One of my saving graces in high school (yuk, yuk) was English. I had a fabulous teacher and still carry one particular poem we studied in my heart. Like Pink’s Raise Your Glass (albeit subtler, graceful and infinitely more dignified) this gem is an anthem for the non-conformists, for those who are misunderstood. Written by KZN’s very own Shabbir Banoobhai, it’s a fitting tribute.

by your own definition

blue skies...

by your own definition
i drink too deeply
the blood of roses

lean on a leaf
for comfort

mistake mysteriously
a thorn for a star

when the world curls itself
around my fingers
seas gather in my palms
trees sustain the sky

my life lifts to loving
love leaps to living

and without words i strive to answer
questions you have never asked

oh making you understand
is like trying to crush
the skull of a mountain

{ for more beautifully inspiring and uplifting poems, visit his website: veils of light  }

I left Hout Bay, with a packed car and tears for the final time last night. Dax and I had our last ‘supper’ (dry crackers, him with a cool drink glass of wine, me with rooibos in the mug Carla bought him – appropriate to the last), were warm with one another (he still thinks it’s me. I still think it’s more a matter of ‘mix’) and it hurt like having all teeth pulled, while giving birth to a small camel – sans anaesthetic. It hurts all over the place. But. I know, somewhere deep in the core of my scarlet heart, that I’m doing the right thing – for both of us. Doubt weighs heavy when tears fall, I drove away weeping beneath a lemon slice moon and as I turned on the stereo, U2’s Walk On began to play. I cried harder but I got it, loud and clear. I listen when the universe speaks.

I’ve woken to blue skies and bright sunshine. I’m taking myself off for a stroll on the beach to celebrate freedom, self affirming (albeit tough) decisions and a brand new day…