Poetry lovers – those who enjoy reading it and those who are compelled to write it – will find in this collection a truly splendid experience of the country’s soul. So much of the ineffable human spirit and experience that usually remains untold is gently lifted above the survace with care, attention and honesty. This is the fifth annual Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Anthology, and is a compendium of the poems long-listed for the 2015 Sol Plaatje EU Poetry Award. Every year South African poets, young and old, debut or previously published, are invited to submit up to three of their poetic efforts to the award, in any of the country’s 11 official languages. The anthology seeks to publish voices in as many difference languages as possible, and be one of the spaces in which these tongues are given equal space and respect. The anthology is a truly democratic as well as creative effort, in keeping with the spirit of the legendary intellectual giant, Sol Plaatje, the activist, linguist, translator, novelist, journalist and leader.