death

           Written by oka benard osahon
 

The glowing embers of a dying day.
The last flare as the sun fades away.
The splash of colour on the endless canvass.
The artist, my creator, a superb master.

The reflection of silver light
On rippling waters of the Ethiope.
The lovers entangled
In her fast, flowing enchantment.
The creaking of lifeguards feet
As a fearful wail pierces the silver dark.

The faint blush of innocent morning.
The skin of morning, ripe
As an apple hung on the lowest branch.
The first smelly breath of a maiden's kiss
As her lover's repose is engorged awake.

The light drizzle on the onlookers
As they watch death's grisly job.
The smiling rictus,
The frozen wail on blue lips,
The ambulance lights wink
And its horn plays a dirge.

The heat of afternoon tales by the Ethiope,
Sipping Jack Daniels, smoking blunt.
Versions of events, spittle driven
From emaciated brains,
Splatter everywhere and ingested
By bored cynics sipping and smoking...
Sipping and smoking.

THE MATER thriller...in too

THE MATER thriller...in too

Grraciano on a poem

Still on our Literary Festival Update..

We're proud to announce to you that we have Graciano Enwerem Confirmed for our Poetry/Spoken Word section.
Enwerem is a big catch a fish that literally tore apart our fishing net.
A LITTLE BIT OF INFO ON GRACIANO
Graciano got into the spotlight when he was crowned supremo battler at Nigeria's foremost Spoken Word competition war of words 3, since then he's been growing in leaps and bounds.
On his belt is the proud acclaim of having grace the stage of some of the best spoken word shows across the nation, one of such shows is i2xMedia's Word Up an A-Class spoken word show an EGC's Be Blessed an open Mic poetry event.

He also boasts of countless awards as an evidence of his continuous upward surge in the art.
Graciano as he's popularly called by frenzied admirers and fans is an on air personality at rhythm 93.7 PortHarcourt where he anchors a poetry/spoken word show.
He recently started a literary movement called FIGURE OF SPEECH(FOS) FOS is a movement on a social media platform whatsapp to be precise. It's geared at honing young literary talents, helping them realize their potentials. Also on the menu of figure of speech is a poetry league, first of it's kind at least the first I've seen. In these league, poets go head to head just like in a soccer league. The poets who amassed the highest number of points at the end of a season is crowned champion and goes home with a handsome sum.
Graciano is one personality who oozes charisma, he is a talker extra ordinaire! Trust me, you don't want to miss seeing him for nothing!

Come join us at the UNIBEN LITRERARY FESTIVAL

Date: august 8 2015

BREAKING NEWS: KEMISTREE WOULD BE IN BENIN FOR THE UNIBEN LITERARY FESTIVAL

BREAKING NEWS: KEMISTREE WOULD BE IN BENIN FOR THE UNIBEN LITERARY FESTIVAL

UNIBEN  Literary Festival loading.....

For our  poetry section, confirmed on our list is;
Multiple award winning Kemi Isilamiya Bakare a.k.a Kemistree
A thorough bred of Aj City, runner up war of words 1, winner EKO (Lagos) Poetry Slam amongst other notable and numerous competitions.
A down to earth young lady, Kemi is one young lassie who literally spits fire, with her you expect nothing short of ballistic missiles. She'll trill and fulfil you, and them with words she kill and heal you.
Kemi Bakare Kemistree is currently an under graduate studying political science at Olabisi Onabanjo University.
A product of Aj house of poetry
Where she currently holds the post of a creative director.
This is just a tidbit out of our overly loaded menu extending over many aspects of literary activities and much more.

kemi at Metro Open Mic 

Trust me, you don't want to miss even a minute of it for anything in the world!
Keep August 8 on your diary.
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For sponsorship and support and confirmation of attendance call EHIZ MOMODU Ehiz Di Poet on +2348184853506

 

 Prize Profile

The Etisalat Prize for Literature is the first ever pan-African prize celebrating first time writers of published fiction books. The Prize aims to serve as a platform for the discovery of new creative talent out of the continent and invariably promote the burgeoning publishing industry in Africa.

