south africa

I made many African friends in the 12 years I spent in South Africa, I feel for your thoughts of the rainbow, it is good that you can still feel these things as freedom grows more, I also feel the shift in the greed of some, that keeps the people from the dreams they had. It is as all things go, the rainbow could even be made of the sunlight shining through the tears of the many poor people. There could be a lovely poem there somewhere? Your writing is good, and I hope that there will be joy and love of all things at the end of your Rainbow Country, Yours Ian.T

The wholeness you describe to Ian is universal... people of every land tend to feel it, maybe not everyone as deeply as you... but some for sure... I've never been, but have no doubts about her beauty and zest for I am aware of your great country. Your poem... the rainbow... I'm not sure if it is something you just love as I do, and they are seldom seen here anymore... or if in the African culture it holds a special meaning... with that being said, your poem is packed full of sentiment... loved how you were talking to a child... I pictured perhaps a teenager... I do have a suggestion for the last stanza... the word "rainbow" could be changed to be less repetitive to maybe "colors" and "simple" is used twice... perhaps the first time it could be "innocent"... just suggestions... and thank you for posting this piece... I thought it quite lovely. Richard

first off, I agree with Richard, "rainbow" is the strongest word in your piece. I feel that it would be even stronger if it were emphasized with descriptions, not with repetitions. it loses its magic, you know? otherwise, this is a very good write, Sir. I have enjoyed each poem you have posted so far. thank you for coming here and sharing your wonderful talent with us. your Proprietress

Being a South African, I have to ask if the rainbow analogy is extended to Desmond Tutu's famous & inspirational "rainbow nation" comments way back in 1994 (was it that long ago??). If so, the poem develops layers for me which may be invisible to non-South Africans. While that particular rainbow for many has tarnished with time, if you take the politics & the politicians out of the picture for a moment, what an incredible, exquisite land we have - I for one, can not imagine living anywhere else again. Tried it for 2 years & it nearly killed me. You express the poignancy of living in this fascinating country very well. That second verse echoes what I have heard many say... Whether that's specific to a personal circumstance of yours or not, it transcends the personal & becomes universal. Regards, Jo

what happens to a nation's people when the land goes through a "dark ages?" We are only begining ours here in the states, but the story of South Africa is famous for it's treatment of its citizens, and the subsequent collapse of civility. You reflected this perfectly, again, in this piece, Nokros. Mark W. Proverbs 27:6 "Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy."