Best Pretoria Poems
The sun kneels to kiss the
skyscrapers
The Darkness floats above like
clouds
And those homeless become
accidental campers
Setting their plastic beds on the
cold floors
These black concrete rivers
Flood with moving lights
And its banks are swarmed
With men who’s faces lulled
Locked in deep thought
As the night ages once more
Laddies emerge from the
Corners of the streets
Clothed with nothing but
desperation and despair
As they seek an audience with
men of matrimony,
They sway their hips fishing
them to their cause
Good night Pretoria, the city of
dreams.
Categories:
pretoria, life, night, urban,
Form:
Rhyme
THE CRADLE OF MANKIND.
The archaeologists of this era
Were about to excitedly find
The Cradle of Mankind
Where the origins of humankind
Had been found, the news was about
To be revealed to the whole world
And so the ears of our globe were glued
To their radios in 1947, they heard,
About this mammoth remarkable finding
Painstakingly excavated , it’s evidence binding.
Mrs Ples’s skull was found,
And with carbon dating,
Archaeologists were rewarded
Most certainly worth waiting!
Estimated to be 2.3 million years’ old.
Mrs Ples (as the archaeologists named her)
All this time had been hidden
For many a year
But there is still more to hear!
It is said that she is the missing link,
We may each think what we want to think!
Archaeologists were about to discover
Other unbelievable phenomena,
Which supported the belief of evolution,
And steered many into total confusion!
God is omnipresent, and
The Alpha and Omega, He has been
Looking down on earth for millenniums
From the beginning of time,
He is omniscient, He believes in me,
And I in Him, He is the Divine!
The Sterkfontein caves are now famous,
Planet Earth was listening, this story was big!
In 1998 archaeologists discover
Yet another important find,
This boggled the mind!
They laboriously dug in this one excavation
Over twenty years, Layer upon layer of ground
And thus Little Foot was found!
He, some say it’s a she, was gently assembled,
And lies in a Pretoria museum,
Together with Mrs Ples,
Archaeologists still dig,
They insist, that there are still hidden treasures
And take great measures,
To work carefully and diligently
Excitedly say there is much more to find
Underneath and beyond the Sterkfontein caves,
Patiently, waiting to uncover
Yet another, one of a kind!
I believe with soul, heart and being
In The Almighty, maybe He even lent the
Archaeologists a helping hand, we cannot
Ignore these finds, they are not fantasy but real
Furthermore we were given the gift of logic,
And ultimately the archaeologists will kneel,
And praise and thank God Almighty!
Categories:
pretoria, god,
Form:
Free verse
Aluta continua
Was that word another message replaced
And the room spun dark as web
The tree no longer walks the night
The bush is silent on the veld
Madiba has passed the lion sleeping
Has left the fruit falling
Has left the children walking by the light
Of stars
Like Biko, telling him to come
And the women crying in Soweto
Azania like a long shadow falling
On our frozen consciousness:
The great man is free at last.
This freedom is a new kind without a new to come
Dawning on the memory of the world -
I stood for a minute when I heard
Broken again in my silence
By the subtle return of my chain
Of mortality, suffering under that brutal heel
And could not shake this death out of me
All of us dying eternally -
For the wages they paid, the pittance
That could not feed us
For twenty seven years of fragments
That reduces a man’s life to bandages of accolades
Madiba is gone
And I will not say farewell to a struggle that wears
Out a man, but will not retire itself.
It was a long sleep, comrade
But we will wake again, we wake
To the consciousness of your absence
That we must dig the hole for you
And plant the legacy tree of your courage
Inside the village of tomorrow.
Tired, I would sleep too, I would lay
Down and dream of Fidel outside Pretoria
That my chains are only cloth
And my dreams are balls of fire
Too far away, too futile
Twenty seven years of anger, where I
Shoot and die, another star like Biko
We all are dead long before you left
I knew that when I stood
For a minute silence and did not breathe.
Categories:
pretoria, death,
Form:
Elegy
The Capital Pretoria found in the Gauteng Province,
holds the Voortrekker Monument located on a hilltop-
Made of pure granite it was built in nineteen forty-nine,
all the tourists are intrigued to take a look and stop.
The most common language in South Africa is isiZulu,
it is spoken by most of the country’s population-
The warmth of the country can be overbearing,
bordered by the Atlantic, it’s a subtropical location.
