The Sunday Mail
Tendai Chara
RECKLESS Poetry, an anthology by renowned motivational speaker Tafadzwa Kenneth Mukoyi, is not only thought-provoking but also mind-boggling as well.
A bit mischievous, the author, in the majority of the poems, takes readers’ minds into the gutter, only for the reader to realise that the meaning of the poems is far off the assumed meaning.
Mukoyi, a life coach, entrepreneur, strategist and award-winning author, teases the reader by coming up with poems that have a double meaning and are filled with ambiguity.
It takes a careful deduction for one to properly understand the work.
For instance, in “Let’s do it”, readers are taken for a ride as they are made to believe that the author is writing about someone who is longing for the passionate companionship of a loved one.
As the poem draws to a close, the reader will be pleasantly surprised to realise that what the writer is expressing is not a romantic and passionate night, but a longing for morning exercise.
In English Literature, a word or phrase which is open to two interpretations, one of which is usually indecent, is called a double entendre.
Away from the ambiguity, humour and double meanings, some of the verses are straightforward love poems.
“Time to do Me” is an emotional poem which deals with flirtation, falling in love and ultimately the pangs of being dumped by a loved one.
Using simple and direct language, the writer expresses the feelings of a person who, after falling in love and then dumped, becomes bitter and feels used.
“I flirted with you; now I see I was always your target right from the onset.
“You held me captive with the honey of your tongue, the nectar of your deceit.
“You wanted to claim me as yours – a trophy for display, another one of your conquests,” reads part of “Time to do Me.”
“Did I ever give you the slightest hint of a short-term relationship?
“I went all in.
“I trusted in my faith of an escape with you.
“I was ready to throw myself at your marching feet, my soul to give yours to lead.
“You knew why I was opening up to you and like the lethal professional you are, your shoulder and ear you gave, but withheld from me your empathy.
“Turns out you are not what you portrayed. I have my life in my rebirth, time to do me.”
Among some of the fascinating and intriguing poems are “Almond Cake”, “Soul Mate” and “I want You.”
“Reckless Poetry” is an anthology which is pregnant with passion, intrigue and suspense.
Mukoyi, who is better-known as Coach Taf, has previously penned the highly acclaimed motivational book “Exit Your Excuses.”
He was listed among the top 100 Global coaching leaders in 2018 and is a multiple Executive Coach of the Year award winner.
