Scene Six
from The Bells of Amersfoort
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 May 2019
Summary
Lights rise on TAMI. She is taking a casual stroll.
TAMI: Dear Luthando, it is a hot summer.
Lights rise on LUTHANDO. He is driving a well-made wire car, the kind that township kids create as toys. It is an accurate representation of a BMW.
LUTHANDO: Dear Tami. It is a cold winter.
TAMI: I have been walking around the town. I walked for kilometres without going anywhere in particular. Just walked. In circles even. And every time I return to the shadow of the Onze Lieve Vrouwe tower.
LUTHANDO: Fortunately my car is air-conditioned. Did I tell you I bought a new car? A BMW Three-Series? I am driving around, thinking warm thoughts about you.
TAMI: Often I pretend to be lost so that I may ask for directions. Today I got lost for real. Lost inside myself. It is a heavy vow that we made to each other, Luthando. That we would keep each other for each other. Come what may. I have won, Luthando. I have kept myself for you, even though my life is not devoid of temptations.
LUTHANDO: Dear Tami, those vows … don't you think we were young and foolish? Yes, we were young and foolish and overzealous. We made promises that were beyond us. Oceans and seasons separate us. We are human. I for one have to satisfy the needs of the flesh. I am a man.
TAMI: I satisfy them at my window. On Mondays and Fridays. I can tell you about this because we have always been open with each other. On Mondays and Fridays my trombone finds work, and I get the fulfilment. It works well for all of us. My body remains pure and untouched, waiting just for you. Yet my needs are fulfilled.
LUTHANDO: You have found a way, I have not.
TAMI: What are you trying to tell me, Luthando? That you have not been faithful to me?
LUTHANDO: I am saying that it is more difficult for a man.
TAMI: Answer me, damnit!
LUTHANDO: Don't blame me, Tami. Don't blame me.
TAMI: Oh, my God! How could you?
LUTHANDO: You have your demons I have mine. We got free, Tami, and I became a highflier. I cannot help it, Tami. It is the fault of freedom.
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- Information
- Fools, Bells and the Habit of EatingThree Satires, pp. 134 - 138Publisher: Wits University PressPrint publication year: 2002