![20231123_115620.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EoExCjWDrwSbvfBbnR7hCpkm7NhvFHLzyKd6uFmdTeZaDyMuVWeTxt93D3N6Pj7sbm6.jpg) ![new-large-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23tGTUawwNvDsYFwfGVWn4anEmrYB1mDe2pMo91HbRJbnMsPN9PonacUi4TbpFjJosEVz.png) I took a drive to Cape Town to fetch my son, a while back, and spontaneously stopped at a well-known farm store on the way. I'd read a something about its transition, during our transition over these last somewhat strange few years. I never bought anything. In fact, I didn't even go inside because the comments I'd read exclaimed how expensive it's become. I can no longer afford expenses. Especially spontaneous or unexpected expenses. But I did go into the bookshop because books always. And always, these days, I see the signs... ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_114340.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/246amwfnWH7Xtyu2yw9wk6iBRmrcZzFMAqhbLVFqCsxWNzMQpwuksfHTBv5khu8LQguXW.jpg)

![20231123_115008.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EpNqKnwDJumSiaFWrCo4nqJV5P9MTJK7a49xF9b1Ti7dHa2gWp9u84GXUwrRp9wfL3v.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ## The signs I use the gifted gap to find my feet a bit my glow comes back my healthy fit My Vibe I start to dance again and so the crowd begins to turn away but I see it now because now I see the signs ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115123.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EpA5PxjrEXYbG9sPpYUSPZWRvjNu5VEe4x3ueHau9kVpMmMrYnKCcew1hJ2UBXW3Ku8.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) So he shared my private story with a village After I only told him to protect him To help him but because I said no to more it happened again so wide and commen they took it to school adults using Children adults hurting Children. But nobody wants to talk about it. ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115756.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EpXJ6zPUwVqZJSXwovjnHtu28My9DHwfvJkwLsvBiSjU81yj7cBQtKUs4beqbKsw98s.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) This might be criminal This Considered harassment by the book But since Silence is enforced Around Here instead of the law - I am she who must obey Because, these days, I know the signs ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115156.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/Eos3HemnJTavbQLvVetbLGXV8JKJHbRzFcyKnkMoGj8QZ7CE64JWwEFwemzNEEtspgK.jpg)

![20231123_115443.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EpQyHEhmiXZeNcQrUDD71dW5A5juBSddG1J62k2hcNeJr2ZCk9QVoCngUnbPhrBEDFN.jpg)

![20231123_115039.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EokfyjmPNeACHQ9tEmH3QbyybTf1XWTebjCjEQGQdxF42iYomHngBzyz7ByRfogrLF9.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) One of them is a cop; One a lawyer; The church won't give me space to do service for the community; That doctor had no time for me; A man veered his car towards me while I was walking to the village to scare me I see the signs clearly ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231210_173000.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EqhPFqZX19KoXfKYyVCB8TcWTmNXDUkxfHYWWKLhF3K5jqBPPEoKpi9RzW6yeVP6E36.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) A woman told me she'd been threatened and I supported her Another that she'd been frightened and I supported her Another story was shared and I supported her #too but that post on social media disappeared And when I asked for help the women were all too scared and some of the men were #too I see the signs now ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115203.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/Ep5nhc3odPE3tDN1ZhhUSh9Ev45qA7kAe6wAjHAjJJctTQ4sKdW8Mf8BnqMr9hf8i8K.jpg)

![20231123_115145.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EpLiPujo2r5iTaTAEt6ZYDPtfgqP6hJVgwJJt2TU85pBzbER3GKMvNnKAWMa5AYRTb9.jpg)

![20231123_115019.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EpT6zs47tGpqQhZrgZqmTXcCT9jBKjyb31v6Sci6cUwdtQeLoJkL9Z8BSRCgdZgPUPz.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) So I shared my private story on social media to remove their ammunition and to protect my son because *I didn't do anything wrong* #alittlebitdeeper ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115430.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EogQDsrYWKBbuv5jfYBZhs8PbuXQw4JnCLgTQGJhjNfk3vi7tAz2VZtF9KhdkTf1f3A.jpg)

