https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/issue/feed Open Mic: A Creative Writing Journal 2024-12-19T13:06:47+00:00 MP Snyders mpsnyders@uwc.ac.za Open Journal Systems <p>Open Mic developed out of a need for UWC students to find an appropriate venue to publish their creative work. The journal contains poetry and short stories written by undergraduate students. Students are encouraged to sumit their contributions in their first language or mother tongue with an English translation.</p> https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2399 A ISIJWILI SE AFRIKA 2024-09-19T12:37:01+00:00 limise sisonke 4357020@myuwc.ac.za <p>The poem is about the current state of Afrika the suffering of our continent and the possible reasons that have lead us to where we are. This poem give a insight of our spritual importants of African people and iving and connecting to our roots.&nbsp;</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 limise sisonke https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2443 What is success? 2024-10-15T13:10:30+00:00 Shannin Jones 3621604@myuwc.ac.za <p>Poetry: Focusing&nbsp; on the meaning of the term "Success"</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Shannin Jones https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2392 The Shannin Jones 2024-09-19T11:55:52+00:00 Shannin Jones 3621604@myuwc.ac.za <p>This poetry is celebrating freedom, by highlighting how for South Africa came as a nation to celebrate 30 years of democracy. It pays tribute to the heroes who fought against Apartheid and oppression. This poem evokes a sense of emancipation, especially to those who feel that they have been in bondages, but broke free from everything that were holding them back. As a result, it concludes with the previous oppressed who now have a voice to speak up, ackowledging their personhood, and who can say that they are FREE!</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Shannin Jones https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2531 Philocalic Sol 2024-12-04T11:37:32+00:00 Pejamauro Visagie 3371875@myuwc.ac.za <p>I am air. An heir to be…</p> <p>Pollination and legacy, you see.</p> <p>If you are inclined to read between the lines,</p> <p>then you will be all you can, Bee.</p> <p><strong>Be-You</strong>... to full-on become,</p> <p>Evermore beautiful.</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Pejamauro Visagie https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2388 Sello sa ngwana (A child's lament) 2024-09-16T10:16:21+00:00 Ikageng Pheko 4334958@myuwc.ac.za <p>But I as close my eyes,</p> <p>I see the cancer gradually eat away</p> <p>The soft tissue of your skin.</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Ikageng Pheko https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2444 Clay Jar 2024-09-25T02:19:14+00:00 Shannin Jones 3621604@myuwc.ac.za <p>Poetry: The aim of this poem is to highlight that we need God to continuously mold us and protect us, because we are clay jars that can be easily broken.&nbsp;</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Shannin Jones https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2398 Profound love 2024-09-19T12:09:17+00:00 Hlumelo Nodali 4348443@myuwc.ac.za <p>A poem by Hlumelo Nodali</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Hlumelo Nodali https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2558 Poisonous Roots 2024-11-26T23:57:54+00:00 Boitshepo Modiboa 4119472@myuwc.ac.za <p>"Poisonous Roots" is a poem about domestic abuse and it's consequences. It explores the long lasting impact of childhood trauma and shows us that pain can be passed down.</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Boitshepo Modiboa https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2391 Love 2024-10-15T13:13:18+00:00 Nthabiseng Charmane Ntimane 4276249@myuwc.ac.za <p>Love to me is a blessing,<br>that makes my heart sing,<br>all the good deeds of a sin.<br>She fills two people in,<br>a King and a Queen,<br>Only if two people are keen.</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Nthabiseng Charmane Ntimane https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2530 The Heart of the Flats 2024-11-10T12:11:49+00:00 Bronwyn February 3915124@myuwc.ac.za <p>The poem<em>"The Heart of the Flats" by Bronwyn February </em>describes the author's journey as a youth development worker in the Cape Flats area of South Africa<em>. </em>The author highlights how daily communal struggles are overcome with resilience and the gift of being an empathetic leader who plants seeds of change, hope, and peace.&nbsp;</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Bronwyn February https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2380 Sello sa ngwana (A child's lament) 2024-12-04T13:39:01+00:00 Phukoane Benelzane benelzanephokwane@gmail.com <p>Oh! How sweet and loud the birds sing on this gloomy day!</p> <p>Their songs break through the fog of grief.</p> <p>My heart beats slowly and softly as the muffled drum.</p> <p>Oh! how I long to shout and praise the Lord!</p> <p>But my chest turns to heavy stone,</p> <p>And I remember the fluttering leavings of May,</p> <p>When the coldness of Winter crept into our home,</p> <p>And began to seep deep into your bones.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In my heart I am left with the ruins</p> <p>Of the memories we created.</p> <p>I hold on dimly to the visions</p> <p>Of the day I saw you last.</p> <p>But I as close my eyes,</p> <p>I see the cancer gradually eat away</p> <p>The soft tissue of your skin.</p> <p>And in my soul there still lies,</p> <p>A yearning to call for the Lord!</p> <p>In your final days you became even more beautiful.</p> <p>The stars were written in the sparkle of your eyes,</p> <p>As your heavenly wings began to grow.</p> <p>But I was never ready for your flying away!</p> <p>When you broke away through the winter snow.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Years later I stand before your grave and weep,</p> <p>Like a newborn child – drawing his first breath.</p> <p>You are a servant of the Lord before you are my mother,</p> <p>And I know you rest well with our Heavenly father!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Phukoane Benelzane https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2402 From the collection, ‘This House’, This Pink Suitcase by Owam Heyana 2024-09-19T19:33:40+00:00 Owam Heyana 3865464@myuwc.ac.za <p><strong>Stanza Introduction</strong>: This pink suitcase<br />with wheels that wiggle in different directions<br />and is as big as if it could fit the world in it<br />was bought for my travels. </p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2403 Old and Broken things 2024-09-19T19:52:58+00:00 Owam Heyana 3865464@myuwc.ac.za <p><strong>Stanza Introduction</strong>:I want to tell you that when I lay on this bed, facing this white wall, it feels like there are spirits in me that have not been laid to rest.</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2404 Our Hope 2024-09-19T20:05:37+00:00 Owam Heyana 3865464@myuwc.ac.za <p><strong>Stanza Introduction:</strong> The drain has burst, the water has flooded our roads and the municipality hasn’t come to fix it. Our cars have found way into potholes so deep they could bury us. We watch cars getting hijacked and clutch our purses to our chests.</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 https://epubs.ac.za/index.php/omcwj/article/view/2405 Last night 2024-09-20T06:49:38+00:00 Owam Heyana 3865464@myuwc.ac.za <p><strong>Stanza Introduction</strong>: Last night I danced, I cannot dance. Or rather I can but I am terrible at it.</p> 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024