PERFECT HARMONY
It was two in the afternoon and the streets were full of people. Some rushed, others strolled while more were peering and pointing into shops, all caught up in window shopping. I saw very few suits and formal dresses and it was obvious that the holidays had begun. The atmosphere was light and festive. I could see excitement on people’s faces. Their smiles showed more teeth and their laughter was a little louder. The bus-stops were thronged with crowds waiting to get home. The matatus (mini-buses used for public transport) would speed by, with loud music streaming from the open windows, blaring horns, all in a rush to pick more people, and to make more money. The people aboard the matatus were packed together tighter than a sack of potatoes, and, they didn’t seem to mind, after all, it was just one week to Christmas. The atmosphere was festive, and it was infectious.
I strolled slowly, occasionally walking into shops, looking at merchandise; just another Christmas shopper. I would walk out without saying a word and move on to the next shop where I would peer into the window and stare for long periods, looking at shoes, clothes or whatever the shop was selling. I carried my back pack and I wore jeans and boots. My stomach was growling. I hadn’t eaten in five days. I was weak, tired and very sleepy. But I challenged my body to remain strong and alert. I refused to look pitiful. I was clean and neatly dressed and that, was most important. I had been living on the streets for some months now, and this was how I spent my days. I was hurting inside, but I had learnt how to control my tears. No one could ever know.
Lost in a world of emotional torture, I strolled on, seemingly shopping like the rest of the crowd. Then, suddenly, someone grabbed my shoulder and swirled me around with such great force that I stumbled. Confused, I looked up and stared into a laughing, familiar face, “I’ve called your name four times! What level of arrogance is this?” She pulled me into her arms and hugged me tightly. “Let’s go eat, I haven’t finished my food! I saw you strolling past the restaurant and I galloped after you!” She held my hand as I followed her, and, in that instant, I felt hope. My inner turmoil ceased, and I was at peace.
This painting is a reflection of that moment. Here was hope that I would get some relief from my troubles, even if it was only temporary. I have used only one colour in this painting in order to show tranquility. By adding black and white balance is created. The black and white blend into the blue and they represent the perfect harmony I felt at that moment. I chose a deep blue, almost indigo, because it is a peaceful colour. Every time I look at the blue skies, or the blue ocean water, all I feel is peace. I want the blue to transmit the kind of peace I felt in that instant. I depict myself as a child because right then, right there, I felt like a child who had just received the toy they had been wishing for. My face is tilted upward and my eyes look to the sky in gratitude, towards a higher power that had just given me a gift, the gift of hope.
