In my previous blogpost, I explained the writing of this poem, which seemed to write itself one chilly evening in Britain, during October 2013. I have now cobbled together a translation, which appears below the original here, for those who do not speak Afrikaans nor know the South African lingo ...
My Story
An Ode to South Africa
The Author amongst plants on a family journey between Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Cape, stopping somewhere en route, possibly Namaqualand ... A child adoring the exquisite floral beauty, simply growing wild and free all around her. Circa 1973. Written in moments, straight onto my Facebook page one homesick evening ... The 'poem' below wrote itself, it took no time … Continue reading An Ode to South Africa
Trepidatious Booksteps
***** When you have a huge story inside of you, waiting for its natural time to be carefully birthed, and then discover in a moment that part of your story has been written about and published by someone else ... I am feeling rather peculiar today, and am not at all sure how to process … Continue reading Trepidatious Booksteps
She Let Go – A Poem by Safire Rose – And A Story
She Let Go She let go. Without a thought or a word, she let go. She let go of fear. She let go of the judgments. She let go of the confluence of opinions swarming around her head. She let go of the committee of indecision within her. She let go of all the ‘right’ … Continue reading She Let Go – A Poem by Safire Rose – And A Story
Poem: Caught Betwixt
I came across a journal containing a few of my poems yesterday, scribbled down in pensive moments many years ago. This poem was written in September 1986 ... less than a year after reluctantly leaving my beloved Africa. I cannot recall whether this was personal or a reflective observation, but have no doubt that I would at some time have … Continue reading Poem: Caught Betwixt
Weedy Heights
I started my life in Africa living in a little house, on a hill, called “Weedy Heights”. I have recently learnt the address of this home that I once knew, felt safe in and loved, but have not seen it since I was three years old. I have no idea whether it kept that name, … Continue reading Weedy Heights
When We Look Into The Eyes Of Children
I wonder what you see when you look at this photograph of two children? We all see things according to our own lives and experiences, but sometimes the messages are universal. I know what I see and I know what I feel, when I look at this photograph. I know one of these children very … Continue reading When We Look Into The Eyes Of Children
A Tuesday in Tune
As I write this, I am listening to the hauntingly beautiful sounds of “Elevazione” by Domenico Zipoli, which I have played over and over today, its depth and beauty a perfect accompaniment to the dark and light tones of my day. My computer keyboard wants to make music with its words, to capture at length … Continue reading A Tuesday in Tune
The Holly Tree Tales 