My uncle Sibaso is learning to live without memory, like this spider. He hardly eats. He does not swallow the stars as he used to and takes his rest in the coolness of the house, a pillow held to his belly, a half finished Coca-cola bottle to his side, its mouth sugary, syrupy, black. He keeps a few crumbs in a plate, to feed his ego, he says.

“In Africa There Is a Type of Spider” by Yvonne Vera