The Story Behind – Gogo’s Dream: Swaziland Discovered

I’m not one for poetry, okay, unless it is by a children’s poet like Shel Silverstein or Dennis Lee. But grown up adult poetry just doesn’t grab me. I can list exactly three poems I like:

The Jabberwocky
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
The Creation of Sam McGee

That’s it, that’s all!

Until I was sent some poetry by Linda M. Rhinehart Neas from her book Gogo’s Dream: Swaziland Discovered. And what makes her poems even more awesome is the story behind her collection.

But I’ll let Linda tell that story.

Four years ago, two things happened. I became a grandmother for the first time and my life was touched by the writing of a young Australian doctor, who later introduced me to the Gogo’s (grandmothers) of Swaziland.

Dr. Maithri Goonetilleke is the co-founder of Possible Dreams International (PDI), a non-profit organization that brings aid to the Gogos, their families and communities. My connection to the Gogos grew through posts on his blog, his poetry and the photos sent from his visits to Swaziland. After all, as a grandmother myself, I could empathize with their fears and joys half way around the world.

Last year, when PDI was first established, I began brainstorming ways I could help support the efforts of Maithri and the team in Swaziland. My greatest talent is my writing, but how could I use it to benefit the Gogos?

Interestingly, a trip to the local historic society gave me the answer I was looking for at that time. There in the museum store was a book written by a local other. The author stated on the back cover that all proceeds from the sale of the book would go to the museum. Immediately, I knew what I would do.

Coincidentally, the Poem-a-Day Challenge had just begun. The facilitator suggested that we write our poems with a theme in mind. Swaziland came immediately to mind. Each day, I would look at the prompt for the view of the people and places in Swaziland.

Some of the poems illustrate the pain and suffering of the Gogos and their communities, some tell of the beauty of the land and the creatures there and some tell of life in Swaziland. I tried to paint a full and holistic picture of this land I have yet to visit.

When inspiration was slow in coming, I would look at the pictures of the Gogos with their grandchildren gathered around them. Almost immediately, the words would come pouring out. By the end of the challenge, I had a book of poems.

Through contacts, I learned about Blurb.com, through which I published my book. It was a great self-publishing experience. They give you the software to set up the book. They even offer a program for books that are fundraisers. Readers can get a sneak peak at: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1321608

It is my hope that this book will educate, enlighten and inspire others. All of the profits go directly to PDI. It is amazing how far a small amount of money can go in helping the Gogos and their communities.

To learn more about PDI and the Gogos, go to http://www.possibledreamsinternational.org.

More information!

I have to include one of Linda’s poems:

Gogo’s Dream by Linda M. Rhinehart Neas © 2010
For the Gogos (Grandmothers) of Swaziland

African sun burns deep into your soul
As red-clay dust envelops your thoughts.
In the distance, the sound of a child
Crying, sobbing, wrenches your gut.

You kneel beside a Gogo,
Who exists only for her grandchildren.
Eighteen bodies crowd around -
Their faces belie their ages.

Babies who have seen too much -
Old before their time, yet,
Once smiles rise from the depths
Of their longing – they are young, again.

African moon pours silence over you
As night sings songs of sleep.
Gogo’s hut shines from within.
You stand outside wondering -

Perhaps it is a dream…

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