A grade 12 learner from Rantobeng Senior Secondary School in Limpopo has published her first poetry book, aimed at healing people from the hardships they encounter in life.
At just 16 years old, one could be intrigued by what prompted the young, talented, and passionate poet to pen a poetry book.
Speaking to The Star, Mashoto Seropo said she had published her first Sepedi poetry book, Dikeledi gotšwa pelong yaka, which translates as "Tears from my heart". According to Mashoto, the high rates of oppression, violence and corruption in her province are the driving force behind the book of 42 poems.
"Every day I would wake up to saddening news that someone was raped or brutally killed and I hope this book will serve as a beacon of hope for people going through tricky times in their lives," she said.
Mashoto said it only took her a week to write all the poems in the book.
She explained that because of her love for writing, it was a piece of cake.
"It was not hectic, but instead it was fun and awesome. However, I had a lot of pressure but in a good way," she grinned.
Her poetry journey began at a young age, and it was fuelled by her love for writing and reading different books.
"I was only 11 years old in primary school, I vividly remember the day, and my Sepedi teacher would tell us to write down our poems and present them in front of other learners," she reminisced.
Following that, she said she was declared the top of her class, and this was when her passion for writing grew to another level.
Through her poetry, Mashoto also aims to motivate people from all walks of life, and to soothe the hearts of those who are going through difficult times in their lives.
"I want to motivate and remind people that life is unpredictable, and things don't
always go as planned. Hence, we must keep going, as the Pedi saying goes: kgotlelelo e tswala katlego, which translates to perseverance births success," she explained.
One of the poems she penned is Lehu (Death), which underscores the life experiences of death.
Mashoto emphasises that death can cause trauma and depression to those who lost their loved ones.
"The poem seeks to reassure people that there is life after death, regardless of how the death of our loved ones has broken our hearts."
She added: "At the end of the day, we have to heal and accept that as it is God's will and there's nothing we can do about it."
Filled with happiness and satisfaction, she said her book will keep the readers glued to their pages as she utilised a variety of Sepedi idioms that will keep them wanting to read more.
This young woman with a gift of writing poems is thrilled to have published her first poetry book and anticipates writing more in the future.
"I aspire to write more poetry books and would be beyond excited if my books could be read and examined in schools."
