'All we need is love,' says local poet

A Grade 12 learner at Dimani Agricultural High School is living proof that dreams can come true at any age.

Dembe Nemukula (18), residing at Hamutsha, has just published his first collection of poems, titled In Changes I Expect Light. The 64-page anthology contains 38 heartfelt poems to indulge in for lovers of literature.

“I read poems from many famous writers and was inspired and started experimenting by writing my own poetry,” he said. “But as time went by, I realized that I was able to connect with my inner self and express how I feel. When I write, I feel good - I enjoy it.”

For him, poetry is the best way to express one’s feelings and thoughts, and even to share memories – whether it is of good or bad days gone by.

“Poetry helps me to relax. I normally get very depressed, so when I write it is like I have found myself a psychological friend who helps to relieve the turbulence in my mind,” he said. “Poetry to me is like a way to connect with the world and share the way I see the world and what I think of what I see. Most importantly, poetry allows one to be honest and speak from the heart.”

Through the spectacles of an artist, he has witnessed the way the world of today is changing, and has come to the conclusion that it is not changing for the better. “All we need is love, nothing else.”

Nemukula says that his book contains an ultimate message: that the world is dying and, although everyone can hear it cry, nobody knows what to do. “All that I am saying is that there is a cure for saving the world - Love. But we are lacking love. We need love, because without love the world is as good as dead,” he said. “I believe that In Changes I Expect Light can help change the world. The moment the readers can relate to what the poet is saying, there's nothing else for them other than feeling inspired. An inspired person is a person with a ticket to bring good change to the world.”

Nemukula conveyed his deep gratitude to his family, friends and everyone who helped and supported him in reaching his goal and getting his poem collection published.

Dembe Nemukula can be followed on Facebook and reached on Tel 066 332 5943.

Entertainment - Date: 22 August 2021

Tshifhiwa Mukwevho

Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho was born in 1984 in Madombidzha village, not far from Louis Trichardt in the Limpopo Province. After submitting articles for roughly a year for Limpopo Mirror's youth supplement, Makoya, he started writing for the main newspaper. He is a prolific writer who published his first book, titled A Traumatic Revenge in 2011. It focusses on life on the street and how to survive amidst poverty. His second book titled The Violent Gestures of Life was published in 2014.

Email: [email protected]