Beneath the bon fire, he released his motifs of belief. He then succeeded that in his reasoning, the ashes of the truth had burnt out. Meaningless guilt perhaps. He saw it coming.

He was a cacophony of endless desire in his head. He always searched for the unknown. A lone ranger of sorts. He never devoured in sentiment. He divorced himself from ritual. He was, so to say, none like the other ever before. He would carry a copy of Dada’s legacy and works where ever he travelled. For him, Dada meant protest, a revolution against perceived reality. He saw reason and logic to be detrimental to any human and sub-human quest. In the times that he had lived in, his reality was even more obscure as he revelled into hash mush. His dirty little poison, that intense love affair with the sub conscious. He was an activist for his inner most causes and for the people that shined him. He read people as blue and as honest as the sky. He had a feel for energies specific types of behavioural attitudes. He had always been surrounded by an eclectic mass if he was not retreating in his cerebral mass.

But why is it that he holds back. The potential of decay is rife. Arbitrary to the common cause of mental disillusionment, he would and could come out from his shackled mind. But he stares into the bon fire now. Ashes and flickers of amber now. Limbo into a beautiful and frightening frenzy. He burnt the remains of her memory. He saw it coming.

One key outcome of the African Renaissance debate in the 1990’s is the decision to re-define Africa’s relationship with the rest of the world by employing the paradigm of strategic partnerships in place of dependency. The independance of Africa has never before been respected and not many of us all know that she's growing up, tall and stronger than before.  

African Independence

“Let us resolve that we will stop spreading dependency and start spreading opportunity; that we will stop spreading bondage and start spreading freedom.” -Ronald Reagan.

Abandoning dependency, Africa has engaged in strategic partnerships whereby relationships have been redefined by appealing a to mutual beneficial relationships whereby commodities or services are exchanged for reaching common strategic objectives for both parties rather than being a contingent to another state for self-seeking goals. As a notion of Africa’s growth and development policy vis-à-vis the realisation of the African Renaissance, strategic partnerships lay the foundation to reach such goals and objectives by adopting organisational bodies such as the G8 as well as partnering with state actors such as China. Resources, skills and several services are exchanged within capacity in order to fulfil each stakeholder’s national policy by strengthening its foreign policy in terms of strategic engagement. This paper will analyse Africa’s move toward independence, what local leaders have contributed to this notion of strategic partnerships as well as an analysis of both the G8 in a negative light and then China’s relationship with Africa in a more positive light. What we will demonstrate in this paper, is the optimistic legacy that Africa’s independence will play out in reaching its growth and development plans of the African Renaissance especially true by various African leaders who had different approaches and aims in using strategic partnerships to benefit Africa as a whole.

Redefining Africa’s relationship: From dependency to strategic partnerships

“When we are in partnership and have stopped clutching each other's throats, when we have stopped enslaving each other, we will stand together, hands clasped, and be friends. we will be comrades, we will be brothers, and we will begin the march to the grandest civilization the human race has ever known.”
-Eugene Debs

Africa’s pathway from dependency had meant that underdevelopment played a huge factor to steer the wheel towards independence. Structures such as the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), which abandoned the dependency approach, embraces the need for Africa’s endorsement of neoliberalism (Owusu; 2002). The following factors were seen detrimental in steering Africa towards the neo-liberalist approach in terms of releasing itself from dependency ;

·         Neo-liberalism would intensify growth and sustainable development for Africa in terms of eradicating poverty,

·         Africa would not be seen as a continent of marginalism,

·         The emergence of favourable and practical political and economic environments would allow the transformation of the African economy as a whole,

·         A sensation of pragmatic optimism and excitement in fulfilling Africa’s goals will too emerge.

