My bucket list consists of only two important items

My list is mainly about the state of our country – and that of the world at large – and what I’d love to see happen.

Fog falls on Venice’s laguna on May 5, 2015. Picture: AFP

The first line in the first sentence in the first magazine I opened when still a youngster in the 50s still hovers around my fast-receding memory box.

“You are born to die.”

It appeared in the Reader’s Digest, my favourite mag for years.

At that stage in my life, the inevitability of death didn’t worry me because I still had a long time to catch up to my parents whom I considered old and ready to face the music. Expiring, for want of a better word, wasn’t an option – still too much to do and see.

I’ve now passed my folks’ age and still don’t or won’t take to heart the Reader’s Digest warning. I’ve still too much to experience and witness.

But I’ve added two new words to my vocab.

Bucket list.

It means listing a number of experiences or achievements that folks hope to have or accomplish during their lifetime.

Having travelled extensively over the years, my list precludes places I’d still like to see. Maybe re-visit Venice once more, and to the strains of a singing gondolier kiss my Heidi passionately under the Bridge of Sighs. Last time that happened, a brat was hatched. No chance of that now.

No, my list is mainly about the state of our country – and that of the world at large – and what I’d love to see happen before the magazine’s prophetic words become reality.

Only two items on my list.

Firstly, under the heading “religion”, particularly as it applies to the extremists. Like jihadists. They must be dumped on some island with bombs on their person. There they can collectively press the button and get to their virgins sooner. I mean, why waste the time among infidels when they can be cavorting with their concubines.

Secondly, “politics”.

I fervently wish the ANC is wiped off the face of the earth, replaced by clean and competent leadership. Imagine Pravin Gordhan, the last man standing, getting together with Thuli Madonsela to initiate an entirely different political system where they head-hunt professionals to fill strategic posts on local, provincial and national level.

These to become candidates representing the party in 2024.

You’re probably saying I stand a better chance getting to the Bridge of Sighs. Sigh.