So because I was ‘smart’ in class and a little rebellious, I got away with telling the teachers I would not do any of that reciting poems with other kids in class, which is a bad thing retrospectively, but I mean, utilize privilege when you can.
As the year continues to run, the call continues with this month’s theme being “Times!”. We have had many events to mark the uniqueness of this month in our country and beyond and since poetry offers itself as an avenue to let out these emotions, we encourage you to use it as an outlet. As you know, poetry wouldn’t complain. Have you got that one poem that speaks to the heart of our theme? Then this call is for you.
I’d never forget the day he died, Marzuq looked me in the eye and I saw how much pain he was in. He was just nine months old. He was laid on the bed, as usual on his back for his siesta.
the loss of a father who was also a mother, the pain it carries when you lack the love that was once bestowed upon you and you were told to become a man.
I would tear pages from my books and write what I felt. Unfortunately, my mum found the papers. I was beaten black and blue. I stopped talking and writing. I now write like my life depends on it, because it does.
Babale was a columnist for Konya Shams Rumi and a lover of arts. She co-curated the maiden edition of Kano International Poetry Festival. She is the author of the chapbook The Rain is Like You (Konya Shams Rumi, 2023) and the poetry collection Pickled Moments (Konya Shams rumi, 2024). She hails from Kano State, Nigeria.
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.
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Poets, especially younger poets are encouraged to send in a single original, unpublished poem.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.
As the year continues to run, the call continues with this month’s theme being “Retrogression”.
