The power of the message behind the words of a beautifully written poem is what appeals to 17-year-old Ntokozo Pohlman and that is also what made her start writing poetry.

I started writing poetry during lockdown to keep myself busy. When I showed it to my mom she said it was so good it should be published. I searched the Internet and found a publisher,” Ntokozo explained.

That is how her first book, Take me the way I am – Words to live by, came to be.

The book is filled with inspiring poems based on Ntokozo’s life experiences as she grows up. There are 30 poems with themes ranging from experiences during her childhood to finding yourself and how you change as you grow up. She said her book is not just aimed at the youth but at anyone who struggles with the changes life brings.

“I believe my book will change people’s lives,” she said. Ntokozo plans on becoming a part-time writer and a full-time chemical engineer in a few years but has already started working on her second book.

This one will use many of the same themes as she continues with life and everything it dishes out. Ntokozo’s book was published by Sally Shaw from the Western Cape and if you would like to own a copy you can contact Ntokozo on 065 935 1090.

One of Ntokozo’s favourite poems in the book is called Rate yourself harder: You come first, others come second and last Your joy and peace first, others will wait Other things it’s a big stop, you first never ever downgrade yourself Hello, it’s all about you Love yourself unconditionally Focus on you, yes on you I mean just you More confidence, hell yeah Self-talk and telling yourself daily they good The word ‘self’ means you You are you they are them You are a different individual Be the special kind of you Man, you are so amazing Everyday and forever