05 Jul 2020

Seasoned spoken word poet Tlamelo Office who goes by the stage name Midas has published her first book titled: Gifted Hands.

The book is an anthology of poems which features other eight writers in the likes of Boitshephelo Mojuta, Gaone Koloka, Aobakwe Makwadi, Ame Saakane, Lesedi Bogatsu and Maatla Tsheole.

Through Gifted Hands, the writers explore life experiences ranging from love to situations which contributed to their life journey.

Midas said writing poetry was a passion which dated back to her primary school days. “When a publishing company approached me, I was happy because I was able to collaborate with other local poets and to inspire the other youth to embark in poetry. Poetry as art can keep the youth away from all the ill habits,” she said.

The Tutume-born poet said she was currently working on the launch of the book. She also mentioned that for her first book to be published, was motivational enough to have her start working on the second one which was still in its early stages.

The 20-year-old University of Botswana student said she finds hope through poetry.

When quizzed on what the highlight of her poetry career has been, Midas was quick to point out that she had the opportunity to enter various competitions in the country and was looking forward to entering the President’s Day competition if it was not for COVID-19.

“I have been fortunate enough to attend different poetry sessions, at church, parties and  grand slam. And I hope in future I will perform at different corporate events, where I can share my talent with different people,” she said.

Midas said she was still optimistic about the future and expressed hope that as soon as the COVID-19 ends, she would go back to the stage and work on her poetry skills. Ends