dawn-drawn

This time, I've chosen  a poem by Liyema Mkabile in Botsotso, titled Doek: Black and Female .  There was no way I could think of to respond to this poem that didn't seem like cultural appropriation, so instead, I resorted to Google again, to try to take my whiteness out of the way. The following "poem" is pretty much just Google search results, but I think it tells a telling tale, while also keeping me in the position of outsider "googling" in.  As usual, you are invited to read the original, here , and post your own response in the comments section below. Doek a "poem" "by" Jean Watermeyer, after Liyema Mkabile Doek a headscarf Definitions from Oxford languages Doek on Fleek - how I tie my doek! Fleek: extremely good, attractive, stylish "my hair is fleek right now" How to wear a traditional doek Head wrap tutorials 240 My doek style ideas in 2021 180 best doek style ideas kopdoek: a kerchief or bandana worn as a head covering ...

Update: Fiona Meijer's beautiful book Rise, containing wonderful photographs of Cape Town sunrises, with accompanying poetry by local poets, is available to order from www.itsaboutlight.co.za .  I've just heard about the Cape Dawn Project , and I thought you'd like to know about it too. It's a combined photographic/poetry project by Fiona Meijer-Innes , a Cape Town-based photographer, who has captured hundreds of photographs of Cape Town sunrises, all taken from the same vantage point.  She plans to release the images in a collaborative book of poetry and photography, later this year. More strength to her, for starting something bold and collaborative during these discouraging times!  The photographs are available to view on  it'saboutlight.co.za .  

Gabeba Baderoon https://sia.psu.edu/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Gabeba_0.jpg?itok=9aZyULaG I have just read a heartbreaking poem by Gabeba Baderoon on Badilisha Poetry Exchange, titled War Tryptich . I admire Ms Baderoon's work - she is one of the few living SA writers I had actually come across before I started actively trying to read more local work. This poem is a fine example, but one that I have found difficult to sit with. Since I've become a mother, I find anything to do with children suffering almost unbearable to keep in mind. I'm sure I was moved by similar stories before, but these days they are too close to home. My response below, is not advocating a political or philosophical position, only expressing personal weakness. As usual, you are invited to add your own response in the comments section. looking away a poem by Jean Watermeyer, after Gabeba Baderoon Let us look away not out of respect exactly, more for the sake of mental health-- let us b...