Thabile Gloria MtshaliShorty was raised by a single mother in Alexandra. From an early age, she wanted to be an entertainer. She loved singing and dancing. But when Shorty was 11, her mother passed away, and Shorty's dreams died too. Years of abuse made her hate life. Shelost focus. At 16, she had a son, now being raised by her sister. At 17, Shorty moved to Melville. Angry. Wanting to die. But she found love on the streets of Johannesburg. From 2007 she adapted to street life. She learned she had to depend on herself. She used to beg for money, until in 2016 - standing outside Poppy's - she showed her poems to a friend who suggested she should read them for people. Today she is well-known on the streets of Melville, reciting her poetry to anyone who will take the time to listen to the heartfelt words of The Melville Poet. Read More Read Less