By recognizing and celebrating writers and other members of the literary community across Africa, Etisalat plans to bring some much needed awareness and acclaim to the art of Fiction writing while also applauding and rewarding the efforts of those who have ventured into this genre in recent times.

At the core of Etisalat’s vision is promoting passion, nurturing talent and providing a platform for communicating ideas, The ‘Etisalat Prize for Literature’ wholly embodies this vision, bringing together celebrated high profile writers, book critics and academics from across the Continent and beyond in order to give credence and honor to ‘home-grown’ talent while also rewarding new entrants and encouraging further participation in this area.

Prize Structure

The Etisalat Prize for Literature celebrates new writers of African citizenship whose first fiction book (over 30,000 words) was published in the last twenty four (24) months. For the purposes of this definition, first book means first printed production in book form of any type or genre. Authors and their publishers can be based anywhere in the world. An online Flash Fiction Prize will be launched later in the year driven entirely by social media – more information on this will be made available on our website.

The winner of the Etisalat Prize for Literature receives £15,000, and a high end device. In line with our vision of promoting upcoming writers, Etisalat will sponsor a book tour to three African cities. The winning writer will also embark on the Etisalat Fellowship at the University of East Anglia mentored by Professor Giles Foden (author of The Last King of Scotland) which will include significant opportunities to meet other writers, publishers and most importantly work on their second book.

The Etisalat Prize for Literature is unique in that it also aims to promote the publishing industry at large and will therefore purchase 1000 copies of all shortlisted books which will be donated to various schools, book clubs and libraries across the African continent.

About Etisalat

In just 6 years of operations, Etisalat Nigeria has become a major industry player with a growing subscriber base of over 22 million in a highly competitive market. Its portfolio of voice and data-centric products include – easy starter, easycliq, easybusiness, and easyblaze; all tailor-made to meet the needs of its customers.
Etisalat Nigeria is one of the 19 operations of the Etisalat Group that spans Africa, the Middle East and Asia serving over 182 million subscribers; and it is committed to delivering innovative and quality services to its growing subscribers.

 

Poetry Prize

The PEN Nigeria/Saraba Poetry Prize is awarded yearly to the writer of the winning poem selected from all poems published the preceding year in either Saraba’s magazines or poetry chapbooks. The Prize is organized in collaboration with PEN Nigeria, the Nigerian chapter of the International writers organization, PEN.
The Publishers and Poetry Editor of Saraba usually selects a longlist of 9 poems, from which a guest reader/acclaimed poet will make a shortlist of 3 poems. After this, the shortlist is then announced. The winning poem will be chosen by a named judge and a commemorative award-giving event is organized in December of that year where the winning poem shall be announced.
The winner and shortlisted poets are awarded prize monies as well as medals and certificates (endowed jointly by PEN Nigeria Chapter and Saraba). In the last two years, the prize monies have increased.
The works of the publishers, editors, the prize sponsors, as well as members of their respective families are however not eligible.
The Prize shall be awarded only to Nigerian writers living in Nigeria at the time of publication of the poem. The decisions of the Judge and the prize sponsors are not subject to review and questions as to the propriety of decisions shall not be entertained.
See the yearly pages for more information.

Are you a poet? Do you have a passionate and genuine will to help others? If so, here is the chance for you to use your skills and heart to help someone else! Whether you are a professional poet or someone who simply enjoys writing; the Saving Lives with Poetry contest presented by Realistic Poetry International encourages you to write poetry in effort to help save someone else’s life! You may say, my words don’t matter, how can I make a difference? Well, the truth is, they d…o! All of our words matter! This includes yours! In fact, your words matter NOW, more than ever! So, don’t delay, get involved today! Submit your poetry by visiting us on the web at http://www.realisticpoetry.com/submit-your-poetry to become an official part of this Realistic, international, life-changing movement; where we write poetry to provoke inspiration to the uninspired; uplift the depressed; influence courage to the one’s who live in silence; and spread love over an ancient and unnecessary cold-hearted hatred! The last day to submit a poem for the Saving Lives with Poetry contest is on September 1! That’s a little less than two months away, and the time to act is now. Together, we can all do this. Let’s do it!

