Learners become published poets in new anthology
Two published poets included in an Amanzimtoti High School English teacher's poetry anthology dissect their inspired poems.
THEIR HONEST and vulnerable words have earned matric learners at Amanzimtoti High School, Shakira Xavier and Yolanda Dlamini, a well-deserved spot in English teacher, Sunitha Singh’s, published anthology, Inkspired.
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The anthology was launched at the Eduvos Durban International Book Fair on August 14, featuring over 240 poems from learners across the province.
The young poets reflected on their writing process and what inspired them to take part in the anthology. Shakira said for her the poem was a form of therapy.
“I had just been through a break-up when I wrote this and it was about how someone can go from being a person you know so well to walking past you like a stranger,” said Shakira.
Before they learnt how to write their own stories, Shakira and Yolanda began their writing journeys at different stages of their lives. Struggling to express themselves, they began journaling.
“For me, coping is putting pen to paper. That is my way of expressing who I am as a person because talking about how I feel is difficult,” said Yolanda.
Singh gave learners the opportunity to extend themselves beyond the classroom and offered them a therapeutic space to reflect on their emotions creatively.
“The idea behind this collection of poems is to give young people a platform to showcase their talents, and at the same time, reflect on the power of words and shared experiences of others,” said Singh.
Shakira and Yolanda said it felt surreal to be featured in the anthology and they are grateful to their teacher for giving them a platform where their creativity can shine. “I was pleasantly surprised to be chosen. I got the email and immediately told my parents. It was a touching moment to know my feelings mattered,” said Yolanda.
Singh said that the book has already sold many copies and she looks forward to doing more anthologies.
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