A big shoutout to all the scheduled poets: Word Abba, Pristine, Muna, JAYPEE, Michael Imossan, Loveth Liberty, Diligent Artist, MJAAY, Mayim M13, Baaji Akura, and Bella Ogwuche.

I cannot write a poem that does not originate from some deep part of me, and usually, these poems feature people, things, or situations I feel connected to. My mother’s poem being my first significant poem just reminds me that I have not lost that part of me even as I get older. I am grateful for that. 

However, I write every day when I can, so that I can genuinely rest on the days when I am experiencing a creative block. This means I do a lot of scheduling and pre-writing, because how else will we be able to stay consistent in a world where you are not always 100%?

Heiress is set to release Carl Terver’s Glory to the Sky on August 25, 2024.Carl Terver is known as one of Nigeria’s best contemporary writers, mostly of the essay form, and a well-rounded critic.

Poets, especially younger poets are encouraged to send in a single original, unpublished poem. Please inform us immediately if the submitted work is published elsewhere before the winner is announced. Previously submitted work is ineligible.

When I finally meet her I will bloom satisfaction Pluck enough to reshape into hope Track back to this moment and Seduce the small skeptic sizes Of me into waiting a bit longer

In my new book, Hold Space for Me, I would say my sense of identity is one of a courageous, vulnerable, empath. I say courageous and vulnerable because you need courage to be open and commit to staying open and vulnerable so that you can connect and empathise more with people.

...meaning, a peaceful day in June is a cold day in July; bullets are like raindrops on the mother of green...