Herein, the role to eradicate dependency and replace it with strategic partnerships lay in the hands of African leadership to steer this ship towards the sails of growth and sustainable development. The first type of strategic partnership may be that of regionalism which bith politically and economically plays a vital role in the emancipation of Africa to lead itself in the global economy. This is seen in Mbeki’s support of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as another example of building strategic alliances in this case, other than that of the cause of NEPAD. A shared vision, unity and cohesion are all driving factors toward neo-liberalist approaches of strategic partnerships whereby it shall strive to uphold. Many of Africa’s leaders have fore-fronted strategic relationships with the world and from within Africa in their unique leadership styles. We will see how Mbeki has integrated his approach of regionalism and multilateralism; we will see the direction that Obasanjo has taken via unilateralism for economic growth and development, we will see how also unilateralism plays a role with anti-terrorism as in the case of Bouteflika,

Thabo Mbeki on strategic partnerships: Regionalism and Multilateralism

“Regional economic cooperation and integration offer us the opportunity to pool our limited resources and build an economic base to address the challenges of economic growth and development,”
-Thabo Mbeki, 2008.

By embracing the SADC, Mbeki’s vision is to raise the importance of regional integration to ensure that this type of strategic partnership grapples against the fight of underdevelopment, instability, poverty and marginalisation (Mbeki; 2008) Reiterating what Mbeki has determined, security in terms of being economically viable is indeed a pillar of growth for Africa- a competitive Africa, is an Africa whom is an independent winner against the world. We could analyse that Mbeki’s vision to build African partnerships come from within Africa. By uniting states of Africa to in sense of togetherness in its role for the African Renaissance by achieving regionalism. Other than regionalism, an outward vision of creating and maintaining strategic partnerships as outlined by Mbeki as seen through his dialogue with the European Commission (EU) (European Commission; 2006). Louis Michel from the EU had stated to Mbeki that strategic dialogue with Africa is vital through political dialogue as Africa has been recognised in its underpinnings of African Renaissance that development through strategic partnership is pivotal once again in terms of multilateralism wherein deeper dialogue is enforced between Africa and the EU (European Commission; 2006). Mbeki and the EU aim to strengthen areas of partnership economically, politically, scientifically and culturally (European Commission; 2006).

What Mbeki over the years in and out of the office has aimed to achieve therefore, is to drive Africa into strategic partnerships both inwardly via regionalism (SADC) and outwardly via multilateralism (EU). Economically, politically, scientifically and culturally, Mbeki wishes that Africa be the main contingent in leading its independence toward sustainable growth and development.

Olusegun Obasanjo and Abdoulaye Wade on strategic partnerships: A unilateral lesson for Africa

“Friendship and cooperation are built on solid rock with mutual interest, respect, understanding and appreciation [which] we will serve as a basis for peace, security and stability in the world.”
-Olusegun Obasanjo, 2012.

We will further discuss China and its relationship with Africa later in this paper however let us delve into the special state-to-state (unilateral) relationship that Nigeria and Senegal independently has with China directly. Obasanjo and Wade had announced that an investment from China for increased infrastructural development in Nigeria was necessary to achieve the common interests of China and Nigeria as well as Senegal (News24.com 11 August 2012). Chinese enterprises and entrepreneurs were to continue invest in Nigeria and Senegal and especially for Nigeria, in the area of building and construction which is part of Nigeria’s national indaba (News24.com 11 August 2012). By marinating this partnership, China, Senegal and Nigeria could then perhaps drive on the success of infrastructure by then inviting China to invest in education, health and culture (News24.com 11 August 2012). We see that in this type of mutually beneficial relationship, both parties win in terms of return. A direct relationship may bear fruits of abundance in terms that the nature of the relationship can develop and strengthen in other areas, by cherishing and nurturing this one on one relationship and networking directly.

“If you get it right in Nigeria with one quarter of Africa’s population, you are likely to get it right on the continent,’’ Obasanjo (2006).  A lesson that Obasanjo has put forth to Africa was that the Chinese can aid in the crucial part of infrastructure development that has benefited the Nigerian economy, and which is necessary for the African Renaissance to flourish- that African states can rest assured that the pillars for development may lie in strengthening ties with the Chinese and as Wade has determined, “we will win the battle for Africa, which is in effect a battle for Humanity.”

