A 150-year-old poem that is still relevant

Whilst there probably isn’t a Poem of the Year, one columnist believes this year’s choice of words really could be considered to be summed up in the Emily Dickinson poem that is best known by the first line “Tell all the truth but tell it slant -”, 

The poem which is believed to have been written in 1872, but some experts argue may well have been written much earlier actually has no title as Dickinson chose not to give it one and is always referred to by its first line. 

It was not published until 1886, after the poet’s death. It could, however be said that this 150-year-old poem really speaks to us today in 2022.

What is it that columnist Chris Schillig believes makes this poem’s words resonate so clearly with us all this time later? 

Well, it’s still as important now as it was then to be diplomatic when it comes to speaking the truth. 

“Slant” is often key when it comes to telling the truth. Many a partner will have used this tool when facing the dreaded question, “How does this look” or “do you like my new dress/hairstyle etc.”. 

The world may not collapse as a result of the truthful answer to these questions, but a relationship may certainly find itself on the rocks without slant.

In essence, what Dickinson’s poem does is speak to those who have not been dazzled by promises that are false and serves to remind those who have on how they should speak. 

We live in a world of dissatisfaction where people are far less uncomfortable about the idea of speaking out, but there is something to be said for reigning in opinions and keeping more extreme views to oneself just as much today as 150 years ago.

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Poet Koleka Putuma wins big at the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards 2022

Koleka Putuma is among the winners at the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards 2022 announced on December 1, 2022.

The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards were established in 1981 to celebrate emerging South African artists who live their personal truth through their art and show exceptional talent in their chosen medium but have not yet received recognition and acclaim. 

For the previous years, those awarded were in visual art, dance, jazz, music, and theatre.

National Arts Festival CEO, Monica Newton said, “The 2022 Standard Bank Artists are a cutting-edge and diverse group of creatives that are defining the South African cultural moment. We look forward to their fresh perspectives and original performances at the 2023 National Arts Festival. The awards have made it possible for hundreds of artists to be part of the National Arts Festival over the last 41 years and to take their careers to new heights. We would like to thank our partners Standard Bank for their ongoing commitment to the arts in South Africa.”

For 2022, the poetry category was awarded for the first time and it went to multi-award-winning theatre practitioner, writer, and poet Koleka Putuma. 

Her poetry tackles themes such as homophobia, womanhood, race and the dynamics of relationships, religion and politics. 

Her poetry is sharp and thought provoking, unique in its form, language, and structure.

Putuma in response to the honour said, “Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year for Poetry. Wild. Honoured to be the first recipient in this new category & I hope it sticks around.”

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Poetry book of Struggle stalwart launched

Over the weekend, the bilingual volume of poetry by the late Victor Wessels was launched at Livingstone High School 40 years after his death and banning.

Wessels was an accomplished teacher, writer and a stalwart in the Struggle against racial capitalism in South Africa – one of many voices silenced during apartheid.

The book, titled Testimony, was published by African Sun Media and edited by Allan Zinn, director of the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy at Nelson Mandela University (NMU); Denise Zinn, former deputy vice-chancellor of Teaching and Learning at NMU; and paediatrician Doctor Abe Daniels, who were all close to the poet.

Renowned South African writer, poet and activist Diana Ferrus said the collection reflected the experience of suffering, resistance and betrayal from the horse’s mouth and that she regarded it as one of the truest reflections of a South African revolutionary.

Wessels had several encounters with the state security services and received a restrictive banning order which placed him under house arrest and barred him from all public gatherings and publishing any reading matter, as well as from entering schools, universities or public libraries.

The book was dedicated to Wessels’s only son Anton Wessels, who said teaching remained his father’s passion right until the end, and he had vowed to find a way to continue after his restrictive banning summarily destroyed his formal teaching career.

Now, through this book, Wessels would be teaching generations for years to come as some books would also be donated to local schools.

Those in attendance included speakers who included political activists, teachers, family and friends such as Imam Haron’s children and veteran journalist Zubeida Jaffer.

Denise Zinn said Wessels wrote about love, loss and people who had died at the hands of the security police.

Zinn said a few poems were actually about Imam Haron’s death in detention, and that the picture of Wessels on the cover was actually taken while he was speaking at Haron’s funeral.

Poet and activist Mongane Serote said: “While the Struggle against apartheid oppression gave rise to the genre of protest poetry, it also silenced many and significant dissenting voices, like Victor’s, via forced removal and successive banning orders. My thanks to the diligent compilers and editors for bringing this anthology to the light of day.”

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Afro Poetry Times has put together a special #Christmas issue that is set to amp up your holidays

The year is slowly coming to an end.

Christmas poems each year bring joy to those who celebrate the holiday.

We've put together a special Christmas issue that is set to amp up your holidays. 

The poems and the art we’ve included have a similarly lively energy to an energetic smile. 

We hope this action-packed issue will keep you entertained during the long December nights!

Get your digital copy from PressReader - the leading global press distributor. 

https://www.pressreader.com/canada/afro-poetry-times/20221201

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Incredible Poem About Everyday Sexism Wins Forward Prize

Kim Moore has been named the winner of this year’s Forward Prize for her collection of poetry, “All the Men I Never Married”.

