Johannesburg Book Fair Rhodes Park Buddies performed poems during the last event of the year recently.
The poems were performed in front of different guests, including the director of the Jozi Book Fair, Dr Maria van Driel. Sponsors of the day included Juliet Kabe and Thabo Letoaba.
One of the poems was directed to Mrs Faradiba Morton, the facilitator and the ‘mother’ of Rhodes Park Poetry buddies.
The poem was written by Jernaine Gosiame Lekgetho (11).
Daniel Ewa (12), Sinikiwe Phiri (10), Sarah Ewa (7), Seychelle Tsakasa (8), Dearshney Mukwevho (11) and Kgomotso Magadla (11) also read out their poems.
Sinikwe Phiri (10) – 20 Years of freedom
We look back 20 years and know we have come a long way
We come from a time people were not treated equal
We come from segregation, split dreams in many places
We come from protests marching in the streets
We come from a white government who treated people unfairly
We come from a time we were not allowed to go in a bus
We come from bloodshed and tears filled with pain
We have come so far to be free
We now have freedom to be together
We are no longer divided by our colour
We are now people who are one
We are now united and feeling happy
We share schools and we speak the same
We are now part of a bright future
We are now free and that is how it is supposed to be
Sinikwe Phiri (10) – Losing
Losing a love done, is a sad part of life
Losing a sad part of life, a pain to swallow
This time is to forgive, and forget
A time to love and a time to cry
This is a time to be happy
The is no time for hating and fighting
Be sad because you will be missed
This is our time to stand together
And say goodbye to the ones you love
How sad this part of life
You will be truly missed…
Sarah Ewa (7) – Life
Life is a poem, life is a race
In life we win 1st 2nd and 3rd place
Does it matter if we lose this race?
No not, you should not give up
We always have another chance at life
Just keep on trying maybe the next race is mine
If I keep one trying, one day
I will win this race of life
Seychelle Tsakasa (8) – Diamonds
I love diamonds, they shine so bright
Diamonds are beautiful and so precious
I love diamonds, they are rich of love
The kings and queens love diamonds
The poor and enslaved love diamonds
Children are diamonds, pure and beautiful
I am a diamond loved by those who shine
Bright like me and my family.
Dearshney Mukwevho (11) – The surroundings beneath
I see a colony of people having a braai
And a thousand birds are trying to fly
I hear singing, old and wonderful songs
Words they have not sung in so many words
They have not sung in so very long
Ahead is a long narrow scary bridge
With children trying to walk along
I see an old building all deserted
With things lying there in the rubble
This feeling of being alone all this time
But I have to show I have been alive all this time
In nature’s eyes are not just lovely skies
There are trees and leaves with flowers
To find your surroundings is up to you
Kgomotso Magadla (11) – Believe in yourself
I am a different person; I will strive to be successful
I have a bright heart with 4 bright colours
I believe nothing is impossible
I am the blessing of life
I will try to change the world for a better place
I want to be heard when I speak
I am 11 years old but not just a child
I have dreams for a bright future
I believe I can have it all
I will say to you, believe in yourself
When I say believe and really means believe
