Mid-Day Poetry

By Hendrick Puo Kekana

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hendrick Kekana is a South African. He is presently employed by the Department of Education. He is stationed at the Tshwane South District Education Department Office (Tshwane South District). He works as a subject advisor for English, Senior Phase level. His primary job description includes visiting different schools in the district, monitoring curriculum implementation, curriculum coverage and administration of school-based assessments at the schools. He has to support and orientate new English teachers and Heads of Departments (HODs) at different schools. Kekana previously worked as an English teacher and a Head of Department at a school for over two decades.

Hendrick has served for about four years as an Editorial Chairperson in an executive committee of a district teachers’ union. During this time, he also sat in the Provincial Editorial Committee of the union.

Although Hendrick works in the Education Sector, he also has an interest in business management, administration and leadership.

This poetry book includes motivational, inspirational and spiritual poems. The poems are largely written in verse, with rhyming lines.

“You have a unique writing style and a positive perspective”.
- Editor

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hendrick Puo Kekana
• Release date: Oct 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005168902

Hendrick Puo Kekana

Hendrick Kekana is a South African. He is presently employed by the Department of Education. He is stationed at the Tshwane South District Education Department Office (Tshwane South District). He works as a subject advisor for English, Senior Phase level. His primary job description includes visiting different schools in the district, monitoring curriculum implementation, curriculum coverage.

Book preview

A Dedication

This book is written in memory of my paternal grandfather, Michael Lekgoba Modumeleng Kekana, who epitomised to his grandson a true African gentleman. It was a privilege to spend my childhood at your knees and feet!

It is also a tribute to my paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Phuswana Kekana. Although I unfortunately never got to meet you Koko, your kids have successfully relayed to me a picture of your life!

May they all be eternally blessed.

The Authorís undertaking

Whilst the author, Hendrick Puo Kekana, acknowledges that he has drawn the contents of his verses from sermons and spiritual publications, the Bible in particular, he does not at all seek to present himself as an expert in any of the written texts.

Where interpretations may sound or seem inappropriate or offensive, Kekana sends his deepest apologies. The purpose of this publication is never to offend any of its readers. Whenever and wherever readers feel aggrieved or offended, and correctly bring it to the author’s attention, the author shall, after consultation with all other concerned stakeholders and parties, endeavour to rectify the text without compromising the gist and the spirit of the publication.

Fruitful and constructive comments and criticisms are also most welcome. The author understands and knows that his growth can only come about by the interventions, recommendations and advice of the readers.

Thanks

HENDRICK PUO KEKANA

Thank You

The author wishes to extend his heartfelt gratitude to his greater family and friends. You are all truly appreciated.

1. The Reluctant Messenger

He was by his maker commanded!

But he opted to be reprimanded.

To Nineveh they set him forth to go,

For petty reasons he did not do so.

He protested that they were his people’s enemies,

His maker he completely neglected to appease.

He thought: these people deserve nothing but death,

Destroy their sin city because they are of no worth.

His maker had for them, a different plan.

It was never about whether or not he can.

From him, he fled and went straight to the West.

But running away from him, was not in itself best.

He was told to go up, but elected to go down,

By so doing he refused to take up his crown.

He went down to Joppa and down into the ship,

He refused to go up, and instead chose the whip.

In the end, he was down in the belly of a fish,

Had he gone up, troubles would only be a wish.

Had he listened and headed straight to the East,

His life would have been easy, just a big feast.

A prophet he is, of a completely different kind,

But by his inactions, Glory he could not find.

2. History’s Femme Fatale

History credits her with the death of The Baptist,

She was never before known to be adventurist.

Yet with her simple request, asked for his head.

So his truthful preaching could no more be heard.

It was all because of her great skill in dance,

Others say of her mother’s lack of substance.

‘Twas her mother who held against him a grudge,

But Herod himself still failed to act as just judge.

He was known by all to be a good and holy man,

Who would prophesy about what may happen.

He disapproved of the king marrying his bro’s wife,

The involved wife took offence at this love’s strife.

The king vowed to give her anything