Gerhardus Keen Poems

I pretended I was strong
And that I did not care
I pretended to be brave
And as tough as a bear
...

If only I could turn back time
If only I could see
If only a light would shine
If only I wasn't me
...

My taal, Afrikaans
Ek skryf 'n gedig oor my taal, Afrikaans,
die taal van my hart, my siel, my dans.
Met woorde soos 'lekker', 'boer' en 'biltong',
...

My throat closed
My heartbeat accelerated
I see images in my head
I'm going through hell
...

I see you in my visions
I see you in my dreams
Your face as clear as daylight
But your name unknown to me
...

When I gaze into your sparkling eyes
I see the stars perform a dance
And your perpetual beauty
Put me in an everlasting trance
...

Through the beauty of your eyes
I can see paradise
The thought of you make me smile
I wish I could hold you for a while
...

My keel trek toe
My hartklop versnel
Die beelde in my kop
Ek gaan deur hel
...

The biggest mistake one can make
Is to allow someone close enough
To break down the walls you built around yourself
Brick by brick
...

Oh, had I been born in the time of French Noblemen
When men still defended a Ladies' honour, like real gentlemen
With sword in the hand like a true Musketeer
I would risk my life for you, my lady, my dear
...