Home Page – http://www.realisticpoetry.com/

Contest Page – http://www.realisticpoetry.com/submit-your-poetry

Poets Page- http://www.realisticpoetry.com/just-for-poets

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/realisticpoetry

Twitter – https://twitter.com/RealisticPoetry

Suli Breaks - Being Poor Is The Root Of All Evil

I Will Not Let An Exam Result Decide My Fate||Spoken Word

If I Die Tomorrow || Spoken Word

Dragon by Holliewood (Spoken Word Poetry)

The final of War Of Words Season 5, (Nigeria’s foremost Slam Poetry Competition), is on Sunday August 16, 2015.

On that day, 20 exciting new acts will go on stage to thrill, excite and capture minds with deep, creative and provoking spoken thoughts  that has never been heard before on any stage.

They will assessed and judged by some of Nigeria’s finest and experienced poets.

Date is Sunday August 16, 2015

Time is from 2pm (No African Time)

Venue: Ayo Bankole Center No. 32 Yesufu Sanusi Street off Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria

 

(from Shitta Roundabout, Yesufu Sanusi Street is 2nd street on the left off Adeniran Ogunsanya Street. You can also enter from Bassie Ogamba Street  and first street by the left is Yesufu Sanusi Street).

 

Gate Fee: Be a registered member of www.warofwordsng.com and buy drinks for yourself and friends at the venue.

For more details, stay logged on to www.wordup411ng.com

Follow us @wordup41 and  like our facebook page – “WordUp.”

Also,  join our poetic community and poetry playground – WarOfWordsng.com and watch exciting poetry videos at www.wordupnaija.tv

For partnership and sponsorship enquiries, please call 08025070892, 08038315055 or email holla@wordup411ng.com and olulu4ever@gmail.com.‎

KWANI? Open Mic.

Kwani? Open Mic,is a monthly poetry and spoken word event held every first Tuesday of the month at Mama Ngina Street, IMAX Cinema, Arfa Lounge from 7-9pm. We feature a poet/spoken word artist who has shown consistency and growth in performance and audience pull.
Entry: 400Ksh at the gate.
Advance tickets:300ksh

UPGRADE POETRY.

More than just words! More than just music! We are Upgrade Poetry-beyond the art, we bring the word.Nakuru is home to the amazing arts group Upgrade Poetry. Normally on the last Sundays of every month, The creatively Endowed hub is home to the 51st Slam Africa King Mbunge Aliyaparara. You get to enjoy the best of Poetry Kenya has to offer. To top it all up, Upgrade boasts of Octave the band which keeps the event mellow through out.Hosted by the charismatic Slam King Gufy,Upgrade Poetry offers more than just words! More than just music!beyond the art, we bring the word.We are Upgrade Poetry.
Charges:
Advance:150kshs
At the Gate:250Ksh

POETRY SPOT.

Poetry Spot is a Christian platform for poetry, lyrical music & spoken word. It happens every second Friday of the month at the All Saints Cathedral & entrance is free. Every month we have a different theme which seeks to tackle issues affecting us, celebrate Christ & our virtues from a Christian perspective. What’s unique about this event is the fact that poets send the lyrics to their pieces for approval before being allowed on stage. This is to ensure that guys adhere to the theme, stick to our principles & proper planning too. Poetry Spot is organized by The youth drama Ministry – All Saints Cathedral. Antony Trent is the Chair.We are an oasis of love representing Jesus to the fullest.
Time-5:30 to 8:30
twitter handle is @poetryeve
Fb page: Poetry spot
Group:Poetry Spot & Poetry Spot (every 2nd Friday of the month).

WORDS N WORD.

