Liefdeskrif
nie die drup van hartseer bloed
maar die omhelsing van soet
wonder van weet:
liefde vergeet die diep sny van pyn
goue letters rangskik woorde
van lig op swart
daar is hoop en vertroosting
in aanvaarding
en in die omhels
van self
.
Writing Love
Translation from the original poem in Afrikaans
not the trickle of sorrows that bleed
but the treacle of sweet
wonder of knowing:
love forgets the deep cut of pain
golden letters arrange words
of light on black
there is hope and solace
in acceptance
and in embracing
the self
Author notes
Original poem in my mother-tongue, AFRIKAANS.
Photo: Myra February 10, 2009
A few years ago I published a selection of poetry called LANGUAGE OF LOVE, with all of the poems in THREE languages: Afrikaans, English and a THIRD language. I think it must be the only book of poetry of its kind in the entire world! Since then I simply love to read multi-lingual poems! I also realized that the Language of Love transcends any language.
My son Herman received this T-shirt on his visit to New York during December 2008 from a group who endeavors to help their friend who is a cutter, by embracing her in love. This effort touched me deeply, for I am a social worker who implement creative language to in my meta-therapy lectures to enhance caring and endopathy between souls in order to promote healing. I only took this photo two days ago and when I saw your contest, I decided to enter this poem inspired by this photo.
You can read more about TO WRITE LOVE ON HER ARMS at the following link:
http://www.twloha.com/page.php?id=6
In a list
A contest entry
- Love Transcends Language by Note The Sarcasm.
900 points, ended February 14, 13 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 19 of 19
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Very nice. You have said enough.
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When you speak of love I listen because it is the language of a divine soul. I hope it is carried to the four corners of the globe and I wish you well in the contest.
Sincerely,
Leo Long
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Cutting is a silent plea, thank goodness it's not invisible as well. I applaud your son in his endeavour of helping his friend to overcome the pain of past and to move on into the future with love as the captain of the ship.
Prachtig héél mooi expressie van liefde!
Love, Sandi
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Quite excellent!
Often, after reading a piece of poetry, I am left wondering if I followed a trail of thought the poet had carved for me, or simply one I hacked out for myself. Its sort of like the idea from one of my favorite movie interchanges:
Luke: "What is in there?" (indicating the cave he is about to enter.
Yoda: "You will find inside only what you take inside with you."
So, I embarked upon the trail and it has led me miles and miles...and isn't that a gift!?! Where I ended up? Well, someplace between "we find ourselves most fully through the connection with others" and "stop whining and jump!"
Well? How'd I do? Your trail, or mine?
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this was really woderful
the two languages flowing together , it really works
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Congratulations on a wonderfully penned poem. Bravo!
Mariana
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This poem would be pretty in any language
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this is absolutley beautiful. thank you for sharing this with me today. you have earned my applause and then some. i wish you well in this contest you have entered. viyanna rosemarie
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I enjoy simplicity and profundity when they are combined. A simple concept achieved only mostly inexplicably....or everyone would do it all the time. You've demonstrated it well here. And even tried to explain the process. But nonetheless, it's not easily repeatable.
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The opening lines trace tears that fall freely from the wounded heart. Then, show the way that the Light can bring surcrease and freedom from the ancient pain. The words in golden light is a wonderful symbol of the effect of the epiphany called enlightenment.
As someone who suffered from abuse as a child and a High Anxiety Disorder till I was forty, I love the gentleness and the acceptance in this piece. It is a blessing to sleep with as it rest beneath the pillow and a gentle breeze to the heart. It takes more than admitting to the problem, it takes feeling safe to resolve and that people care if you do.
Love,
Tom B.
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Thank you so much Tom ...
for the support. I love wounded souls and as I said the cowardice of the abuser to deny all offenses causes victims to feel as if they are guilty, while they are innocent. The wrath of God will be on those who carry on hurting innocent souls. Unfortunately the so called Law does not always unmask the perpetrator and the irony is, the higher he or she is in social status, the more they are protected.
I am sorry to hear of your ordeal, but thankful that you speak out.
It is of the utmost importance that we set an example for younger poets on this website to defend themselves against the dirt of society. May I add that, contrary to what anyone may say, I do believe that a sex offender can be touched by God and healed instantaneously. Most psychologists disagree with me and say the sex offender is incurable. I know that if the perpetrator admits his deeds and ask the victim's forgiveness, the healing process is fast for both. God does forgive those who begs forgiveness, but those who does not will suffer MORE than they let the children suffer.
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"Love changes everything, hands and faces, earth and sky..." nou laat jy my dink aan een van my gunsteling liedjies, Myra.
Dit is die eerste Gebod...
Wonderful, deep poetry - and so good to read it in Afrikaans too!
~ Nicolette
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Baie dankie Nicolette ...
vir die reaksie. Abusers come like thieves in the night, and the harm done to families is devastating. It is time that we speak out against the cowards who carry on, veiled and faceless, while their victims are strewn over a desert shore. There is nothing that angers me so much than sexual abusers and soulless abusers of ANY kind. God does not ask of us to remain silent forever. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
I am sure you know like I do what the cause of cutting is: pain that cannot be expressed due to deep emotional injuries, often sexual abuse. Let we carry on breaking the silence and forcing abusers out into the open.
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hi i loved this write it has affected me personally as i understand what it is about and the message it entails
your such a beautiful poet hun
love
m
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Hallo M ...
Please know that I am 100% behind you all the way. My prayers are with you.
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A very beautiful and life-affirming poem.
Warmest wishes,
Bill
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Aaah wow! Iemand wat afrikaans praat op hierdie site. Ek moes net dit kom lees. Very well done. Great imagery. And it made me happy . Lol. Excellent !!
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This is beautifully written! What language is this origianally in? Honestly, I don't have much to say ( good thing). Great write!
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The language is Afrikaans ...
for me it is almost German LOL Ich spreche so ein bischen Deutsch for instance in Afrikaans: Ek praat (spreek) so 'n bietjie Duits.
So I would love to order something sweet for this bit of German, as promised, nicht war?
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