![20231123_115114.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/Eos3fHDbwoNQFsKknGGtu8K2CxaikfW6vapytRkRnEBadUiU3hN4vVMjs1xy6DiHwNG.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) Perhaps this only made them more angry because things escalated More ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115354.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EpvirxLUjjg8Yx1hZhKtVEjc3soEHYzMbG22ZnsQyA9jMEmsUj4UwqmjhEYw8dL9rbX.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) I flirted with a dark-skinned man because he didn't put a ring on it and *He Followed Me* to get my number Then I got busy and said no thanks. He didn't stop messaging, though and this may also be some kind of harassment but I don't really know because this is normal where I try to live and it's allowed and even encouraged Even when I found out he was married and I know his wife. ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115403.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EonnujntnMhvjTztUqUSFvuuZwFyJYEFVapK95ZS7xfkxr8G14CRsw9vc9954HtsNa5.jpg)

![20231123_115345.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23vi6PtJz6577HkaZqnEq9aHHPRXhhN9gXQDmtXozvSSLxkzRTJufYoytJ4bCWM3kgomy.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) I Am protective of her because she's a young mother Beautiful Gentle Strong and works all day long to make sure the family survives while he plays And nobody thinks this is wrong I see this as a sign ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115030.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EpxtjE2VpiL7rkKitHwtPDo74DLsXXz8KAH7WtRirpg75ppxRKF3iee91nBfF31gGGC.jpg) ![20231123_115100.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EpCDJRByoqvnCTrYvy4xGmPKiuSDoAM2Q33sMgGLGW9vpWyztxDSMRmWCV88yT7y8j2.jpg) ![20231123_114848.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/Ep3hF6DC5sL5YPQ9CtCuUudyHcHFbxVRbibRFAYobstWAGyhqsLPsKmoRrqgm7i6jpC.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) I lost my shit because I like her and I'm tired of boys being boys so I told him to grow up To be a good father To be a good man To protect his family To set a good example for his son But I reckon he pulled the race card to protect himself ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115846.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/243BprimWCg51Y79qPCkDYnV7nsAMybaYbKgcMsqJcojj7FYFbA2tygbsSiJwnbaxbVgC.jpg)

![20231123_115108.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EpCCkwqB4Sf1VpsR9QnHqgZGxLYf1znPYLCaRYFgHzstyYf1cRKxmmsPtLJ5Hyk3pRe.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) An easy way out but I'll never know because nobody asks the woman's side of the story where I come from Especially the women. This works both ways #too and how does that work I wonder? When some of the men are also #too afraid to speak And how ironic When I lost everything Fighting Racism And a lie But it's because of this, that I now can see the signs ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115131.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EowJaKifkeLwUaPMXNLExDdnNWZQ6Nn57drqTiM1DkPbyR1muHkv41G5JWzLyF4ZXt2.jpg)

![20231123_115252.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/Ep3geh3EziQq2q6btzZNFHescwtEq42pDYQGUgLLS918AWMn7PYLy3oGBCGKTZAGd4H.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) And so my car was vandalized in broad daylight in the middle of the village and nobody will talk Or make eye contact with me It's a car I can't afford anyway but I'm getting too tired to walk some days And this happens to others #too I see the signs, as people look away I see the whispers in their eyes and know he's lied The smear campaign. So inevitable it's not hard to see the signs but nobody here wants #too Here we go again. Perhaps they think I'm Muslim because Out Of Respect I covered my head when I shopped at That café Even though I'm not religious and affiliate myself with no One And us *All* ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115015.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/Ep7x1k2KfJ2ge6BYmropBJZge3vNs9xmZgLVmm28RbtfTVu5Ds61khXq2L5vo2NqoGL.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) But nobody asks Me What's been said or done I'm a woman in South Africa alone and this makes me prey and also a threat to some And I know the signs these days, these days I know #enough to know when not to speak And even when the truth becomes clear over time everything remains the same Yes I recognise the signs ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_114808.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/Eos2M9Kjy6H3mT3rqn5LiGWg4zBvpt45KDumXWoULky6TWUwzzepevVvHJdkNioZsYP.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) Maybe Only Human Nature The green eyed monster 'cause I was getting stronger It doesn't really matter when I have to lay down and rest for two days So *It is important* To see the signs Clearly Now Because she *also* claims to be a "good Christian" And they know I'm sick, by the way #religiousbutnotspiritual #notonlymen ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115044.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/Ep5peJgQrCJdhYEFWDzrvwaVcPdjH4r4529NZE4SVFC1bJquj8mdxmKfu2TYDaLAFaz.jpg)