Bouteflika on strategic partnerships: Social stability through bilateralism

“Renew dialogue and exchanges.”
-Abdelaziz Bouteflika

We have up to now, seen ways and mechanisms whereby which African leadership has led to different partnership creation on the basis on economic growth and development. Here we have the next African leader, the Algerian President Abdelaziz Boutelflika who will see strategic partnerships in terms of African peace and security from within. This relationship also determines how a bilateral approach of a strategic partnership in terms of dialogue and an exchange of resources will deepen the development goals of the African Renaissance in the context of building peace and security (North Africa United Agency, 13 December 2011). Algeria and the United States of America (USA) as well as Russia share a common goal that led to their partnership with Algeria in the fight against al-Qaeda and terrorism as a whole (North Africa United Agency, 13 December 2011). The emergence of AFRICOM too ensures this global fight for peace and security as well in addressing issues centred on counterterrorism (North Africa United Agency, 13 December 2011). By using the inward goals of a nation (national policy) here too we see how these nations benefit from this type of relationship.

Africa’s engagement with the G8, a critique of this milestone

“It is explained that all relationships require a little give and take. This is untrue. Any partnership demands that we give and give and give and at the last, as we flop into our graves exhausted, we are told that we didn't give enough.”
-Quentin Cisp

By noting the differences of stance related to how African leaders have dealt with strategic partnerships individually as an independent nation, let us now dive into a special type of multilateral strategic relationship, against dependency, that is known as the Group of 8 (G8).

By nature, the G8 is composed of nations that both economically powerful and influential. Pushing policies of global noteworthiness, the G8 influences decisions in leading organisations such as the World Bank as well as the World Trade Organisations to name but a few. Here we have power dynamics that is technically different to the nature of the relationship between those African leaders we have discussed. Where Mbeki and Wade provide a more inward strategy that has been successful for Africa, the G8 has a more linear approach of consolidated objectives that are less efficacious than the strategic partnerships within Africa directly that we have discussed. “The poor man who enters into a partnership with one who is rich makes a risky venture.” Titus Maccius Plautus As a way to discern some of its differences, let us tackle the ways in which the G8 has been problematic (Shah, 2008);

·         The G8 has no permanent staff, headquarters, or a set of governing rules to body the organisation as well as the respective individuals. How does policy then be implemented and run accordingly is a question of organisational leadership that is deterring the African agenda.

·         By bypassing the United Nations on several occasions, it has added to the greater demise of global governance. Thus divisions within agenda’s or driving one’s own agenda deters once again the African agenda- this issue of global governance hinders Africa in its independence as it they may have to depend on certain states or leaders to drive their agenda which places Africa in a state of vulnerability.

·         The Non-Action Plan for Africa was a striking battle whereby the richest nations of the world, did not put forth issues of the poorer nations and instead want Africa to deal with Africa’s issues.

·         Development aid is still US$ 11 billion short from the G8’s US$ 50 billion promise to African and other third world countries.

·         The G8 has also cut down its donations for HIV/AIDS- whereby the G8 feels that it should focus on other health related issues.

Africa and the G8: A way forward

“And for those weeping willows that use the financial crisis as the mother of all excuses, just pause a moment to think of corporate bailouts and corporate bonuses. Something is completely out of whack.”
-Stephen Lewis, 2010.

Much has been said about the failure of the G8 to attend to Africa’s needs. We shall not delve too much in the G8’s shortcomings as we know that much is yet to be done in order for Africa to benefit from that outward strategic partnership. In order for Africa’s agenda to put forward into successful implementation thereof, the following factors are detrimental for the G8 (Lee, S and Silver, A; 2009).

·         Strengthening transparency and accountability,

·         Enhancing sound regulation,

·         Promoting integrity in financial markets,

·         Reinforcing international cooperation,

·         Reforming the international financial institutions.

“The poor man who enters into a partnership with one who is rich makes a risky venture.” Titus Maccius Plautus.

Promises such as the G8 effectively lifting millions out of poverty in Africa by creating and maintaining investments in agriculture has raised much criticism when announcing the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition as endorsed by President Barack Obama (Radio Netherlands Worldwide: Africa.20 May 2012). This pledge is seen as highly ambitious from civil society and audiences alike as many feel that these policies lack commitment, lack credibility and is not transparently comprehensible (Radio Netherlands Worldwide: Africa.20 May 2012). This type of outward strategic partnership may not benefit Africa after all as it speaks more the interests of the leaders of the G8 and not for the sake of Africa’s agenda. On the other hand, a more developed nation, a more advanced nation who has risen to power- China, seems to have a more beneficial relationship to Africa, much to the dismay of the global audience. However, one need to understand when comparing the G8 and Africa from China and Africa that China has more to offer whereby Africa will reach its potential and the goals of the African Renaissance.