Stellenbosch is a university town in Western Cape province,
surrounded by vineyards and a mountainous steeple-
Oak-shaded streets lined with café’s and boutiques,
there are art galleries and little shops for the town’s people.
The Western Cape is also the home of The Garden Route,
Paarl is the largest town in the Cape Winelands destination-
The Cape of Good Hope overlooks the majestic Dias Beach,
the chameleon waters flow from God’s wonderful creation.
South Africa’s beauty shines throughout the Earth,
making it a home to many, giving the world much worth.
May 1, 2017
Categories:
pretoria, africa, beauty, culture, ,
Form:
Quatrain
Staking Claims: For Yucatec Maya & Native Peoples
The stones of the desert cry with me
They are brothers and sisters, but no bloody kin
New hearts see just cold rocks … no warmth or charity …
Might you see how we worship gods in them?
The gods themselves are dead, buried in hopeless holes
They died when we could not stop the excesses of each Columbus
Who brought a brutal hunger for gold and souls
Then bone and marrow fell within Columbus’ compass
The trees and tree stumps of the Yucatan
Hold deep scars and memories in their bosoms
The limestone cries quietly for the sons of Chillam Balam
Their tears yielding tomorrow’s blossoms
For even grasses, herbs, insects … know
That they too will be sucked, one after another
Away from the withering, wrinkled body of our Mother
Through a gaping hole in the atmosphere
All earth cries with the sun and stone worshippers
The blackened peasant clasps his callused hands
With those last calories from a breakfast of peppers
Unaware that his gods died hopelessly condemned
The desert explodes into those oases
Where infatuated faith still yields cool, delicious flesh
And forgiving flowers among the spikes in the cactus:
The desert and stones are gentler than Columbus
©Dr. A. S. Deo, 500 Years after Columbus, circa 1996.
BACKGROUND NOTE OF HORRORS:
(Written in the 1990s. Blood and tears are part of the story, not only for Native Peoples like the Maya of the Yucatan, but for my wife and daughters, too. A Sri Lankan professor allied with my Promoter/Chairman of my doctoral committee, objected to my politics outside of the classroom. They used the clout of the legal department at my campus, The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, to shut me up and deny my degree. They failed, thanks to my “cold stone gods” and Jesus. I defended my thesis, successfully, on 1 May 1995 and was back working in my native South Africa in June 1995! Soon I was hired by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pretoria, when Nelson Mandela was President. He retired in 1998. Sadly, little changed in the then DFA at the Union Buildings, and poor of South Africa … and across the globe, continue to get false hope & promises from Liberals, Conservatives, Blacks & Whites. Jesus alone will speak truth to you, about EVERYTHING. Check a Bible near you, start with John's Book)
Categories:
pretoria, abuse, education,
Form:
Rhyme
Throat was dry
Even no tears to cry.
In mids of the desert-
Failure was every try-
It was then-
A sudden change-
When I felt drops of rain-
Came and washed away my bane.
Breeze then whispered a doh-
Pointing to colors of rainbow-
Your message came like that “Bea”
Though this time not from Pretoria.
(sami)
Categories:
pretoria, happiness, life, romantic,
Form:
Narrative
BANKS OF GIHON
Great Leopard you left...
and as you crossed the banks of Gihon...
there you paused and looked back
we were reluctant to put out the fires-
for the children are still young...
we need to cook them yams..
see to it, the young ones are well fed
and put to sleep- oh such innocence...
we did put out the fire...
and great Leopard you crossed Gihon,
and Africa we lost a great son....
But look back you did...
we shall always remember..
some say the leopard.. in so doing
was handing over the button..
we put out the fire and you crossed Gihon....
Your companion a friend..
who had once delivered you a message...
the day machines turned against their masters..
as the emissary was run down Pretoria
running for dear life....
Great leopard you crossed Gihon..
and Africa lost A GREAT SON
BY Lewis k nyaga...
31/12/2014
1828 hrs east african time..
Categories:
pretoria, africa, bereavement, culture, faith,
Form:
Epitaph
P.O.E.m 2013
I.
---
Pretoria isn't far from Soweto yet
Earth's curve still hid each from the other
As blind eyes denied the other's pride
Colored only, European only - apartheid
Eradicated, chance for understanding
Only blood and bombs could determine
***** and white would kill or unite
Events can tangent to unexpected turns
And lead down paths we wouldn't bet
Reconciliation became a possibility as
The village elder Tata gently guided
Hatred and fear toward a new Peace On Earth
II.
