The Traveller

© J. Francois Barnard - 13 December 2023

Berndt Östhaven, a farmhand hailing from Stattegg, Austria, glances up at the familiar sound of a scooter echoing through Stattegger Strasse. An intense desire for adventure surges within him, yet his sole means of transportation remains confined to the farmer's tractor resting in the barn. As a young girl cruises past on her Vespa, Berndt raises his hand in a gesture of greeting, only to retract it as a poignant memory floods back. In his hand, he clutches a carrot reminiscent of an encounter three months prior.

Life

The Vision of a Blind Man

© J. Francois Barnard - 26 July 2023

I have been in the computer industry for more than 36 years now, and had it not been for the vision of a blind man, it would never have happened.

Life

The Holy Scrum

© Simeon Barnard – 19 February 2023

As you are reading this, a holy rugby match occurs. No, this is not the Currie Cup or even the World Cup, for that matter. This match is much more important. You see, the winner of this rugby match will have a lasting impact on not only the teams involved but also the referee and his friends and family.

Life

Uncertainty

© J. Francois Barnard - 19 February 2023

Uncertainty, unreliability, precariousness, doubt, apprehension, dilemma - all words describing the world we live in today. Apart from a failing economy, South Africa has so many load-shedding stages that we never know what will happen tomorrow. Ukraine is still fighting for survival, Taiwan looks at their neighbour across the Strait with apprehension, and Turkey mourns the death of 40,000 people.

Life

The Safe Place

Who I am
only You will know
Who to be
I cannot see
Where to go
I cannot know

Life