Raising Africa, Rising China

“China, as a true friend of Africa, has provided sincere and unconditional aid for the continent by improving infrastructure and pouring investment there.”
-David Muskyoka, 2012.

There has always been much commotion about the nature of relationship with Africa and China. The West views as China with no regard for human rights is basically taking advantage of vulnerable Africa- this push/pull type of relationship. This paper is however in support of such a relationship as we see this relationship with Africa more beneficial than not. However we must note that Africa does not depend on China, but merely promotes a strategic partnership with the state. Even without countries with mineral resources, China has invested willingly into the African continent unlike most counterparts of the West (Musyoka, D. 2012). The following countries, in strength of this argument has benefited from Chinese investment (Musyoka, D. 2012);

·         Kenya: this country has only recently discovered oil, however in the last ten (10) years; infrastructure development has been accelerated by China as well as financially through concession loans and grants.

·         Ethiopia: has also benefited in terms of infrastructure development by China which has aided the country in its greater goals to achieve such as education and health care.

As we can see by the nature of this exchange and more so with China and other African countries, this relationship is not exploitative but merely supportive. A African nation with its individual development goals simply uses the Chinese to booster their plans for development using affordable rates and a highly skilled work force. By applying those skills and development into Africa, those can be harnessed and makes provision for Africa to be in a position to maintain such sustainable development. Where Africa is in the need for newly build structures such as roads, hospitals, schools and water systems, China may be the key provider with a win-win situation. 

Africa for Africans

“If I know a song of Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon lying on her back, of the plows in the fields and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa know a song of me? Will the air over the plain quiver with a colour that I have had on, or the children invent a game in which my name is, or the full moon throw a shadow over the gravel of the drive that was like me, or will the eagles of the Ngong Hills look out for me?.”

-Out of Africa, Karen Blixen.

If we as Africans have much to offer to the world, what does the world offer to Africa- strategically, beneficially and whole heartedly for the African cause? Strategic partnerships which build upon the legacy of the African renaissance are of a pertinent discourse to give rise to the re-birth of Africans. The 1990’s has indeed reshaped Africa’s vision to re-define Africa’s relationship with the rest of the world in the place of dependency where we have in place strategic partnerships both outwardly and from within directly. The great leaders from Boutelflika to Wade have left behind a positive field to build on nurturing partnerships.By creating such partnerships, it gives Africa the resources and skills to also develop independently and become the world’s underdog in development. Africa for Africans, that is all.

My words may come, my words may go.
They hide, they speculate and scream. When it becomes an endless flow, it seems that ramblings are just not as they seem.
For what you think, is sent into some time space continuum for meaning, purpose and understanding.
If I lend you my thoughts, will you speak against them? Will you support pools of endless blabber and dissent?
An open mind shall seek deep into an untouched soul. Waiting in oblivion for the answers to which may be seen or perhaps heard from, in nature.

My words can damage, they can soothe or calm.
My words can marry into your mind or hold you hostage against your appendage to your good will.
Never trust in my I love you because as much as its my interpretation of my feelings, it is not a true reflection of my mind nor my soul. But I still love you forever and always, to infinity and beyond.

In the light, the clarity of my crispy realisation may be but a façade.
In the darkness however, its identity comes forth amongst my desires of truth.
Sometimes my words tumble on its journey to find their way. I stumble too. I stutter. I may just fall.
Yet sometimes it recklessly runs for a home run taking no prisoners at their mighty expense. Let me not rewind its truth. There’s a time and place for that.

Sometimes my words dance in pure splendour, can you replicate this lust? Sometimes they are restless. Waiting, forever unnecessarily engaging.

