Book excerpt: The poetry collection titled A Color Rose! takes the reader on an emotional journey of self-discovery and self-worth. The first poem, "A Color Rose" tells the story of the fictitious character Rose, a girl of color who was assaulted by white policemen during the apartheid regime. It explores diverse issues that are not socially acceptable for discussion. The darkest chapter, "Winter," deals with sexual abuse, prostitution, addictions, suicide, gender-based violence, and socioeconomic factors. "Autumn Fall" reflects on death, religion, depression, social pressure, and influence while escaping into a magical ancient dream of pharaohs. It then transitions to "Spring," shedding old and growing new, highlighting the inner conflict of compromised worth to experience negative love and acceptance. The final theme of the collection emphasizes the strength of acknowledging self-love and the war waged for inner peace through slavery and women's empowerment poems. "Alive!" expresses the individual growth and resilience essential to surviving the darkest times of winter to a stronger mental state of enlightenment as summer. The title A Color Rose! reflects the journey of overcoming adversity and trauma while also exploring the fiction and dreams within the mind, capturing the beauty and darkness of one's truth authentically within the collection.