Words N Word is a poetry show that happens every last Thursdays of the month.It is an evening of performances from Kenyan best poets and international artists from afro, soul music and best bands.
Venue -UTR, Time-6:00pm to 9:30pm Kenyan time.
Directions- UTR( Under The Radar) is situated along Argwings Kodhek road past Yaya center. Board a mat number 46 at Kencom and alight at Elgeiyo or Radar Security. This months’ edition will be held on 28th.
Advance tickets:ksh500
At the gate:ksh1000

SPOKEN WORD POETRY ::: Philip Asaya - Denominations [ AUDIO + FULL LYRICS + HIS PICTURE ] 

 

We put out a few lines from this spoken word piece and the response gotten was impressive. Today, we are going all out to not only give you the complete audio but along with the full lyrics as well.

The piece is titled DENOMINATIONS and is by Philip Asaya. You really need to download and listen to this one. Philip Asaya is one of the most gifted spoken word poets in Nigeria and this piece attests to his poetic ability and Kingdom credibility. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Pain  

by John Lowe

He stands outside in the pouring rain.
His body trembling with all the pain.
With each drop, it lashes upon his skin.
It’s as if the rain is falling just for him.
 
As the hard rain pounds on his mind.
Suddenly, he sees he is forever blind.
Distant memories does the rain bring back.
Bullets flying, friends dying, it was a sudden attack.
 
The rain was there then, as it always is now.
He made it through, though he doesn’t know how.
Despite the pounding rain now does he smile.
Surrendering to the rain, he finally finds peace awhile.

The “House Slam” at the Haley House Café (12 Dade Street, Roxbury, 02119) is Boston’s Poetry Slam venue located in the heart of Dudley Square. The venue offers awesome food, an eclectic open mic, a polished featured poet and a competitive poetry slam every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month.The venue is free of cost and inclusive for all.

Where

Venue Name: 

Haley House

Venue Address: 

12 Dade St.

#10

Boston, MA 02119

United States

Door Price: 

0

When

Show Dates: 

Repeats every 2 weeks every Friday 500 times .

6:45 pm

Last Friday of every month
Crossroads Theater | 2590 Washington Street
Doors & sign-up at 7:30 p.m. | Open mic at 8:00 | Slam at 9:00 p.m. $5 Students $10 Adult
All Ages
Slam Nuba features nationally touring poets and award-winning local artists
Each slam includes a cash prize to the winner
Featuring DJ Cavem on the 1s & 2s
For more information e-mail info@slamnuba.com
Slammaster JohnnyOsi
VENUE INFORMATION
Crossroads Theater is located in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood at 2590 Washington Street. The 100-seat Crossroads Theater has served small, independent performing arts groups and the Five Points community since 2007. It is at “the crossroads” between Washington Street, 26th Avenue, Welton Street, and 27th Street. Covered parking is available (entering from Washington Street) and light rail access is just steps away.
EVENT DETAILS:
Doors open and sign up for the open mic & slam begins at 7:30 p.m. The open mic kicks off at 8:00 p.m. and typically includes 3 or 5 poets and lasts for 15-25 minutes. The open mic is immediately followed by the spot-light performer (10 min) then the feature, who usually reads for about 20 minutes.

Where

Venue Name: 

Crossroads Theater

Venue Address: 

2590 Washington Street

Denver, CO 80205

United States

Door Price: 

$10 or $5 with Student ID

When

Show Dates: 

Repeats every month on the last Friday 100 times .

6:30 pm

I have seen

by John Lowe

I have seen the sun set in the frozen valleys of Bosnia.
I have seen it rise in the burning dunes of Iraq.
I have held a new born child as it breaths its first breaths of life.
I have held a dying soldier as he breathed his last.
I have tried to give life and I have taken it.
I have felt the seething anger deep inside.
I have lost love and cried.

Do these actions make me a God or a devil?
On my judgment day I will revel.
Because then the truth will be known.
And maybe just maybe I will finally find a home.