Most of all, I need your words.
To lift me.
To encourage me.
To make my soul smile.
To find purpose, to understand its meaning.
Sometimes I do not need your words. They are tainted. Hard bent from the circumstances of your own past.
This is the danger that I face now.
But they tease and entice.
Your words taste delicious.
They sound melodic.

It feels like home.

And like Kahil Gibran once wrote, "All our words are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind."

Your passions should be fuelled by your heart's desire. You are of course, the carpenter of your soul.

So here’s the deal. I’ve signed up for this prestigious, yes prestigious in my eyes, course on African Leadership with the institute and I have come about my first mini activity. Heaven forbid, if this is my reaction to a minuscule activity, dare I even tread forth toward the actual assignments, then the exams. Oh gosh, what have I signed up for? It’s all catching up to me now!  And he’s on my mind too. Get out.

Now where was I? So this institute calls for agents of change, thought leaders, advocates of innovation and progressive logic that may attribute to shake this African continent into the flourishes of fruits we dub of its Renaissance. Wow, what a loaded responsibility Charlie. But yes, with my love and passion (one of the loves and passions that Spock would be so proud of) for Africa and for this Gentleman I could not let this opportunity pass me by. I wish that with all that I can learn, I can be a part of Africa’s rich fruits that can nourish our fellow African landscape. Chessy I know, use it, and don’t use it.

So I’m doing this course….. Here’s the deal. Leadership. Who is my role model, why are they admired as my leader and why would I want to embody those attributes that they possess as a leader? First person that came to mind was the Gentleman. But then because this institute is this Gentleman, it may be seen as just cliché because let’s face it, more people that I now know of share this common love so this Gentleman is out of the equation. So the next leader would be my Dad. Oh no, wait, he’s a totalitarian leader which is not something that Africa should learn from, or could they, Africa knows totalitarianism, let’s not bother her with that again. The only person I can think of while sipping on my third cup of coffee for today is Greg Mortenson.

A leader shall be compassionate and not self-seeking.  Yes,  “charisma, ability to communicate effectively, strong assertive personality” shines in the shadows yet if we are to put Fence, Garden, Gordge, Hanger, Admin, Madala, Guava as great leaders - there has to be more depth than that. Traits of the character, dare I say the Ego. But actually dare I not say the Ego. For it is the ego that is self-seeking and adapts to the norms of a flawed and material culture.  Greg didn’t. For he strived against the very traditions and norms of stringent value systems throughout, for the greater understanding and accepting of the human rights and equality based value system.  Fundamentally, leadership to me does not constitute to who is most popular or well respected or for who easily sails on the wings of change. But then am I saying that Robo would be and possibly is characterised as a leader? Well maybe, anyone who is the liberator from a form of suppression or oppression can be but then when he oppresses and suppresses in his own capacity then what the hell happened to your leader? We all create typical notions and fantasies in our brain of what a leader is. Did anyone say a good leader? Cos last time I checked, you called that infamous blood monger a leader too? In that case the Terminator is a good leader. In fact, Michelangelo, that ninja turtle too! Ooooh ninja!! Let me for a moment pause and contemplate the Ninja warrior as a leader. Aaaaaand I’m done.

So, Greg. I first came across Greg at the Boardwalk in P.E in 2010 waiting for my day to pass at a lovely novelty bookshop. He invited me for 3 cups of tea amidst the fact that I barely had time for feeding Rocco food during the times of war. Rocco I miss you. Greg is a humanitarian. A philanthropist. A being far from human for his spirituality is beyond words no doubt i.e“I looked out the patio door a moment later and saw Greg, standing barefoot in the snow, scooping up the fish with a shovel, and flipping it, like that was the most normal thing in the world. And I guess, to him, it was. That’s when I realized that he’s just not one of us. He’s his own species.” Lila Bishop (3 cups of tea).

