Life is but a poem for this poet

POLOKWANE – Poet Sello Chokoe says to him, poetry is simply an expression of life as it happens.

Having had an interest in writing and reading poetry since he was very young, Chokoe only started writing in 2010 after spending every spare minute he could reading poetry and listening to poetry recitals.

He says the most important thing about poetry is that any person can create the opportunity to have a voice and be able to express themselves about something that matters to them. “This is why I love poetry and why I feel strongly that it needs a more prominent place in everyday life. It is a way of communicating that transcends all that divides people no matter if it is their race or financial standing.

“Poetry does not ask where you went to school or where you come from, it accepts you and gives you the chance to be you in expression as only you can,” he says.

He adds that the development of poetry is one of his biggest passions, and he would like to see more people allowing poetry into their lives. “Poetry should have more exposure in the media and especially in schools,” he says.

He says he loves writing about things that happen in everyday life, and how these occurrences impact on people’s lives, as well as his own.

After having just completed his secondary school phase and taking a gap year, he has a lot of time to observe people and to experience life as they do. He finds inspiration in real life and seeing how things unfold in both nature and in life in all forms.

“Imagination sometimes play a huge part of my life and when I write, I use my boundless imagination with the belief that whatever I am imagining may have already come true somewhere, somehow,” he says.

His role model and favourite writer is Masai Dabula, who is a freelance journalist, painter and full-time poet and writer. Chokoe feels that Dabula expresses life as it is – real and hiding nothing.

Just like Dabula, Chokoe believes that poets are mastering their craft and they are getting better at it. “South African poets own their voices that will be heard no matter what.”

Chokoe would like to have his work published one day and already has a title for his book namely Expressions of Black and White Roads.

Currently he makes use of a platform given to upcoming poets on Thursday evenings at Library Gardens where everyone gets the chance to express themselves either in rhythm or rhyme.

“People in South Africa need more days like National Poetry Day which is celebrated on October 2, to get to a place where they can feel their emotions and wear their hearts on their sleeves, and not be ridiculed or judged for what they think and feel.

“We all have a voice, we just need a platform to be heard and this is what poetry brings,” he concludes.