Every night I say the Kalimah.
I bear witness that there is no God but Allah.
And that Muhammad is his messenger.
I know why I must say it.
At least I know that I was taught to say it.
*
But “bearing witness”, those words are my own.
Because I bear witness to things no other kid says out loud.
Like when Abee interrogates Mommy and disciplines her with a belt.
Or wait, first his fist, then his belt, then instructs her,
To undress in their bedroom, and then he does the same and then enters her.
*
I bear witness to even the part where Mommy wakes up the next morning,
In a honeymoon state, like… she enjoyed it.
Oh, she definitely enjoyed it.
*
The only child syndrome is a curse.
The only child is alone and bears witness,
Through the crack of the bedroom door,
A sick truth to how she possibly was conceived.
*
Nobody can tell me about “bearing witness” ‘coz no one knows what I have seen.
*
(Extract from a work-in-progress.)
Image: JGF News – Scenes of Kalk Bay
Tasneem’s credits include Miela’s Box and Love in the Time of Labarang Hajj, published work on LitNet and Die Burger, and work done for Suidooster (kykNET), An NUR – The Light (SABC 3), Radio 786 (100.4 FM), the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in collaboration with Bush Radio (89.5 FM), LIVE FM Radio and appearing as guest on Cape Talk Radio (567 AM). Tasneem is about to make her YouTube début with Flamenco a la Cape – Through the Eyes of Bienyameen Camroodien, an original documentary inspired by time spent completing the How to Make a Musical Masterclass with David Kramer at the Baxter Theatre.
