"Rode, Linda - I, A Living Arrow" - читать интересную книгу автора (Rode Linda)

tion.

Uniquely South African as well as universal are the more optimistic
pieces like "Undulukil' u Slovo", a praise song to a deceased hero of the
struggle; "A handful of rain", an "ode" to the joy of young love and to-
getherness - whilst "'Summertime and the living is easy'" celebrates the
unbridled exuberance experienced at the onset of the school holidays.

However, the cautious, almost euphoric spirit of political and social
optimism of two years ago has made way for a distinct and general feel-
ing of disappointment, of being stuck in a world of increasing violence
and growing alienation. What is striking in numerous submissions is the
seeming lack of forgiveness, tolerance and mutual understanding be-
tween historically opposing groups.

Another interesting aspect of this year's crop is the high frequency
of what can be called mini-thrillers. Could it be the influence of the
graphic novel and Gothic-horror magazines? Or could it perhaps reflect
a subconscious way of trying to cope with the current phenomenon in
our society of criminality and violent death?

The truly interested reader will probably conclude that the contribu-
tions in this collection are typical of a society midway in the painful
process of healing itself, while new wounds continue to be inflicted.

The importance of offering young people the opportunity "to tell the
truth" as they see and experience it is underlined by what Aristotle said
about writing: it brings to the surface our pent-up subconscious emo-
tions and thoughts, opens up wounds, drains them and exposes them
to fresh air. This painful process, known as catharsis in Ancient Greece,
is one of cleansing and healing.

Although I, a living arrow records the spirit of a specific moment in
South Africa's history, it will hopefully also contribute to the healing of
our society.

We are thankful to Sanlam for realising the importance of creative
writing in our schools and the need to stimulate critical thought by pro-
jects such as this. We gratefully acknowledge their financial support. A
third edition in Kwela's "Young South African Writing" series is planned
for 2000. We hope that it, too, will contribute towards restoring forgive-
ness, tolerance and mutual understanding.

The compilers

Cape Town, May 1998

This is the world
Have faith.