---
Pennies rattle to the bottom of the pot
Each time someone tosses their change in
Assets casually or hopefully tossed aside
Cash-n-carry with bags of Christmas pride
Eager to get home to cook up a hot dinner
Only Eunice stands stoic in place
Nary a passerby looks at her face
Eunice has been there for twelve seasons now
And tonight is no different because snow changes to
Rain and then tapers to a west-blown wind
To her, it's the heart that owns the spirit and
Her "Happy Holidays" bell rings of Peace On Earth
III.
---
Punching pink nose through the slight snow
Early on the cold winter's morning
As dark Lapis sky grades to brighter dawn blues
Creatures peer from slumbering hideaways as
Earth slowly rotates them toward old Sol
Oak of red, Aspen of white or Spruced up
Needles greening under the dry-snow branches
Each and every snow-crystal glistens prisms
All colors, all directions - all is quiet
Rabbits, squirrels, and other fur-creatures
Together with many birds come to witness that
Humans are absent from this Peace On Earth
© Goode Guy 2013-12-12
Categories:
pretoria, christmas, earth, peace,
Form:
Acrostic
A patriarch, legend, family man,
A moral compass,
An arc of proprietary leadership
With octopus creeping advancements
Inducing pomiferous effects
Africa’s epitome of
Struggle against racial oppression
The Great Madabe :
An iconic glistering personality
Held the jugular of
Erstwhile oppressors spell-bound.
According to him :
‘Exhausted all peaceful means’
Spear-headed weapons of warfare
To tackle this gamut
Rivonia Trials :
Black face in White Court,
White Court in Black Country,
Black Country White Ruled,
A sizzling paradox.
An illustrious Amicus Curiae
Who ought to ensure
Right persons do not
Travail in Court
Travailed but prevailed.
In Prison :
Remained a dignifying character,
Bubbling with unending
Vigour and vitality
Though sequestered within
The prison’s iron-gates
The ideals he stood for
Could not be suppressed
With draconian laws,
Separatist illusions cum policies.
Prisoner of conscience
A.K.A. 46664 Robben Island
His heart for his people
Obviously exhibited by
Willing sacrifice of
His freedom for countless numbers.
A multifarious personality :
A former herdsboy,
Won the Almighty God’s Heart
In tendering the herd
He saw another King David
Mindful of His creation
Nkosi Dalibonga,
Elder Statesman,
World Ambassador,
Amicus Curiae,
Exemplary Leader,
Reconciler of his nation,
Negotiator of peaceful end to Segregation.
Papa Madabe,
Indeed had a heart
For the people
No wonder God
Emplaced him as
The Primus Black African
To preside over his Country.
The Last Journey :
Home going,
From Pretoria,
The Military C-130 Hercules Jet
Hurtled through the morning skies
Landed safely at Mthatha Airport,
Eastern Cape Province
Where this son of a Chief
Spent the happiest years
Of his childhood.
Last Parade :
Colour Party of White and Black faces
Previously unheard of
A resounding result of the Struggle,
Carry Matata Madabe’s remains
To the dark coloured hearse
Amidst full
Presidential Honours…
Adieu Great Madabe
You were a Great light
Now in the far beyond,
Good night for your passage
Has caused an irreparable
Generational chasm for
Years to come.
Categories:
pretoria, appreciation, eulogy, inspirational, leadership,
Form:
Elegy
Tshwane WHY?
Tshwane residents act right, you are not presidents....
its by default i utter the norms and values of a black community
we are presidents in our own thoughts but we fail to rule our own homes
its by accident that i step into thoughts that search those who are at fault.
the indecency that walks with us remains the same when we fancy things that don't belong to us,
God have mercy on us for we don't know what is it that poverty is doing to us.
i privately seek your help in your name , i create awareness to the blackness of their wilderness that has nothing to do with your pureness of your glory!!!
i'm black not because of situations that needs decorations.... but to what extend are we going to be blinded by blunders of those who don't know your law...OH LORD know me now and forever more because this foreign feeling sits me down to undo what they are doing
NO MAYOR can make you feel good about yourself or make you a better person
do we drink from the blood that is shared unnecessary? because if that is the case lets kill each other now because we don't value life and each other.....
