Anyone Can Ride the Tiger, So Can You, feels like spoken word, because it exudes raw emotions in his voice

Victor Mecoamere’scollection is varied and well balanced from the subject of celebrating love to celebration of life in general as well as remembering fallen stars.  

Author: Victor Mecoamere
Title of the Book: Anyone Can Ride the Tiger, So Can You
Publishing House: Mange Publishing

Reviewer: Funeka Bambalele

Retired Journalist, Victor Mecoamere has finally plucked up courage to publish his debut anthology Anyone Can Ride the Tiger, So Can You, after 34 years of writing poems.

 The fact that he was able to complete and publish his anthology is a fantastic achievement. The book which features poems that are all unique, whether in relation to their style, length or theme finally hit the shelves. The poems were written between 1989 and 2023.

 The man who writes poems for enjoyment, started expressing himself through words while doing Grade 10 at Moletsane High School in Soweto. As a seasoned writer, he presents his poems with zesty and innovation.

As such the collection is varied and well balanced from the subject of celebrating love to celebration of life in general as well as remembering fallen stars.  

 Mecoamere opted for a very intimidating topic which evokes daring and uncertainty in one’s mind. Anyone Can Ride the Tiger, So Can You, is a harrowingly beautiful piece of writing which once it has been read simply cannot be unread.  It implies a sense of being in control of something powerful and unpredictable, like a wild tiger. Knowing the author well, somehow, I feel that he wants us to embrace challenges and seize opportunities that seem daunting which may ultimately lead to growth and success.

This poem reminds you of many opportunities you missed unintentionally, and for that …we say RIP (rest in peace) to those opportunities.

 The question posed by Mecoamere is a tough one, but the truth is, anyone can ride the tiger. It’s not about being fearless or reckless; it’s about being willing to take calculated risks and push beyond our comfort zones. It’s about recognizing that the biggest rewards often lie just beyond the edge of our fears and doubts.

In today’s fast-paced world, we’re constantly faced with opportunities to ride the tiger. Whether it’s starting a new business, pursuing a new career path, or simply taking on a new hobby, we’re presented with chances to test our limits and discover our strengths. The question is, will we take the leap of faith and ride the tiger, or will we play it safe and stick to the familiar?

Riding the tiger requires a combination of qualities including confidence, resilience, and determination. It means being willing to learn from our mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth. It means being open to feedback and guidance from others, and being willing to adapt and adjust our approach as needed.

In his anthology, he does not only scare you with a tiger, he pays homage to a couple of great including the late Frank Leepa of Stimela, late Motswako star, HHP who was also known as Jabba, Boom Shaka singer Lebo Mathosa, iconic poet Don “Zinga” Mattera. He also acknowledges the role played by teachers and mothers.

Anthologies can sometimes fall flat, with one or two good poems standing out and then a bunch of mediocre fillers, but this collection has no weak links. His collection of poems delights from start to finish. Mecoamere’s writing feels very much like spoken word, because you can really feel the raw emotions in his voice.  

 As much as you marvel at the usage of the language it must be said that Macoamere is also obsessed with the theme of death.  Perhaps his obsession with death is justified when we go through all the poems paying tribute to those who have died and personally as a cancer survivor. His unique treatment of death stands remarkable because instead of scaring you, you accept that it is part of us whether we are scared or not, one day we are going to die.

Take one of his first poems written in 1989, Waiting for Death and published by Tribute Magazine in 1990.  In it, he unpacks the profound despair moments during a very difficult time where people were killed just for speaking against oppression.

Waiting for Death pushes you to confront our own vulnerabilities and reflect on what truly matters. I found myself weeping many times as I read some of these poems because they riddled those unhealed wounds. It compels us to cherish relationships while also understanding the inevitability of life’s end. It forces you to examine your wait for death and prepare us for the end but also enrich our appreciation of the life that precedes it, ultimately finding meaning in the moments that matter most.  

 Another inspiring piece of work is a declaration poem titled Standing Firm, Standing Strong: A declaration Poem. The poem inspires one’s unwavering resolve and commitment to their beliefs, values, and principles. It is a declaration that no matter the challenges or obstacles that may come your way, you will remain steadfast and resolute in their convictions. Mecoamere’s declaration is a testament to one’s strength of character and determination to stay true to themselves, even in the face of adversity.

He seeks to suggest that when we stand firm and stand strong, we are asserting our autonomy and asserting our individuality. We are declaring that we will not be swayed by outside influences or pressures but will instead remain grounded in our own truth.

All in all, riding the tiger is not just for the brave or the foolhardy only. It’s for anyone who’s willing to take a chance and seize the opportunities that come their way. So, go ahead, take a deep breath, and ride the tiger. You never know where it might take you!