Beacon Valley poet’s work has been included in a new anthology called Kaapstad.
Chenal Kock, 27, from Beacon Valley is one of several authors whose work has been selected to be included in the book, published by the non-profit Back 2 School Organisation.
The anthology includes work in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa, and is described as a “mengelmoes” of stories told from different perspectives, said Chenal.
“Four of my poems feature in this poetry anthology, which are, Greetings of my Identity, My Gebou, Tale van My Tong and University Meisie. These poems each hold a significant purpose within my poetry journey thus far,” she said.
Each poem reveals certain parts of her, in different roles and environments, she said.
They all have in common a girl from Beacon Valley Mitchell’s Plain who finally embraces her unique dialect and bushy hair, they all have their own story to tell but share commonality in becoming, learning, unlearning, experiencing and exploring, said Chenal.
Chenal was also excited to show a variety of her work, explaining how she would identify her creative being as being a “mixed but not fixed creative artist”.
“I think the book within itself celebrates Heritage Day, recognising and celebrating the cultural wealth of our nation. We celebrate this day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up our population of South Africa. Dis n mengelmoes,” she said.
Founder and chairman of the Back 2 To School non-profit organisation, Aphiwe Magida, said in November last year they invited Cape Town youth between 16 to 30 to submit their poems that narrated different stories about Cape Town through poetry.
“Working with Chenal in this project has been a breath of fresh air, because her style of writing is unique,” he said.
“And she is honest about how she feels about things in her poems. She is also versatile in her writing style as she can shift from isiXhosa, to Afrikaans and English. This highlights the book’s objectives and theme, because Kaapstad is all about embracing our diversity,” he said.
Chenal said it’s important to see “yourself as a lifelong scholar and to wholeheartedly believe in your dreams so that the universe hears you”.
“In doing that you manifest it into existence and once your seeds are planted it’s up to you to water it daily with self-love, individuality, perseverance and passion so that you allow your potential to flourish into greatness,” she said.
Kaapstad poetry anthology is currently available at the Book Lounge in Cape Town. You can contact the ‘Back 2 School Organisation’ on Facebook, email back2school.organisation@gmail.com or Whatsapp Aphiwe Magida on 063 526 1919.