Greg has assured faith in that, at numerous challenges come possibility and opportunity.  Although he may not reached his boyish dream reaching K2, then came the moment he reached Korphe where building a school was far more fulfilling. He succeeds because of his failures and not in spite of them. Leadership lesson number one, no? Community development through education. Leadership is rife here too, seeking in the depths of fundamental basic human rights amidst the politics. “Tell me about it.…”

A leader who wishes to educate, to inform, to rightfully bless upon thee with clarity and lessons for life is a true role model.  Proactive change in society should be through education. At the grass roots level of sustainable development. Education institutes breed and manufacture thought leaders for change. You teach me, and I shall teach the other what I have learnt for them to practically act upon or effect change by being informed. Sometimes the ill-educated need guidance. As seen in the forms of Jahan and Shakeela from 3 cups of tea who bring about immediate change in their community thanks to their education.  And not only education, education for girls in an (extremist) orthodox Arabic community nog al. Away from the truths of patriarchy and terror. Promoting equality and peace. That violence is not the answer to poverty. For if it was not for Education, for Greg’s vision, would that community be less developed? A good friend of mine had said that change is revolutionary. Fair enough. A change in my mind-set of my predisposed ideas could affect revolutionary change from the leadership that served the people. Understanding through a series of hardship.

Now imagine a westerner dealing with the cultural differences of Pakistan. Dealing is the wrong word. He embraced in the cultural differences. Let’s not forget that Greg grew up in Africa. His humility that was born from Africa aided in his successful Pakistani story too for he knew how to get to a grass-roots understanding of people by being at one with them- as his equal. Another great leadership quality therefore would be not only to lead, but to embrace indifference to those who are equal to you. Building bridges between cultures. Actively participating in the cultural aspect of globalisation as sustainable growth and development.

A leader in Greg’s case was encompassed by a level of self-sacrifice. Financially, personally, emotionally and physically he sacrificed many parts of his whole in order to root for schools to be built.  Blind faith, as they call it. Faith with arms, and not eyes.

I now invite you for 3 cups of tea.

The first cup to welcome you and make you feel comfortable with me and my ideas. The second cup because you are my guest of honour and the third cup, well then because by then you are my family. It’s a simple yet meaningful tradition to have 3 cups of tea. By taking all this time, we build foundations for lasting relationships. By investing in schools, we build foundations for may a great leader to inspire, to respect, to trust in the true fundamentals of the human condition. By our third cup of tea and reflection, your role model still has nothing on mine ;p Building solid schools from stones. Think about it.

Africa needs many a Greg Mortenson.

Hasta luego amigos!

One: The Dance of Ice and Water

He contrasted the snow to the cold numbness contained inside of him. It consumed him until crippled with wrath within, he broke free against the tide.

Downward toward the shore line he froze. Ice and water danced a slow mix...for the irony he saw, it was he who had turned into ice, melted by the fury inside of him and rippled back into the ocean of wilderness.

Harrison knew this familiar feeling would fade yet return one day. A periodical of recycling pain and pleasure. This was his Qumran. A dry vast space that once was filled with magical splendor. A richness close to significant artifacts. Yet conquered by a force only attainable by brute malice. A pilgrimage would not even dare be proud.

The sound of the unknown still kept him awake. The promise that dawn would rise a new dream to be fulfilled was gone in an instant.

But Qumran was an oasis compared to the reality of his own homeland.
                         
Two: Frozen Isolation

He knelt before the King of Judgment. The King had sworn him to a life sentence of isolation. Banishment from the Land would do no good for the misery he brought upon his people is consequential enough to serve him to lepers. However the King of Judgment is rational to thought and kind to heart. It broke Harrison that his sentence was too restrained.

He knew that his actions would be of momentous disaster yet he succeeded in letting down the natives of the Land. 

It was the wrong time and place to be thinking of it. After all, it was done.  The unswerving nefarious act had been prepared.

Regret bears no pillar. Remorse laughs in his face. Intent had grappled Harrison until he fell with desperation.

Isolation made his thoughts scream in the darkness. He kept thinking of that exact moment.

The intensity of the emotions attached to what he'd done, yet there was no poetic justice.

It was his only weakness. \

It floated.

It drifted.

It sank eventually.

Sank in to the depths of the magicians hat.

The unknown remained questioned.

Was it all just an illusion?

A

Silly

limerick

of

rhymes

And

riddles.

No…

To Harrison it was either that or traveling through time on a steam train with no destination. 

