we are together. He says that it reminds him of Doug so much. He was his best man at our wedding." Sale said wistfully."Are you serious? You mean just like that you are still seeing Doug even though we talked about how wrong it is for you to cheat on your husband? Are you for real?" I said annoyed by her wistfullness."We only live once. I have begged Doug to take me back. I have cried. I have sent friends of friends to talk to him. I did not mean to fal...

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“The journal that could” by Simanga Kunene

Submitted to Contest #36

January 1 1966,Mom is mean today. We have no electricity. There is commotion in the neighborhood. She is mad. She thinks that I might dash out and meet local boys and rioters. School was fun today. We had a test and I think that I bombed. My dad is in his room again. I don't know what is wrong with him. Please Lord do not let him be sick or worse, be unemployed.....Yack!!!!February 10 1966,Sorry diary, I missed you. I was too busy with exams. My dad got laid off. Yayks. Mom is not happy at all. Like a lady that she is, she is playing it cool...

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“The Spring Dance” by Simanga Kunene

Submitted to Contest #35

I woke up looking forward to the day because I had to attend a spring dance at my high school later that evening. My mom who was a waitress wondered out loud if I would make it on time since my brother was supposed to pick her up from work first, before letting me use the car which we all shared. It was an old Mazda that our dad left us with, when he decided to jump bail and leave us hanging and dry. Not only did we not have anywhere to go, my mom had been a home maker since she graduated from high school. Our dad was the only source of inco...

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