Open Mic: A Creative Writing Journal

Profound love

Hlumelo Nodali — 2024-12-19

A poem by Hlumelo Nodali

Poisonous Roots

Boitshepo Modiboa — 2024-12-19

"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.

Love

Nthabiseng Charmane Ntimane — 2024-12-19

Love to me is a blessing,
that makes my heart sing,
all the good deeds of a sin.
She fills two people in,
a King and a Queen,
Only if two people are keen.

The Heart of the Flats

Bronwyn February — 2024-12-19

The poem"The Heart of the Flats" by Bronwyn February describes the author's journey as a youth development worker in the Cape Flats area of South Africa. 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.

Sello sa ngwana (A child's lament)

Phukoane Benelzane — 2024-12-19

Oh! How sweet and loud the birds sing on this gloomy day!

Their songs break through the fog of grief.

My heart beats slowly and softly as the muffled drum.

Oh! how I long to shout and praise the Lord!

But my chest turns to heavy stone,

And I remember the fluttering leavings of May,

When the coldness of Winter crept into our home,

And began to seep deep into your bones.

In my heart I am left with the ruins

Of the memories we created.

I hold on dimly to the visions

Of the day I saw you last.

But I as close my eyes,

I see the cancer gradually eat away

The soft tissue of your skin.

And in my soul there still lies,

A yearning to call for the Lord!

In your final days you became even more beautiful.

The stars were written in the sparkle of your eyes,

As your heavenly wings began to grow.

But I was never ready for your flying away!

When you broke away through the winter snow.

Years later I stand before your grave and weep,

Like a newborn child – drawing his first breath.

You are a servant of the Lord before you are my mother,

And I know you rest well with our Heavenly father!

A ISIJWILI SE AFRIKA

limise sisonke — 2024-12-19

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.

What is success?

Shannin Jones — 2024-12-19

Poetry: Focusing on the meaning of the term "Success"

The Shannin Jones

Shannin Jones — 2024-12-19

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!

Philocalic Sol

Pejamauro Visagie — 2024-12-19

I am air. An heir to be…

Pollination and legacy, you see.

If you are inclined to read between the lines,

then you will be all you can, Bee.

Be-You... to full-on become,

Evermore beautiful.

Sello sa ngwana (A child's lament)

Ikageng Pheko — 2024-12-19

But I as close my eyes,

I see the cancer gradually eat away

The soft tissue of your skin.

Clay Jar

Shannin Jones — 2024-12-19

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.

From the collection, ‘This House’, This Pink Suitcase by Owam Heyana

Owam Heyana — 2024-12-19

Stanza Introduction: This pink suitcase
with wheels that wiggle in different directions
and is as big as if it could fit the world in it
was bought for my travels.

Old and Broken things

Owam Heyana — 2024-12-19

Stanza Introduction: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.

Our Hope

Owam Heyana — 2024-12-19

Stanza Introduction: 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.

Last night

Owam Heyana — 2024-12-19

Stanza Introduction: Last night I danced, I cannot dance. Or rather I can but I am terrible at it.