Words, using rhythm and rhyme evoking senses and scenes, is the form I used to depict our recent cycle tour from Jeffries Bay to the Strand ending with the iconic Cape Town Cycle Tour.

 

Pedals turn and wheels spin round,

As friends embark on sights profound,

The Western Cape’s coastal beauty bound,

Five days of cycling, adventures found.

 

From rugged cliffs to sandy shores,

Majestic vistas that leave you in awe,

The ocean’s roar and seagulls’ caws,

Nature’s canvas on a grand scale draws.

 

“Rule number 1 — there’s 16 of us and I’m the chief”,

The strong coastal wind blows the leaf,

“I’m Mota, everyone invites me”,

As friends delightfully jump in the sea.

 

Each day’s journey brings new delight,

Friends by your side, making it just right,

Pushing through hills with all your might,

Joyful laughter, not a single fight.

 

Rishaad and Outeniqua did not meet,

But Bera found the devil in the meat,

Reliable Irfaan the turn did not take,

Bada’s signal was a fake.

 

Fazel, Luqman and Zahid celebrate birthdays,

What must be done must be done today,

Isco, Arshad, Ismail and Haroon swim cycle and run,

Siraj toasts his second buttered bun.

 

Nizam Essack Rishaad book early flights,

Haroon succumbs to Siraj’s early nights,

Isco can’t walk one kilometer,

but trail runs the Otter.

 

Tayob shows no age,

Lifting his drink from his bottle cage,

Yaseen releases aching muscles,

While Javed examines aging fossils.

 

Zunaid celebrating on the greens putting

Mitha can’t stop eating,

Bash finds the water,

Zahid can’t stop the laughter.

 

South Africa’s coastline, a gem to treasure,

Cycling its curves brings pure leisure,

The wind in your hair, an endless pleasure,

Of freedom and happiness, beyond measure.

 

As the tour ends and memories made,

The bond between friends forever stayed,

Five days of cycling, a beautiful parade,

Of nature’s wonders, love, and camaraderie portrayed.

 

(This was my first attempt in using artificial intelligence/machine learning within a creative context. ChatGPT provided an initial rhythm, rhyme and structure from which I built the poem).

by Fazel Mayet
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