Holiday Inktentions

By Ophadile Gofhamodimo

Yo, it’s the season, lights gleam on the streets,
But some of us are walking with no shoes on our feet.
While the world’s unwrapping, we be unwrapping dreams,
Painting skies of hope where the hopelessness gleams.

This ain’t about the gifts that you find under trees,
It’s the strength of our roots, yeah, it’s family we need.
For the young Motswana, with hands reaching high,
Let your spirit soar, touch the limitless sky.

Our story ain’t in ribbons, not in glitter or bows,
It’s in the resilience where the real blessing grows.
From Matlalong to Kgale’s plains,
We carry our pride, we endure through the pain.

Ke nako ya go dula re tshwaragane,
Re tshela mo dipakeng tse di thata.
Ga go monate tsotlhe di tlhoka madi,
Every step we take, pelo di botlhoko.

Holiday inktentions, no need for possessions,
We build bridges of love, learn powerful lessons.
A beat for the broken, a rap for the real,
Our scars tell the stories that money can’t heal.

Tsela tsa rona di thata, but we keep it steady,
Like dikgosi before us, man, we always ready.
This is for the youth, forgotten and unseen,
You’re the spark of tomorrow, paint the world green.

So this holiday, let’s ignite the light within,
Spread the vibe from the Kalahari to the village kin.
No need for a feast to toast what we’ve got,
We’ve got heart, we’ve got hope, and man, that’s a lot.

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Ophadile T. Gofhamodio is a dedicated writer, podcaster, poet, researcher, wellness and transformational coach who uses her creative and professional platforms to contribute to personal and communal development. Her work spans storytelling, poetry, and holistic wellness, reflecting a commitment to meaningful engagement with individuals and communities.

Her poetry has been featured in international anthologies, and she collaborates with local
artists to merge literary and visual arts. Ophadile’s upcoming booklet includes recent poems
and selected works from her anthology contributions, complemented by commissioned digital
artworks from local artists. She regularly performs at Travelodge Poetry Nights, held on the
last Thursday of each month, using these opportunities to expand her craft through recitation.
Her recent feature in Tlhakakgolo Literary Journal and Poetry Journal (Nigeria) marks a
growing presence within Botswana’s literary scene and a focus on local and international
collaborations.

Through her business, The Urge Promotions, Ophadile delivers coaching and wellness
initiatives aimed at fostering holistic development. This work has led to her nomination for
the Founder of the Year Africa Awards 2024 in the Social Founder of the Year and
Healthpreneur of the Year categories, She Awards Global 2024 under Healthpreneur of the
Year, and has won Best Poet through Poetry From Within booklet under OPHIR Awards for
Writers 2025 that is organised by Poetry Planet Publishing House in the Philippines. She has
introduced Rap/Hip Hop to her craft, and is now working on projects to launch as a music
artist.

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