![20231123_115629.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/Ep3icqeoQ9s9ufipxPQRftFHG4kECbUSc2G9jnvBUySWJWRwyKvPD2CmroiGA6kU6Nh.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) I took the rubbish out this morning and had a conversation with a man who also sees the signs It's dangerous, I said. At the end. He nodded and said yes. They *are* dangerous. He's seen these signs #too because he works at the rubbish dump on a Sunday morning But I don't need a man to agree to make me accept the signs I see Not anymore. ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115259.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/Eos3HZgVKT39XCNX4bnP9vo22o2CdagEZcDPoaSaJ1usZgDrQggi4SyTBGi1qHP42n4.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) I look for other places but I'm only allowed to live where that other man allows me #too They'd be outraged if they knew but only if I were a man I know the signs and there's nothing I can do when I'm Guilty Until Proven Innocent And even then they turn away Because now they're embarrassed or ashamed At their mistakes So I start to smoke again because I don't want to live here anymore And I can't *really* live like this *None of us can live like this.* But when Will We See the signs? ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) https://youtu.be/cMVBi_e8o-Y?feature=shared ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) Turns out there is actually a school that's better than old school, after all. And the only way out, in my experience, is... OUT. Asap, please. I can't afford more damage to property. Or to myself. ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) If anyone knows of an inexpensive rental in Cape Town that is safe, peaceful and private please say hello. I need your help. I have a something to write and some kind of financial stability to reclaim. And I'm exhausted now. One step forward and two steps back because they just keep comin'. And saying no only makes it worse. Quite frankly, it's almost impossible to rebuild in times and circumstances like these. As a single woman in South Africa. But, of course, hardly anyone will believe or take me seriously because I'm a woman. And *this* is precisely what makes this situation dangerous. ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) Interestingly enough I found this at the same farm stall and have, subsequently, connected with some folks from Afrika Burn when I reached out for more footage for a pending chapter of the new book. Some synchronicity in more ways than one. This must be from one of the Burns? ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) ![20231123_115702.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EqqtpdFwUdtxeT78TJzF7SWzkY529RC89nnn8vfUrmyfWMe6aHJcRqa4EmAfVHGEBg1.jpg)

![20231123_115653.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EqhQLqjgmMEsWH8WSJs5njyvhiRbswmfJgAHTqeiuPV8qkWsxfQVpCfYSLC6Cv3xoH2.jpg)

![20231123_115605.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/EqHzqpZ9vCBrLFs8PcdNvrd4ekk6Z4UkpMJ9MQuN6FjzkurWrZr4hQtWBWLfgg6P9UT.jpg)

![20231123_115624.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/Eos68z3PEDsYs9Y9iHGzXa6LgXAj6b48jSS3vyG5wYMh1f197rEdftH4QTvN6EkXMQY.jpg) ![new-med-hr.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swbrARpbLVfus27SNAag7QHyD6yNvu3VG8M11Sm7HG95wGL2MqKwG9FSGqKx92kYAZ6.png) Very quiet, ridiculously sober, super private, hermit artist type Pippin seeks secluded place to dance, bake cookies and create. Loves kids, animals and music. Has epic recovery skills to share. Only humans who uplift and support fellow humans, please. Because that's what Pippins and Nuggets do. But wtaf is a "Pippin" and a "Nugget", you may wonder? (Still... apologies... but #they'remakingitmycircus) Well I'm still trying to write that for you while I try to navigate "the people". Because we the people can be bat-shit crazy. On we go as soon as Pippinly possible. #beammeupscotty #forfreedom ![sb-hr-2.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swa9Kf2xybAQJqAVCK34pBBg8rFpr94U3LrsXV3DqCBh8hccpqnjj99hzVCPo52SF7T.png) *Eternal Seeker
Hardened Dreamer
Mother
Peaceful Warrior
Determined Dancer
and Stargazer

still...

Beyond fear is freedom

And there is nothing to be afraid of.

_{To Life, with Love... and always for Truth!
Nicky Dee}* _{[www.mettame.art](https://www.mettame.art)} ![sb-hr-2.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nickydee/23swa9Kf2xybAQJqAVCK34pBBg8rFpr94U3LrsXV3DqCBh8hccpqnjj99hzVCPo52SF7T.png) _{All images not sourced are my own.}

they

Experts

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