Lookong at the green and cream-coloured capsule in my hand, I wondered what an anti-depressant would be like if she was an Auntie Depressant…? (Thanks, Welma, for the idea)
Ek kyk na die groen-en-roomkleurige kapsule in my hand en ek wonder hoe ‘n antidepressant sou wees as sy my Antie Depressant was … ? (Dankie vir die idee, Welma)
(Thanks, Welma, for the idea)
The full text in Afrikaans:
Ontmoet my Antie Depressant
Sy dra ’n groen rok waarteen haar boesem beur
En die sykouse wat oor haar kuite span is roomkleur.
Op bingo wings fladder sy tot my hulp.
Sy omvou my, sterk soos ’n skulp,
Haar wang sag soos die blaar van ’n tulp.
Met ’n ferm hand onder my elmboog
Hou sy my omhoog
En met ’n geoefende oogKyk sy sommer my trane droog.
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English translation:
Meet my Auntie Depressant
Her bosom strains against her green dress
Over her calves the cream-coloured stockings must stretch
On bingo wings she flutters to rescue me
Strong like an oyster she enfolds me
Soft tulip cheeks caress me
With a firm hand under my elbow
she upholds me
And with a practiced eye
She just looks my tears dry.
Where I am going with this blog from here.
Since the beginning of this year I had been recovering from burn-out from the work and personal overwhelm of 2020-2021. In the depths of my despair I began to make rhymes. They are my antidepressants and I share them here. They are also a form of advocacy and resistance.
The plan is to post one every weekend – but as soon as this becomes too much like work, I will stop.
I want them to offer joy, giggles, sniffles and reflection.
Thanks to my sister Monica Bosman who is my soundboard and my language editor Find her here.
To my Husband Gerhi who does the doodles. Find him at www.gerhi.com
And my son who edits and posts my videos.
Yep, it is a family affair…