#Flashfiction – The feathers of the indwe (blue crane)

img_1123

This week I am last with my piece of flash fiction. Charli asked us to write about the charisma of the crane. Better late than never so here is my piece.

The stern countenance of the old warrior looked peaceful despite the wails and lamentations of the women of the village. The feathers of the blue crane, or indwe, stuck out of his hair; a startling contrast to his lined and worn features.

During his life, he had been proud of this illustrious decoration. The feathers had been bestowed on him by the Chief of his Xhosa tribe at the ceremony called ukundzabela. The great battle at which he had distinguished himself would always be remembered by his descendants. He had been one of the men of ugaba or trouble.

I don’t have a fondant crane to share so you got to enjoy an ostrich. You can read the other entries for this challenge here: https://carrotranch.com/2018/05/16/charisma-of-cranes/

If you are interested in reading about potato pastry and the Dig for Victory campaign during WWII in England, you can read my post here: https://bakeandwrite.co.za/wwii-potato-pastry/

Published by robbiesinspiration

Robbie and Michael Cheadle are co-authors of the Sir Chocolate series of books. We both like to write and bake.

49 thoughts on “#Flashfiction – The feathers of the indwe (blue crane)”

  8. Pingback: Charisma of Cranes « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

  9. The ostrich is a great stand-in for the crane. I enjoyed your flash with its cultural color and glad you responded. It’s never too late to add! Thanks for sharing your potato pastry, too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. Hi Robbie. Don’t apologise I know how busy you are. I will be driving to fetch my son back from the Natal Midlands from about 2.30 pm on Friday (18th) and won’t be answering my phone until after 6 pm. Kim

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Wow! This is great, Robbie. You may be last, but never least. I had to look a few words up, which is always great. I get to learn stuff I didn’t know. Your story is quite powerful and all the more so when I learned a little more about it. I’m fascinated that the blue crane is South Africa’s national bird. Queensland also has a crane as its bird emblem.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I am so glad you enjoyed this story, Norah. I was going to write about the crane as the national bird but then I found out about the crane feathers and this Xhosa custom which I thought was so interesting. When I was a girl, I used to read with a dictionary and look up words I didn’t know.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I’m pleased you did, Robbie. It’s fascinating. How much easier it is now to look up words – just select, right click and ask Google. I learn heaps. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment