Let's make this birthday one to remember.

72 years old (Born on October 23, 1952)

Happy Birthday, Antjie! May your day be as poetic and profound as "Januarie-Suite," yet far less complicated than dissecting the complexities of "Country of My Skull." You've gracefully navigated through literary landscapes, collecting awards like they're going out of style—Hertzog Prize, Alan Paton Award, Olive Schreiner Prize—honestly, is there any shelf space left?

Here's wishing you another year filled with powerful words and meaningful silences. May your pen remain sharp enough to challenge minds but gentle enough not to scare off the critics. Cheers to more brilliant verses and fewer writer's blocks—though we doubt you've ever had one!