I believe it spoke to him in ways only he could explain. In the morning when he had to get up it would urge him to prepare for his day. He knew it was time to prepare ox for the plough, plant or reaping. To some of us who did have a share in this bond would often grumble at his insensitivity towards our comfort. To him it spoke of a possible tomorrow and unreserved today.
It will rise while the cattle were still ploughing, accompanies by its ever faithful concubines – the rays. To him it would say, “settle in, the day has just started. Plant and plough the land is your to do as you please”.
When it was time to release the oxen for grazing, it would tantalise his sun-kissed back, knead those work-toned muscles as he took strength emarhewini*. He would then make his way home, while it still baked his back but still pacified by his straw hat.
He would have his meal then sit on the sunny side of uTango*. Here he would allow sun to burn him on every side of his rib-cage. Mid-afternoon he would already be working on something in the yard. It could be fixing the fence getting heavy stones to prop up the poles of isibaya*, anything. He always found something to do while everyone too their afternoon siesta.
As brother sun (since they were long time acquaintances) makes his way to bed, they would both find their favourite spot. Ezixhotyeni*, this is where they would their deepest conversations – ancient secrets, discussion that would be defiled by the mere mention to any other human being. Then when Mr sun is done, my father would tip his straw hat and make his merry way home.
Emarhewini – (Amarhewu) – is a brewed non-alcoholic drink that is made from fermented mealies.
uThango- is the wall of the kraal.
Isibaya- is the kraal
Ezixhotyeni (isixhobo) – is a big natural cluster of stones. Ours face a river the runs to Umzimvubu – that leads to the Indian ocean
