1. It’s a sameness, a global storm, with a different expiry date.
2. For once, the pessimist and optimist agree the view remains the unchanged, whether you look back or ahead. It’s the realist with a 360 degree advantage who zooms in and highlights the burning world, the drowning world, and the dark world as they search for the bright world.
3. “Don’t burst my bubble, it’s early days!” Fair enough. But one day, we’ll have to stop running away.
4. Bless the joy seeker who makes every day count! Alas, days won’t count on an empty stomach. A conflict, which seemed distant, becomes close when you rely on others for your staple food.
5. The list of ways to repair our world has long been in circulation.
6. “It’s time to amplify our voices!” But keep in mind the tax imposed on speaking out aloud. The kind of creative death that can push any writer into complete silence.
7. I once wrote: in dark we see, in death we rest; a beautiful frightening magic. Now I add, in silence we hear. ‘Cause to hear is another form of alchemy.
8. It’s a tremendous privilege to have a voice. Perhaps, we can begin by touching the lives of those around us. Then aim to make a big impact as we stand before the ballot box, if you are standing this year.
9. Oops, I got side-tracked. I meant to examine self-repair, the act of making the ugly beautiful and celebrate imperfections.
10. It’s easier to look outward than inward. For gathering, cleansing and piecing together broken pieces to give them a new meaning is a delicate and long process.
11. Verdict —
12. A way of looking at this new year is through the eyes of a seven-year-old child. While they can distinguish between fantasy and reality, they won’t openly challenge Santa’s existence. Because they hope for a wonderful surprise.
13. Don’t take my word for it! What do I know? I’m still busy reimagining the way I see things, so I can appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. But see for yourself, the crisp and fresh start.
You have condensed a treatise into a post, Khaya, and it is beautifully written. I am hoping for that pleasant surprise from this crisp and fresh start to a new year. The possibilities are there.
Many thanks, Lavinia. Here’s to hoping for a pleasant surprise!
I really felt number 6 especially after being bullied into silence when I was younger. Thankfully, blogging has helped me share my voice whether it’s talking about current issues, racism happening, or even just my opinions about random movies or series.
Very well penned, thought-provoking ruminations to reflect on and adjust where needed Khaya. It begins with self-evaluation for sure girlfriend! 🥰🙏🏽🤗🥂💖 It’s hard to change if you can’t see the changes that need to be made. 😍
“in silence we hear” Yes!
Yes indeed, Khaya, it is a privilege to have a voice. Hopefully, where amplifying stronger voices is difficult for so many reasons, then offering quiet hope is the other option. Poetry can be resistance but also comfort and light. We have to just choose the paths that work for us.
💕💕
In all these reflections, I felt the ominous shadow of current global and personal events cast over me. Yet, in them, I still managed to hear hope. You captured the complex, contradicting existence in few, strategic, and beautiful words. Thank you. And happy new year!
I love the thought of looking at the world (and ourselves) through young and innocent eyes. This opens so many possibilities… When we believe anything is possible, impossible doesn’t have a chance.
Wow! Khaya, what an incredible all-encompassing poem; this has so many layers, even within just a one sentence and I have been re-reading many times, inkling out the hidden depths of the words, the truths all too transparent and real. What a wonder in your latest addition of ‘in silence we hear’ – may many more be silent and actually listen – then add their voice of sanity to move forward constructively and with hope in this world, in all our lives.
Here’s to crips fresh new starts, my friend and thank you for your thought-provoking post. xx❤️
I empathise. Bullying is widespread and perverse. I’m super glad blogging allows you to use your voice and talk about things that affect most of us, one way or the other. Keep writing!
I appreciate your encouraging comment, girl. Reflect and adjust, so mote it be!
Thank you, Rajani. I absolutely agree, poetry can resistance… Here’s to comfort and light!
<3
There you go Queen Khaya! I get it! Hugs and smooches my dear! 🥰💖😘
Thanks to you too, Christina. And happy new year! About that ominous shadow…I understand the feeling. Let’s keep looking for the light, despite the persistent gloom!
Hey Maga, so lovely to see you around. 🙂 And say that again, when we believe anything is possible! There’s beauty in this, too.
Thank you very much. Sorry to hear that you were bullied in your life. Yeah, blogging has been great in that regard when expressing myself and lending my voice about certain situations.
Dearest Annika, I appreciate your kind words and that you took time to re-read this piece is the highest compliment. Thank you so much. Here’s to listening, speaking and active hope for a positive change! Keep writing my friend. xx ❤️
🙏🏽🫶🏾😘
Workplace bullying in my case, and in one of those bully-prone industries. Fortunately, my employer, at the time, took my case seriously and was resolved rather quickly. I know of instances where this kind of bullying is simply dismissed, more so if you are a woman and a black one at that.
Exactly and I know the feeling of being ignored even if I report something at previous jobs. So many people get away with things that they shouldn’t.
Your poetic list here spoke to me, Khaya. I am struggling with finding my balance in a world of juxtapositions. So much intense beauty, kindness, and creativity. So much cold-hearted brutality and moral destruction. My efforts don’t feel adequate. Hope feels naive. Thanks for sharing your gracious heart and a lovely vision of a crisp new day. <3 <3
We are in the same boat regarding the struggle to find balance. But as Margaret Atwood puts it, there’s fear and there’s hope. Perhaps then we ought to experience both, so that we can take action and inspire change in our small ways. Ideally, others would also join in and support us when our individual efforts seem insufficient. Thanks to you too Diana for reading. I’m glad to hear this piece spoke to you. Take care! <3
Yes, wise advice. There are ways to effect small change and we can take them. The alternative is to sit back and complain, which changes nothing.
I keep saying I’m going to write something called, “It’s not funny anymore,” which will be about political shenanigans, wars, and a general apathy about global affairs, but I can’t bring myself to do it.
Thanks for this, Khaya. It may be the inspiration I need to write it.
Dear Khaya,
So beautiful & inspirational!
I wish everyone read this very well-penned & thoughtful post.
My warmest wishes for you & all your beautiful creative works,
Warmly, ❦❦❦
Gol
Sjoe, say that again! It’s certainly not funny anymore. But I’m happy to hear this piece serves as an inspiration for you to write something about the state of affairs. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Thanks to you too Kathy for reading.
Hey Gol! Thank you so much for your kind comment; it means so much to me. Sending warm wishes to you too. Keep creating your exquisite art! 🙂