I learn this from Bonifatius Mbwale.
He is known to lie, but to tell a proper story both truth and lies are often employed.
Bonifatius is a man of such power that it is better to believe him than not, for to contradict him can lead to many evils.
Bonifatius tell me, “You walk around Benguela and see a white beach, a casino, a stretch of lawn green as seaweed. But I see a fleet of slave ships, a row of log cages in the sand, a mother weeping as her child is tied to a tree and whipped.”
Bonifatius tell me the ghosts cannot abide the blindness of those who walk through them. He say they compel him to make the witch magic as he does, to sicken these people and remind them of the suffering they ignore.
Bonifatius tell me that all ghosts must have their blood tribute.
Really admire the voice in this, Josh, and the simple yet haunting magic. Sends shivers down my spine. Great job!
Thanks!
Love the darkness here, the magic, the horror hidden beneath the surface that so many are keen to forget and the one man who won’t let them. Could see this as something longer – the idea, the characters, the voice, have so much promise. Wonderfully done, Josh
Bonifatius is an actual witch doctor I found in a news story. Apparently he infects with AIDS people who displease him. Thanks for reading!
Hell. What a terrifying man. My pleasure, Josh
Thanks!
Powerful piece here. I like how it twists, where at first I feel sympathetic to Bonifatius, and wonder why the narrator seems so intimidated by him; but by the end, I too am scared of Bonifatius and what he seems willing to do for his cause.
Shivers my spine… great story!
enjoyed this stirring piece of fiction
and had to read this section a couple times
“You walk around Benguela and see…
so I could slowly chew on it – and it was good.
and read int he comments that this Bonifatius is a witch doctor practicing some bad medicine – not cool!
I note the shivers that whisper in your words.
And everyone else has said everything else.
Lovely inspired piece! Love the voice.
Great story, Josh, giving an insight into how superstition can work. Fascinating – and frightening.