Three: The Sun

Harrison came back to the present. Snow tipped sand on the shore line. Memory was a siren which called for redemption. Cold and fading into nothingness.  Ice and water danced a slow mix...for the irony he saw it was he who had turned into ice, melted by the fury inside of him and rippled back into the ocean of wilderness.

And there it was.

Harrison was dripping with shame.

Wet with disgust. Frozen in his head.

"You did what you needed to do at the cost of your pride"

Harrison was dumbfounded. And couldn't respond.

"There's no space for a sympathetic take back. You did what you needed to. Welcome to the flood. Welcome to the first day of the last of your grief"

Harrison was despondent. 

The stars were angry that night. The moon would have never been able to see such profanity either.

The sun was therefore oblivious by that time of calling. The sun knew nothing and it was better that way. The sun was in the dark. At least the light could still be there for him after his actions, sweet oblivion. After all, it was the light that drove him to darkness after all. For the dark in him, made him see the light in her.           

Four: Golden Surrender

Harrison remembered what Faith the Great once taught him.

Faith told him to pick up a gold coin. Hold it in his hand real tight with his palm facing the earth. Arm stretched out. And then to let go of that which he most treasured.

The gold fell to the ground. He couldn't hold on to what he most valued.

Faith told him to the pick up the gold coin. Once again, told him to hold on tightly to the coin. Arms stretched out.

This time with your palms facing the heavens.

Now to let go.

The treasure was still within his reach.

He carried that gold coin close to his heart as a reminder of how easy it could just be lost to him.

It was not the value of the gold. It was the value in its lesson.

Harrison took out the gold coin and offered it to it.

"You are a fool if you can think that you can redeem what you had committed.

Harrison still not had said a word to it.

"My good friend, don't you see that you are forsaken from your misdoing now that I am still alive?"

Harrison hoped that this opium dream was going to end as fast as it begun. But hope was what destroyed him in the start. It was at deadly as fear itself.

Five: P.R.A.V.D.A

Reckoning was knocking on his door.

Demanding his exposure. Demanding a call to end this eon of sinking into the bones of betrayal and hiding within the blood of Evil.

There was no choice. He had to come clean.

"I did it because you were my biggest threat," said Harisson. "The very powers you earned would see me to my eventual grave. I couldn't be matched to that. I had to eliminate the forces that would lead me to a mire of cacophony. I needed to be best. I did it for me."

“You were misled by your desires young fool,’’ was the response by it.

“I only desired what my passion led me to believe,’’ said Harrison.

‘‘….Passion? What is this passion?” it questioned.

“It was what willed me and consumed me to end all that I know you to be in my head, in my heart, in my dreams, in my ego, in my soul, in my subconscious mortality.’’

It stood in silence. It bellowed a half-effortted cry.

“This truth is what will kill me. Not your actions of the past.’’ It said.

“No,’’ said Harrison. ‘‘Your ability not to handle the truth will kill you, and yes it is I who had fuelled it. Let me be. Go back to your darkness and leave me behind. Don’t hold me prisoner in your mighty beckoning.
I am your thoughts that you kept buried inside. You brought me to life. Every time your mind spoke of angst, disgust and profound negativity, it was the umbilical feeding that created me. The irony is that I am the most beautiful thing in this universe am I not? Your most ugly and death defying thoughts that you killed, that you murdered and tortured has now given birth to the extraordinary. I am the embodiment of your pain and your pleasure. Your sick twisted cycle of seeking the darkness, taking refuge in the dry oasis of a land made of doubt. Your inner most shameful secrets. You desire me. I am your fantasies. You give me attention in the dark. You give me attention when you are all alone. You only know me when you are in trouble. I am both your mistress and lover. Your affair with voluptuous memory was with me. Your reckoning with marvelous irrationality was with me. You call out to me so sweetly, to tender, so pure. You thirst for me. You hunger for my appeal. You get lost in my eyes of black and emerald. You dress me in red and to kill me with silver.

I am the beauty in your rage.’’ 

Six: Fin

She would consume him once again, until he could break free against the crippled tide of wrath within. For now it was a journey to free him from her. His mind.