Skapie Stories

“Is the banner ready?” Kleinboet asks as he enters the living room of the farmhouse. He sees Skoonma and Kaalvoet Meisie putting a banner up above the fireplace, where a big fire is roaring. The banner reads: Better luck next time. “It’s done,” says Skoonma, “but maybe we should have gotten another banner? In case Bloos actually gets the gig with the band?” Kaalvoet Meisie shakes her head. “Bloos is a great singer, but she’s too unique. I’ve seen that band play before. They will want someone with a more, like, normal style.” Kleinboet sighs too. “Bloos may be shy,...

Only three people are in the audience – the band members Bloos is auditioning for. She has just finished singing her heart out, the last notes of her audition song still echoing in the venue … The band members converse among each other, mumbling words like “media traction”, “radio vibes”, and “chocolate chip bagels” … although, as far as Bloos can tell, the last of these murmurings has nothing to do with her performance. She gulps. And blushes. The leader of the band forces a smile. “That was … okay. But we need something more modern, if you catch my...

A soft, playful melody fills the air in the Sondagskloof. Bloos walks around with a piece of sheet music, reading it as she hums. She is interrupted by someone clearing a throat behind her. Bloos swings around – surprised to see Skoonma and Kaalvoet Meisie nearby. “Shucks, how long have you been watching me?” she asks, with a giggle. “What?” asks Skoonma. “No, no, I’m just clearing my throat. Allergies, you know.” Kaalvoet Meisie offers a chuckle: “I heard you humming, Bloos. That was really unique. We should sing together sometime!” “Actually,” Bloos says with a hopeful grin, “there’s an...

Dit is al laatoggend, en Kat sien hoe Kleinboet ‘n entjie van die plaashuis af swoeg, sweet en swets. Kat stap nader. “Wel, wel,” sê Kat, “die man wie se hande vir alles reg staan, se hande staan ‘n slag verkeerd?” “Nie nou nie, Kat,” brom Kleinboet. “Jy kan iewers anders gaan staan en katterig wees.” Kat ignoreer hom en loer oor sy skouer. “Vir wat sukkel jy so met die grensdraad se paal?” Kleinboet skop na die paal. “Ek weet nie! Ek het als probeer … Niks werk nie!” Kat vryf oor haar ken. “En hoekom maak dit jou...