 The book which the judges described as phenomenal, earned her the £10,000 prize for best collection.

A total of 48 poems are in the book, which looks at the experiences of sexism on a daily basis, as seen through a collection of significant others and exes.

The awards ceremony, which took place in Manchester, also saw the Felix Dennis Prize for best first collection awarded to Stephanie Sy-Quia for Amnion and Nick Laird’s Up Late receiving the prize in the best single poem category.

The Forward Arts Foundation also announced that the judging panel for next year’s prize will be chaired by Joelle Taylor and Bernardine Evaristo.

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Google Doodle For Emirati Poet

Ousha Al Suwaidi, who is an Emirati poet, has been honoured in Google Doodle format this week. 

The poet, who is commonly known as Ousha the Poet’s full name is Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi. Considered to be amongst the 20thcenturies finest Nabati poets, Al Suwaidi was first recognised on 28th November 2011 for the contributions that she has made to literature.

There is also an annual award that has been dedicated to the honour of the poet. And both a section of the Dubai Women’s Museum and a library at the Emirates International School are dedicated to her as well.

This Google Doodle, which was broadcast across the Arab world, was the work of Reem Al Mazrouei, who is an artist from Abu Dhabi.

Born on 1st January 1920, Al Suwaidi was known by several nicknames, including Fata Al Khaleej (translates to the Girl of the Gulf) as well as Fatat Al Arab (also known as Girl of the Arabs). 

She penned so many poems in such a short space of time that she was often referred to as Gulf Poet Laureate.

She grew up surrounded by literature of all forms, and by the age of 15, she had been recognised for her poetry recitals, an achievement which opened up doors for women in what was considered to be a male world. 

Her work even went on to inspire others, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who published his own collection of poetry in 1989.

Written in Nabati, her work explored the themes of wisdom, love, patriotism and nostalgia, as well as looking at the Arabian Gulf desert landscapes. She was herself inspired by classical poets like Abu Tamman, and Al Ma’arri.

Al Suwaidi died at the age of 98 in July 2018. Her legacy lives on in the poems and songs of popular poets and singers.

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South African Literary Awards 2022 winners announced

The winners of the South African Literary Awards 2022 were announced in a ceremony in Durban, South Africa on Monday, November 7, 2022.

The South African Literary Awards, popularly referred to as the SALAs, have honoured many authors since they were founded in 2005. 

Winning writers and poets have included Es’kia Mphahlele, Nadine Gordimer, Miriam Tlali, Lauretta Ngcobo, Keorapetse Willie Kgositsile, Wally Mongane Serote, Sindiwe Magona, Zakes Mda, Panashe Chigumadzi, Zukiswa Wanner, Sihle Khumalo, Nuruddin Farah, Yewande Omotoso, Sifiso Mzobe, Sabata Mpho Mokae, and Phillippa Yaa de Villiers.

The SALAs, organised by wRite Associates, honour writing and writers in all South African official languages across nine categories. On October 18, the shortlists from 266 submissions received were made public. 

The winners were announced in a ceremony as part of the Africa Century International African Writers Conference on Monday.

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Gauteng International Book Festival set for December 11

The Gauteng International Book Festival is set to be hosted in Soweto, South Africa on December 11, 2022. The festival theme is “Unlimited Africa.”

There is a new festival in the African literary scene going by the name Gauteng International Book Festival. It will be hosted in Soweto, just off the historic Vilakazi Street at the Ubuntu Kraal where Soweto Craft Beer is brewed on Sunday, December 11.

 
Here is the full statement from the organisers in full;

In the heart of Soweto – just off historic Vilakazi Street – Festival Director, Lorraine Sithole, will host the inaugural Gauteng International Book Festival on Sunday, December 11th, 2022, at Ubuntu Kraal. 

The Gauteng International Book Festival is where African stories come alive. The best of South Africa’s literati will spend the day sharing their latest books with readers of all ages, from near and far. Fred Khumalo, Dudu Busani-Dube, Sue Nyathi, Mpush Ntabeni, Songezo Zibi, Chef Mbombi, and Lorato Trok lead a stellar lineup of biographers, historical novelists, and writers of iconic children’s books in book discussions and signings.

The festival aims to “…inspire the culture of reading for leisure within our communities, connect book lovers, and host conversations between our favourite writers and readers.” Gauteng has a vibrant reading culture, and we would like the Gauteng International Book Festival to end the year by celebrating the best African books!

The theme for the Gauteng International Book Festival 2022 is: “Unlimited Africa”. The festival centers Africa as inspirational, and unlimited. The two headliners for 2022 are – Dudu Busani-Dube and Fred Khumalo, with the 2022 keynote address delivered by the multi-award winner, Dr. Nokuthula Mazibuko Msimang.

A day’s pass costs R100 via Quicket and tickets will also be sold on the day at the gate. The day starts at 9h00 am and ends at 5h30 pm. 

The two-part family-friendly programme features an enthralling storytelling extravaganza for children and the young at heart where 12 children’s authors will share stories fireside-esque, games, and illustrations; while the literary programme has 23 panelists: 18 authors and 5 moderators. 

Sessions will cover topics such as the current state of our nation, to the importance of our stories with a live cooking session where the shisanyama will be elevated.

Books and food will be sold at the venue.

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