M.A. (Afrikaans) / In literature it is a common occurrence that certain poems are presented as a group, because certain joining forces indicate that these poems should not be treated as isolated entities. Two such classifications for the indexing of collective groups of poems are the cycle and the series. This study examines "Wat die hart van vol is", a collection of poems by Peter Blum in Steenbok tot Poolsee, to determine whether it is a cycle of poems or a series of poems. In a cycle the poems are constructed in such a way that the constituting elements (symbols, imagery, motifs and themes) form a structure which is simultaneously "horizontal" and "vertical", presented by a parabole whereby a spiral is incorporated in a chronology which is utilizing time and space in a rigid rranner by which the epic elements culminate in an all-encompassing theme. In this way the cycle progresses to a stage where it proves itself to be (back) at a (new) beginning at the point of its conclusion. The series is a group of poems which is constructed along a "horizontal" line. Unlike the cycle, it does not have the same underlying time-space chronology and interaction between the constituting elements because of its loose construction and the interchangeability of its poems. In the case of the series there cannot be an extention of the central theme or a deepening of the various layers of interpretation. At its utmost it can claim a "general incorporating" theme. In the analysis of the poems of "Wat die hart van vol is" it is proved that this group of poems is a cycle of poems and not of poems, and in the process the fact is established that a series of poems in its turn is an entity on its own with its own individual characteristics.

This study is concerned with modern Christian poetry in Afrikaans. Afrikaans poetry, which initially carried the clear stamp of the Afrikaner's Calvinistic view of life, gradually assumed a new image to the extent that it could no longer be recognised as religious and specifically Calvinistic poetry. To the contrary, modern Afrikaans Christian poetry is the expression of a contemporary conceptualisation of the very same gospel. The occasional violent reaction especially of conservative institutions to so called "unchristian" modern poetry in Afrikaans during the past three decades, has prompted this study which attempts to illustrate that modern Afrikaans poetry still exhibits a strong Christian element. The essential qualities of contemporary Christian poetry in Afrikaans are illustrated in the discussion of the works of particular leading Afrikaans poets. Chapter 3 attempts to indicate a transitional stage between traditional and modern Christian poetry by means of an overview of the latest tendencies and approaches, with brief references to the recent poetry of the Louws, the poetry of Peter Blum as the initial exponent of the poetry of the Sixties, and the poetry of Ina Rousseau. The work of Sheila Cussons, eminent Roman Catholic (and thus also Christian) poet who is probably the most impressive contemporary exponent of metaphysical/mystic poetry in Afrikaans, is discussed in chapter 4. Chapter 5 illustrates the traditional Calvinistic Christian point of view and Christian experience as represented in the poetry of I.L. de Villiers. The poetification of the ministry adds new dimension to religions poetry in Afrikaans. Chapter 6 constitutes a discussion of the works of T.T . Cloete, the most significant contemporary Reformed poet in Afrikaans indicating the extent to which the many related facets embodied in his poetry consistently reflect a Christian attitude and are unified in and encompassed by the principle of Soli Deo Gloria. Chapter 7, by way of conclusion, reviews the religious poetry of Lina Spies and Petra Müller who write accessible popular poetry, nevertheless exploring interesting references. In conjunction with the poetry of Ina Rosseau, this poetry represents a contribution to modern Afrikaans religious poetry from a feminine point of view