Introduction
Reason for Anthology
Writing is a method for me to articulate what I feel within me constantly. The words and thoughts are never brought to a standstill and sentiment with a strong consciousness of Gods presence causes these words to pour out of me. I have placed in writing the inspiration of my heart and accepted this call as it is a mandate from God.
This anthology focuses on what gives life to our souls and to inspire and I feel it is prophetic in nature. I am excited to see the growth in me over the years as I write to see how my own perceptions are challenged. This is a quest and shifts in its dimensions of reality. I feel poetry is a way to have your soul dusted.
A Bit about C.F. van Niekerk:
Coenie (Conrad) van Niekerk was born 11 April 1977 in Johannesburg South Africa. He is one of four boys of Johan and Ina van Niekerk of which he is one of twins that are the youngest of the boys.
Growing up with a strong sense of art and culture such as singing for the famous P.A.C.T. opera house in Pretoria and his grandfather (C.F. Rudolph) publishing his own poetic works in Afrikaans anthologies in the middle 19 hundreds, his mother also writing many poetic inspired works such as poems and numerous songs; short and long stories.
Conrad has been in the ministry serving as a Pastor at The Bay Christian Family Church in Cape Town since 1997.
The Third Generation Poet
Conrad with a heart to “challenge and question life” wrote his first poem at the age of five, inspirational and bursting with passion.
A quote from one of his poems "The Opus": "Under the calamity of reality is the conclusion that holds the moulds of the knowledge in me and the understanding in you,
Forward in its means and strong in intent is the quest for our existence true..." describes the cogent way he expresses his heart.
Achieving the honour of reaching the semi-finals in an annual online poetry competition held by a well-known poetry website they describe his work as being “…poetic artistry…” and having “…unique talent and artistic vision…” The poem that achieved this honour “Let’s Awake” is also featured in www.poetryforlife.co.za; “poetrypoem.com” and published on “poetry.com” and has won online poetry competitions.
The title: “Poetry for Life”
It is said that there is an inspirational (stirring, stimulating) significance in his work. All he wants is for the individual who seek out life with him, to experience these writings as an entrance into a new realm of zest and depth for life. These writing have been described as prophetic or philosophic in nature.
Be blessed by it and collaborate with him in the quest for life!
Giovanni
This Book is dedicated to Johannes Hermanus van Niekerk (1947-2005). A true father of love, kindness; meekness and a great example as a husband of his one wife (Ina Rudolph van Niekerk) for thirty years…
“but wait a minute”
He looks left and right in his heart
These thoughts like a flood.
Emotions drifts in darkness so deep,
Cuts his soul causes cracks and blood.
At once he stands and looks within to see,
Where he finds himself and stops the me.
She bears the wounds old scars of a touch,
Evil confusion that sleeps rest should bring.
Smiling a porcelain smile like dolls cheeks red,
The pain she finds herself is weights doom as muscles ache like rotting dry tree to break.
At once she stands and looks within to see,
Where she finds herself and stops the me.
Cry in essence of me,
Hope faded pale dim trapped by this life.
Tiredness tapping keeps me awake,
Troubled this day again dries my bones to quake.
At once we stand and look within to see,
Where we find ourselves and stop the me.
He stands with shoulders back and lifts eyes above,
She wipes the tear and breaks the night.
And say “but wait a minute”,
Gushing out certainty remembrance of promise.
“but wait a minute”
What is this that comes against me,
What is this that tries to snare,
This cloudy darkness that lords over me,
Mountain exalting itself in life’s face.
“but wait a minute”
Behind…goodness past,
Conclusion set limit in heart.
New day breaks my drenching voice,
Brake away web of mist of confusion.
“but wait a minute”
Fire before Life and earth shudders,
Lightning not needed for Life but for earth to see what is now revealed.
Spirit meditates in quiet breath in amazement of Life’s kindness and goodness,
Perfume breaks, for joy brings strength to see.
“but wait a minute”
Cut the ropes that bind,
Soar above the storms walls trying to in ill will unite.
Set your face,
Remember triumph of old.
“but wait a minute”
Who can before me stand,
To take me from Life’s hand?
Examples set foundations routed deep,
Men of old boned cries to heed.
“but wait a minute”
Eyes and mouth meet,
In handshakes agreements greet,
Birth meditation the strong heart,
Courage as I stand I consider…
“but wait a minute”
Life
The deeper the ocean, the deeper my breath,
The higher the mountain, the stronger my hands,
The longer the road, the more I focus.
The dryer the valley, I will rise.
What is the end to this? Who can tell?
It’s in you and me where the answer lies.
The bigger the vision, I will prepare.
The higher the goal, I will dare.
The more perseverance, I am aware…
The answer is in me. The answer is here.
Nothing can stop me,
No limits, no fear.
I’ve found the answer,
The price is clear.
Past gone?
Present is here.
Future’s at hand.
From death to life,