This session also shows the power of ‘scaffolding’ – of giving participants a model to follow and then seeing how it helps them reach their own new – and original – heights.
1.First read this poem by Ndibulelele Sotondoshe to your group (with lots of expression). You may want to read it, then explain some vocabulary, and then read it again. (see Handout – The place I’m from)
The place I’m from
I’m from a place where there’s plenty of talent but only few succeed
Because born-leaders are sitting in the corner selling weed.
I’m from a city
Where a lady gets married only if she’s pretty.
Where women have the thought to tie the knot,
With a wealthy-man they love not.
I’m from a place where bloggers
do a blog about a dog that went for a jog with joggers.
But will never write even two sentences
About a poor man’s circumstances.
I’m from a place where we used to confide to pastors with all our trust
But they’ve turned into imposters that are filled with lust.
I’m from a place
Where poverty & agony is tattooed in your face.
Where you know the grill is to go steal
So you can have your first meal.
I’m from a place where ‘you’re just a thing’
if you don’t have a bling.
Where street-vendors ‘sell food’ so they can ‘buy food’ for their offspring.
I’m from a place where gossips gather
And talk about a young father
Who doesn’t care for his child who’s four.
Where you arrive but never make it out alive.
Where only the fittest survive.
Where you feel safe around skollies
But vulnerable around police.
Where you shake hands with friends,
But deep down they wish your life ends.
I’m from a place
Where it’s never your place to save a stranger
Who’s in danger.
I’m from a place where they say ‘he is just smart’
But they don’t know how his art
Is close to his heart.
A place that can’t be described in few lines stitched together in a rhyme;
That breeds leaders but it’s still notorious for its crime.
I’m from a place that follows you wherever you relocate,
Where love is overshadowed by hate.
I’m from the Eastern Cape
And that is not a place you can just escape.
***
2 Ask learners which lines they enjoyed the most or related to the most? Why?
3 Now learners are going to write their own poem on ‘That’s where I’m from’.
Ask them to complete this sentence four times in the poem:
I’m from a place where…
I’m from a place where…
I’m from a place where…
I’m from a place where…
4 Now they can arrange their sentences – and elaborate on some if they need – to submit as a poem below (short is fine!) You can read or share other examples with them. For inspiration, read here:
I’m from a place called home
That’s where I’m from Newlands East
What kind of a place
4 Ask them to share three of their sentences with a partner. Their partner must tell them which sentence they liked the best and why. Then get any keen writers to share their poems with the whole group.
Download handout here