Categories:
pretoria, africa,
Form:
Narrative
I
Andre Kelbrik was a realtor in Pretoria, akin to Washinton or Ottowa
I was in South Africa's first free & fair Foreign Ministry, Deputy to Schwarz,
Head of the Communications Hub: we issued DNB, summary of News
To all ambassadors and consulates of South Africa, abroad ...
I had no interest in business. Thanks to Andre, I am a landlord today
I sing of Andre and Marina, who befriended me in PRETORIA, closed to me
Until the election of Nelson Mandela in 1994 (Apr 27), taking office in '95
II
Now, I know the ups and downs of business, even renting out 3 FLATS
I wanted just one, as I was far from family (in Washington, D.C.) -
But Andre kept finding these good deals, and sold me three woonstele
Even helping kick out in 1999, a fellow-Indian, but a scheming tenant
And since then, all my tenants have tried to rob, not pay, squat:
Because of the changing post-apartheid business dispensation
They'd get off (Prayer?) since I was often with my daughters in USA
III
In 2012, my US citizen daughter who turned 21, sponsored me
I had to remain in the US of A, and leave only with USCIS consultation
So I hung in there, being father, pastor, teacher ... tenants went to town
I must have lost a million Rands, good money in any country -
So I know about dangers of democracy, being equal and all -
Yet, there is no other way. We cannot kill to keep what we gained here
Which is but of earth, every treasure, & Earth will claim it all
Categories:
pretoria, appreciation, betrayal, celebration, character,
Form:
Bio
"Madiba"
The currents keep up sparking up and down
Such elegance, your life had more scenes than an epic flick
Defined humanity you did, even in death you deserve a crown
Singlehandedly you kept the white fleas a bay, fielding stick
Madiba, the Great artist, thou painted red the entire earthly town
Effortlessly you curtailed the beast, how effortless is your skill!
Diamonds appeareth me in flames, wildflowers in dinner gowns
Human race you served, and empty African baskets you did fill
Goodwill you preached, you make the rest look like clowns
The sun and stars smile admirably to this piece! Oh how slick
95 long fruitful moments, bewildering all from North to South
Black Moses, thou granted the African race it's holy seal
From the suburbs of Soweto to the South of Pretoria
All and sundry join the angels as we sing "The Gloria
Categories:
pretoria, appreciation,
Form:
ABC
Shalom shalom or Peace greetings, PS.
1. Not all my writing is BIO or autibiographical
2. In South Africa, now, I have a cell that can't do Soupmail. Im unsure how to answer questions. Sometimes I responded, as to Victor B's email last week, with a/my posting ("kinda anon")
3. Thank you all for concerns about my day or health, but I am healthy, hopeful, even about missionary objectives in Newtown, EC. and my properties in Pretoria (taken over by "illegally" security or Levy company).
Poem:
misunderstood poet
how to cope with in-between
day ... focus on Gift
Categories:
pretoria, angst, christian, education, encouraging,
Form:
Free verse
I
Love to talk about pain -
to listen ... what I need too -
Because all know pain
II
God knows Father's pain
Wait! No separation in pain
Suffering is a stepping stone
III
We separate over everything-
even our pain, history ...
One story; Human Story; His Story
IV
Because God won, we win:
suffering is a given here - accept -
Not resisting, we overcome!
NOTE: PRACTICAL APPLICATION. This week, I SURRENDERED to reality that my 3 properties/woonstele in Pretoria, South Africa, will be foreclosed. The company, HUURKOR, deposited 3 checks into an account I do not control. They could have paid themselves the HOA/Levy. Now, the insanity is their mistake will foreclose my flats. Big Huurkor walks free. I will not travel to Africa as I have duties here. So I won't fight it; I prefer my destiny in good ol USA.
Categories:
pretoria, abuse, africa, america, anger,
Form:
Senryu
Thanks to.my LORD JESUS, Saviour -Redeemer-King, for my survival.
I am in Pretoria, the once pristine Capital of South Africa. I took back a flat/ apartment rented Toba Nigerians refugee when I returned here from USA in 2019. The illegal use of my property that violated all codes and agreements ... ( No time to give details) ... Ended, with monetary love. And threats of violence. My good Nigerian friend took me away from this flat around 8 pm last nite, protected in a guest house. An hour later four Nigerians came to discipline me, an "Indian" who must leave Africa (so they take my property?). My friend had to fight them off --
Many South Africans feel abused by immigrants, notably some Nigerians, who openly mock "weak" South Africans
Categories:
pretoria, abuse, africa, violence, world,
Form:
Free verse