A girl called Bernadette

I met a girl called Bernadette
And now I’m really glade we’ve met
‘Cause she really intrigues me
And what that is what I like in a girl, see!

I know she’ll probably think this poem’s dumb
But it is the fault of her…
‘Cause when I see them, my brain goes numb.
(-Because they don’t look like washing pegs!)

Why am I writing this poem?
I don’t know either: but just wait:-
Maybe she and I will set up Home
If she turns out to be the ideal mate.

This is the end of the lyric
And to be quit honest, it is quite sick.

My Philosoply on Life

What is the meaning of life?
If you know please tell me:-
Some say its finding a compatible wife
Others: knowing how to help those in strife.

To me it means; - (1) being able to love
And having some special to receive it;
(2) Being able to worship the one above;
And (3) being remembered by those you love.

I’ve seen people trying the first and last
But never caring much for the second
As they want to live in the lane marked fast
And in so doing never really achieve happiness that can last

My next question would then naturally be
What are we doing to find meaning in life?
Why I ask is quite simple see,
Cause everyone only cares for “I; Myself and Me”
So how do I achieve it you ask.
I’m not sure but I’m trying real hard
And I must admit it’s quite a hard task
But I’ll keep with it till I’m put in a cask.

So why don’t we all try
To achieve these three ideals
Cause then there’ll be much less reason to cry
And none of us with the Devil will have to fry!!

God knows what your problem is
So carry your burdens and problems to his feet,
Ask for His guidance in all matters
And I’m sure success and happiness you’ll meet.

Unopened Love bud

I spoke to you once more today
And I realize the following words I should not say
But I feel in love with you once
And that feeling is still with me today;
Even though you think we should just stay friends


How many times haven’t I wondered,
Wondered: - if things weren’t the same:
Would you and I have been a pair,
And maybe even shared a surname,
And been “happy forever after”?

I know its no use thinking that way
As things are the way they are
But this won’t stop me saying what I have to say
As I’m continually wishing on a falling star
That one-day I will know for sure.

I often make jokes with you
About the two of us becoming a pair
And you probably never took any notice
So I write these words to show I really care,
Care about you: More than what a friend should.

So please remember these few words
These words that comes out of my heart:
I really like you a lot see;
As to me you’re a beautiful piece of priceless art
And my feeling for you increase your value for me.

Love Triangle

Love is never very straight – forward,
As once again my love for you proves this to me.
I realize now that I should have worked out something see
And then we could have worked out something see
And not to be stuck in this damn Love Triangle.

You have your boyfriend, I have my girl
Why then, do I think we will fit better?
But, I suppose in your way you’re right
When you say you don’t want to hurt her;
But that still leaves me in a Love Triangle

Chorus
Love Triangle
You’re busy running my life: -
A girl I have, but I want another for my wife.
So perhaps with a little help from above
I’ll be able to get the one I really love
And break up this Hosted Love Triangle

We talked quite a lot, or at least I did
And maybe you right, I should have lied
And not told you about her, but I can’t
Cause if you’d found out I’d have died
And I would still have been stuck in a Love Trianle

Now I cannot sleep with my thoughts
As they keep returning to think of you girl
And I realize I don’t know what to say
As without you, ill always be in a silly whirl
And in my heart I’d still stuck in a Love Triangle

Birthday Poem (17 June 1987 – Collette turns 18)

Well I’ve decided to write you a birthday poem
Something to make you think a little of me right now
And of the day we plan to set up a home
But don’t ask, as right now I don’t know how

This poem has started to sound real silly to me
And I thought about starting another one
But, I’ve got to have something special for you,
So I’ll just have to go on till it’s done.

Maybe I should write about the way I feel;
Or, about how I really want you again;
Or, about how your heart I want to steal;
Well, I better decide quick otherwise
I’ll probably go insane.

I know this poem isn’t much of a present
But until I’m qualified that’s all I can afford
But you got to realize every word is meant
So please, when you read this, don’t get bored!

Why the heck can’t I be rich, rolling in money?
So I can buy everything your heart desires
Whether it be clothes, pots containing real honey,
Or even a hot set of tires.

But my lot I suppose I must accept
And the most I can do is to give you respect
And a promise that one – day soon
I’ll even be able to give you the moon!

Happy Birthday! Gesëende dae vorentoe is my wens vir jou!

My Birthday girl - (Collette Campher 17 June 1987)

I’ve finished writing you a poem
So I thought maybe I’ll write a song;
To you how much I care
And how our love just can’t be wrong;
So here’s looking at you, Birthday girl.

You’re entering the magic years of youth now
The time you should be free
So if at any time you want your freedom
Just come and tell me
Because I’ll do anything for my Birthday girl.

