roadside streams

African Peculiarities: Village gossip. It has been the largest source of intrigue, the line followed before gossip finally gains flesh. I believe it starts with the observation of a pattern; observing how baba so and so spits, how a certain chic has a penchant for bodaboda guys, and how mama nani stuffs mandazis into a paper bag after every chama meeting. Without the strength to ask or confront, without the capacity to question, presuppositions are formed. This is done by an ugly mouth with self-esteem issues, that seeks relevance, a means to stand out in the crowd, and there being none, they choose this avenue. It is a special kind of itch, like sitting on a flame, or smelling sweet cooking meat, that you shall not rest until you have had a bite. It is hard to get to understand these merchants of malice. They shall laugh with you today, and you are so relieved that they have seen a good side of you, but a day later, with no confrontation, they go about slinging mud, destroying you...