This is now what Antjie wants me to say. But Habakkuk, the prophet, says: if the fig tree does not bloom, or the fruits of the olive tree disappoint, it brings inspiration back to one’s own faith. Modern technology makes it so easy to write but so difficult to say something worth saying. Yet, I finally want to make something clear: I heard animals on stoep steps speak to me in tongues. I went into the veld on my horse at a restful pace, never more alone, but also never lonely. To see, to hear, and to recognise— this is the wonder of living. And my children, who like Spartans move among rich and poor, have also not quite turned out as was expected.”