As you get older, you get more beautiful
And that can’t be proven as a lie
Cause I’ve seen the guys looking at you
All wishing I’d just peg off and die
So they can get a chance with my Birthday girl

This song is up to s(peep)t
It seems I just can’t think straight,
I keep getting side-tracked by memories of you
And the nights when we stayed up till late –
So here’s to memories of you Birthday girl.

I hope you like these couple of lines
And that you’ll realize I mean every word
And not laugh your head off
Because you think them real absurd
So think once more of me My Birthday Girl

An exploration into the Coloured market

(This article was originally published on Marketingweb a few months back. It drives home some key points that we've been trying to emphasise here on Bruin-ou.com since the site was launched, that the Coloured community is unjustifiably neglected by corporate South Africa and in so doing, is incapable of properly advancing in South African society today. We'd love to hear your views on this article.)

Fragmented, stereotyped and misunderstood, South Africa’s 4.4 million strong Coloured market is as big as the white market in South Africa (9.1% of the population vs. 9%) and yet so many marketers have made the mistake of overlooking opportunities within this previously disadvantaged group.

This is a shortsighted, given that the Coloured market makes up 63% of the total population in the Western Cape (Stats SA 2009), and therefore it is no surprise that so many brands that are successful elsewhere fail to connect with consumers in this province. To understand this complexity, one just has to start by looking at issues of Coloured identity. A debate rages around the meaning of the term "Coloured" - does it refer to a group of people lumped together in the past, and therefore share the same history, or does it rather refer to certain characteristics? It would seem that defining the term "Coloured" is no longer as one dimensional as many people believe it to be. As a result there have been books written about it, movies made and a number of blogs and social networking sites dedicated to the issue.

The Cape Coloured market comprises a diverse group of people. These individuals differ in terms of mindsets and lifestyle. Since 1994 this market has evolved and become highly complex, and is not the single homogenous group that many believe it to be. The Coloured market acknowledges their differences and thus there is a strong need for them to differentiate themselves based on their lifestyle and mindsets.

Strategy and research company OIL has conducted an in-depth study in an attempt to provide marketers with a deeper understanding of the dynamics within the Coloured market in the Western Cape. The study used a mixture of methodologies, including ethnographic research backed up using AMPS/TGI data; and insights gained from social networking sites. Aside from looking at the consumer behaviour and mindsets of this market, this cutting-edge study highlights key insights into this market and, most importantly, offers vital untapped marketing opportunities for brands.

In this study, OIL identified four segments within the market that aim to improve marketers' understanding of the Coloured market and help them create effective brand communication strategies. The segments are The Escapers, The In-Betweeners, The Achievers and The Silver Spooners.

The Escapers, referred to within the community as "gam", are a segment defined by the legacy of Apartheid. They are characterised by a so-called ghetto lifestyle with a tendency to escape their everyday reality, living day-to-day and with a very short-term focus. Escapers are loud and proud of who they are, and embrace the Cape Coloured stereotypes - from kombuistaal to passion gaps

The In-Betweeners are an aspirational segment; those who often find themselves caught between two worlds - the upper and the lower income communities. Although they are aspirational, they are not willing to compromise their lifestyle for long-term success. They have a medium focused approach by showing aspiration through the conspicuous consumption of branded goods. They embrace the term "Coloured" and focus on the positive associations of Coloured culture - from having a great sense of humour to having fun like no other culture.

The Achievers are defined by their success through hard work and determination. The majority of this segment comprise individuals who have fought through the struggle of Apartheid and are aware that their lifestyle has not come easily to them. There is a continued drive for excellence and success, especially with their children. Although they are successful, they still remain grounded in their community and proud of their background.

The Silver Spooners are the children of the upper income Achiever parents and live an affluent lifestyle. This elite segment makes up a very small percentage of the Cape Coloured population and has not been exposed to mainstream Coloured culture. They, therefore, cannot relate to the Coloured culture as much as other segments.

Even though there are various segments, these individuals share certain commonalities. Cooking and food are considered important elements for bringing a family together. There are a lot of Malay influences with the food prepared by both Christians and Muslims. Coloured families are very close and often have more than the immediate family living in a household. They also tend to live within close proximity to each other, as family is considered to be a strong support pillar.

Religion also plays a very important role and there is great emphasis placed on teaching children their religious values.

There is a shared desire for the younger generation to show status through wearing branded sneakers and "pimping" old cars, as opposed to driving the latest luxury vehicle. There is also a strong interest in English soccer teams, far more so than local teams. This can be seen with the English soccer branded paraphernalia within each household.

Due to the lack of research into this market it is not surprising that there are so many misconceptions and stereotyping surrounding the Coloured community. This market has the spending power of over R60 billion a year; therefore this is an opportunity that marketers should not ignore.