The bones speak in this poetry chapbook in Afrikaans

This new poetry chapbook features Afrikaans poems with diverse themes, including appreciation of nature, community settings and the bonds of a shared humanity.

The book can be obtained from Sunset Books based in the Western Cape or by posting an email to newnationpub@outlook.com. 

Spaces and places 8

 and ...

When the Botanical Gardens introduces you to 'dunes'.

Spaces and Places, 7

 

The artist, Keith Vemani, adding his final touches. He was happy for me to take the pic.

Promoting 'A Place to Night In'

I have been sharing information about my recently released poetry book, A Place to Night In, published by Botsotso Publishing. 

The reading of the poems generally sparks discussion on issues of belonging and connectedness – pertinent matters in South Africa. 

A Place to Night In has been presented online, on Off The Wall and Red Wheelbarrow poetry platforms.

Further, the pictures below depict additional instances where the book was presented:

In this pic., Krige Visser, in his role as discussion leader, reads from the book at a full-house launch at the Kleinmond Central Cafe.

In this picture (above), the signing of copies at the same event, in February 2025.

Reading my poems at a community event held at the Proteadorp Community Hall. At this event, I made reference to A Place to Night In and where it was obtainable.

The author speaking at The Grail in March 2025 to members of a women's writers' circle linked to The Grail. He was introduced by social change activist, researcher and writer Sahra Ryklief.

Signing a book for renowned author and well-known former journalist Liz McGregor (February 2025).

And then again, others help by sharing their views about A Place to Night In. 

The cultural commentator and former editor of Realtime and Baobab, Sandile Ngidi, has undertaken a close reading of the book. In the above post, he shares some of his impressions of the poems in the book.

A Place to Night In, which was released by Botsotso Publishing, focuses on issues of home and belonging. The book is available from Clarke's Books, Exclusive Books and directly from the Publisher. You can also ask for the book at Love Books and Kalk Bay Books.

Mentioned in Awards

A Place to Night In has been reviewed in Stanzas, a magazine for new poetry and book reviews that provides a platform for established and emerging poets to share their recent work. The review can be seen here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10R_5JaIjd6IZDWE7E5V-HUZcfVBMBSNt/view?usp=sharing.

It has also been reviewed on LitNet, a journal that is a rich platform for literature, academic writing, and cultural dialogue. This review, by Tyrone August, can be accessed here: https://www.litnet.co.za/a-place-to-night-in-by-frank-meintjies/.

In 2026, A Place to Night In was one of 6 books shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 Ingrid Jonker Poetry Prize.  

In 2025, A Place to Night In was nominated for the South African Literary Awards (SALA). It is hoped that such a nomination increases awareness of the book, which African Books Collective described as "a lyrical exploration of home, displacement and the echoes of the past." (https://www.instagram.com/p/DT23vQqCvrQ/). The awards were founded by the wRite associates, in partnership with the then national Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), now the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).

Write-ups Based on Interviews

Poet and musician Jacques Coetzee, writing on Avbob's poetry blog site, explored the ways in which A Place to Night In delves into ideas of displacement, belonging and "reimagining the world at every step." You can access the piece, released at the end October 2026, here: https://www.avbobpoetry.co.za/Blog/View/251.

In a blog on the African Books Collective website, Abu Bakr Solomons explores ideas and reflections linked to A Place to Night In. 

In posting about the interview, the organisation tells potential readers that the interview covers "a poetic journey through place, displacement, memory and belonging." 

The interview, published on 23 January 2026, can be found here  https://africanbookscollective.com/interview-with-frank-meintjies-about-his-collection-a-place-to-night-in-botsotso-publishing-conducted-by-abu-bakr-solomons/.

Short story: In Modest Spaces, Lalla Finds Herself Anew

My short stories are often set among ordinary folk. Ordinary people, like other people, have lives to lead, puzzles to sort out and things they yearn for.

Like other short stories, generally speaking, tales situated in humble settings require good characterisation and lead characters that embark on journeys that lead from where they are to discovery, to growth or restoration.  

My latest short story, Lalla Saves the Day, is available here, on Spillwords: https://spillwords.com/lalla-saves-the-day/ .  Check it out.

My Rainbow, a book of "textured and big hearted poetry": copies available

A limited number of my poetry book, My Rainbow, released in 2009, are available. This book conveys a unique 'take' on life during the transition.