dawn-drawn

Bernice Puleng Mosala - https://avbobpoetry.co.za/Home/_GetAttachment?attID=9947&ver=16347321 This time I'm responding to a poem from  the Avbob poetry competition archive , titled Un- by Bernice Puleng Mosala , which won first place in english-language category in the 2019 competition.  Here's my response. As usual, you're invited to leave your own response in the comments section below. (Un)requited A poem by Jean Watermeyer, after Bernice Puleng Mosala. She's so (un)assuming, (un)demanding,  (un)published, (under)-appreciated, (un)ambitious, (mis)understood. (Backing) singer, (under)study, (mother-)figure, (model) citizen. She would (never) say boo to a goose. She has (flawless) skin and (long) legs. She has the (perfect) figure. She's always (beautifully) dressed. (Before she had children,) she worked as a scientist. (Now she has four,) she writes in her spare time. (She tells herself when they are older) she will do something remarkable. Not that raising c

Khadija Sharife - http://worldpolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/K2.jpg This time, I've been thinking about a poem by Khadija Sharife published in Botsotso, titled  self-curated, pixelated .  Ms Sharife is a journalist and this poem seems political and environmental and angry. In other words, provocative and not my usual style. I do feel provoked, as I'm sure she intended, and I'm pretty sure I haven't succeeded at not being defensive, though I have tried. Here is my attempt at a response. As usual, you are invited to read her poem too and leave a response in the comments. Monsters at the edges and hope, a toxic thing a poem by Jean Watermeyer, after Khadija Sharife Donald Trump for instance as the headlines have him would take the whole cake and congratulate himself. A woman I knew slightly for a while would take the cake carefully for her neighbourhood and her  sister's children. A couple I know would take the smallest possible slice. A housemate I once had wo

Open mic events are an excellent way to share your poetry with others, and get instant feedback.  They can be a wonderful source of encouragement and inspiration. When my writing starts to flag, I know it's been too long since I last read my work out loud.  One visit to an open mic and I'm scribbling away again!  Regular poetry open mics in Cape Town Update: many of these events have gone digital during lockdown - great news if you would usually find it hard to get there in person.  Check their websites for more information.  Below is a list of poetry open mic events that I know of in Cape Town.  Times and venues are subject to change, so please check the group's website before you go. I won't try to pretend to be an expert on open mics in other towns, although apparently  Jo'burg has a lot going on.  Let me know in the comments if I've missed anything. Grounding Sessions  - a weekly Spoken Word-style open mic in Observatory, Cape Town. Enjoy a casual vibe with