I was lucky enough to have Lorie Ann Grover visit the Haiku Garden earlier this week. Lorie Ann shared a wonderful haiku about gazing eye to eye with a raven she met on her travels, which you can read here.
Inspired by her visit, today's little ditty was going to show another side of the incredibly uncommon "Common Raven," but I've since changed my mind. I don't know about you, but this week's news has left me feeling sideswiped-- depressed, angry, and more than a little bit perplexed about how our country has come to this. Perhaps I will return to the raven another day; today I need an infusion of hope.
Enter Botlhale "the flame" Boikanyo, contestant and ultimate winner of South Africa's Got Talent 2012. Some of you may have already seen her video which has made the rounds on social media. For those of you who haven't, you're in for a treat.
From the moment this 11-year-old poet explodes onto the stage with a confidence only a child prodigy can own, she immediately wins over the hearts of everyone in the room. She first performs an inspirational quote by spiritual teacher, author and lecturer, Marianne Williamson, from her book A Return to Love. Afterwards, she is invited by one of the judges to perform one of her original poems. With her own poem, not only does Botlhale speak for herself, but for her family, her community, her country, and, it seems, her entire generation. Before long, we are convinced that we are witnessing a child destined for greatness.
And now that you're feeling better (I know I am!), please head over to Dori Reads, where Doraine has another uplifting post and today's Poetry Friday roundup.
