Potjie Pot Poems

“I want people to identify with characters in the poems, and to laugh at themselves, to not beat themselves up about things but have a good laugh. I want people to know they’re not alone.”

This week I was gifted a book called “Potjie Pot Poems” and I was delighted to see it was written by someone I know, Liza Seele! Liza is local to the Midlands, she’s a creative wordsmith, she’s a mom, her book is very funny and extremely relatable – this hits every feel good button, people! I just had to get in touch with her, celebrate her being a published author, and ask her some questions.

Liza’s been writing poetry for kids since her daughter was in grade 1 and the poetry she was sent home with was boring…I’m guessing the teachers agreed because collectively they were the cheerleaders who ultimately encouraged Liza to put her growing collection of poems into a book. Liza finished writing the book during lockdown – her now not so secret lockdown baby!

Every single poem is inspired by real life events, some of which have happened in Liza’s family and others that she’s overheard kids talk about whilst being mom’s taxi. Liza has a funny anecdote-radar and has a gift for seeing joy in everyday things. She says she exaggerates things to make them funny, but let me tell you that when I read “Morning Momster” it resonated on a real and personal level for me (confessions of a Morning Momster). And then there’s “Zoom Granny” – oh my word! I was reading it out loud to my mother and I nearly couldn’t finish I was laughing so hard. Dad’s are by no means left out of the picture, you may enjoy “My Dad Loves Beer”.

“Zoom Granny” illustration by Shannan Gia

I asked Liza what she would like families reading this book to experience, and I love her reply. “I want people to identify with characters in the poems, and to laugh at themselves, to not beat themselves up about things but have a good laugh. I want people to know they’re not alone.” We talked about how very timely this book is for South Africa. Liza loves that laughter and joy are unifying, and can bring a sense of belonging. This is a South African book through and through, I mean there is even a poem entitled “Hadeda” – need I say more?!

I love the potential for this book to bring a family together, face to face, to read and laugh together. If you’re needing time to connect and looking for inspiration, buy this book! Look for yourself in it, recall your own family experiences together, tell those stories, and enjoy a good laugh together. In case I have made this sound all too fluffy and light, there are also incredibly tender and beautiful lines threaded through some of the poems, touching on loss and hardship. I was really moved by “Gramps In My Heart” and “Heroes in Highlights”.

The great news is that there is more to come! Liza has just submitted her second manuscript “Vuvuzela Verses” to the publisher. Liza, thanks for bringing the everyday into funny focus and for giving us the opportunity to laugh and connect in these crazy times!

You can buy “Potjie Pot Poems” at www.lizaseele.com, or at Exclusive Books, or the Toy Hut in Hilton, or Nuts About Books and Toys in Howick. You can also follow Liza on Instagram or Facebook at @lizaseele

Here’s a poem to enjoy… by the lovely Liza, of course!