This contest has the approval and/or support of "Old Poetry" and the Blacks A Literary Society.
The prompts for this contest are excerpts translated from original African- French of some exquisite verses by Leopold Sédar Senghor. Senegal (1906-2001).
The entire poem may be read at the following link, many thanks to OP for posting in full:
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/94323-Leopold-Sedhar-Senghor-Black-Woman
translated from Femme Noir
1. Black Woman, Lines 10-19
Naked woman, dark woman
Ripe fruit with firm flesh, dark raptures of black wine,
Mouth that gives music to my mouth
Savanna of clear horizons, savanna quivering to the fervent
caress
Of the East Wind, sculptured tom-tom, stretched drumskin
Moaning under the hands of the conqueror
Your deep contralto voice is the spiritual song of the
Beloved.
2. Love
And the Sun, Lines 12-17
I think of you when I am walking or swimming,
Sitting or standing, I think of you morning and night,
When I cry in the evening, and Oh yes, when I laugh
When I speak to myself and when I remain silent
in my joy and pain. When I think and do not think,
My dear, I'm always thinking of you!
Mr.Senghor was not only an amazing and distinguished writer but the President of his country Senegal. [Senghor died in Verson, France at age 95 on December 20, 2001.--D.R.]
"I feel that if I had remained a teacher, my poetry would have been gratuitous and more impoverished, for what feeds it is the communal life, the life of my people. In my poetry I certainly express my personal life, but I express myself as a black man, an African." (Senghor In Dixon 1991)
http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/cm/africana/senghor.htm
Please choose one or both prompts and indicate your choice in author's notes, and reflect in any style or length [twenty lines is a useful range] you might choose on these remarkable verses.
Judging will look to creativity and poetic beauty.
Please enjoy this wonderful poetry here and at Old Poetry, and other resources. Thanks to Marigoes at Old Poetry and Poetryality and The Blacks A Literary Society.
Twenty entries; RESERVE IF YOU WISH FOR LATER WRITING.
Hope to add another Judge, from OP or the BLSociety
NOTE: PLEASED TO WELCOME SECBERM AS CO-JUDGE, thank you Dez.
The prompts for this contest are excerpts translated from original African- French of some exquisite verses by Leopold Sédar Senghor. Senegal (1906-2001).
The entire poem may be read at the following link, many thanks to OP for posting in full:
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/94323-Leopold-Sedhar-Senghor-Black-Woman
translated from Femme Noir
1. Black Woman, Lines 10-19
Naked woman, dark woman
Ripe fruit with firm flesh, dark raptures of black wine,
Mouth that gives music to my mouth
Savanna of clear horizons, savanna quivering to the fervent
caress
Of the East Wind, sculptured tom-tom, stretched drumskin
Moaning under the hands of the conqueror
Your deep contralto voice is the spiritual song of the
Beloved.
2. Love
And the Sun, Lines 12-17
I think of you when I am walking or swimming,
Sitting or standing, I think of you morning and night,
When I cry in the evening, and Oh yes, when I laugh
When I speak to myself and when I remain silent
in my joy and pain. When I think and do not think,
My dear, I'm always thinking of you!
Mr.Senghor was not only an amazing and distinguished writer but the President of his country Senegal. [Senghor died in Verson, France at age 95 on December 20, 2001.--D.R.]
"I feel that if I had remained a teacher, my poetry would have been gratuitous and more impoverished, for what feeds it is the communal life, the life of my people. In my poetry I certainly express my personal life, but I express myself as a black man, an African." (Senghor In Dixon 1991)
http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/cm/africana/senghor.htm
Please choose one or both prompts and indicate your choice in author's notes, and reflect in any style or length [twenty lines is a useful range] you might choose on these remarkable verses.
Judging will look to creativity and poetic beauty.
Please enjoy this wonderful poetry here and at Old Poetry, and other resources. Thanks to Marigoes at Old Poetry and Poetryality and The Blacks A Literary Society.
Twenty entries; RESERVE IF YOU WISH FOR LATER WRITING.
Hope to add another Judge, from OP or the BLSociety
NOTE: PLEASED TO WELCOME SECBERM AS CO-JUDGE, thank you Dez.
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on April 12
- Rewards: Gold: 500, Silver: 300, Bronze: 200, Honorable mention: 3 people
- Final notes: The contest “Femme Noir…Leopold Senghor” has ended. It was judged by two judges and our selections reflect some small compromises because the work submitted was, simply stated, exceptional.
Our selections are as follows:
Just to know - Gold
A very special poem here, captures mood and touch of the theme and gives the writer’s reflective sense of deeper heartfelt emotions; so very well done.
Serengeti sunset- Silver
wonderful opening and the deeper feelings are so well described and so much like the passionate words of the Senghor theme, again so very well done.
All the Bronzed Evening – Bronze
on par with any poem in the contest, has a deep meaning on the values we must all realize and share to make a better world, exceptional poetry here.
Black Man- Emerald
must pause to recognize this gem, an exaltation of an ideal, so long ignored;
and an artistic expression of excellence.
When you are gone – Emerald
I enjoyed this poem so very much, for it was so refreshing to structure a poem
in contemporary and everyday terms; yet achieving poetic beauty.
My Earth Breathes- Emerald
the depth of these entries was somewhat amazing for this poem has some exquisite expression, honest and heartfelt; so much like the theme- wonderful depth.
My thanks to my Co-Judge secberm [ most appreciated help, Dez]
we differed on some but agreed on Gold which I mention only to show there was such closeness among these finalist entries, very high quality here; thank s to all who submitted their work it was our honor to read and comment on your fine poetry.
I think these entries have done a proud recognition of the amazing artistry of Senghor… hope you will all visit Old Poetry and read his works in full form.
Thanks to OP[ thank you, Marigoes ] and The Blacks: A Literary Society for their assistance.
Until next contest, please be safe and well
PK and Dez
Contest Winners
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When the moon spreads her lace
across the African sky’s vast darkness• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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You once asked of me,
"What do you miss, when I am gone?"by Rianna Bear 51 lines, 7 comments, on Mar 30 6:17 PM
Honorable winner• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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King of all empires
even through troubled dejection you rise• Commented on by judge. [remove]
Gold trophy winner
Silver trophy winner
Bronze trophy winner
Entries [9]
1 - 9 of 9
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when you walk i watched in awe when you sing i strain to hear more because it's beautiful• Commented on by judge.
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by cafegroundzero 54 lines, 8 comments, on Mar 26 4:08 PM. In Contemporary, Spiritual, Dark, Life, Love, Nature, Society, Personal, Erotica• Commented on by judge.
Add a comment
Comments
1 - 18 of 18
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Wow...
That's fabulous poetry ~ isn't it refreshing to know that Politicians really CAN be feeling, thinking humans, after all?
I wish Australia could borrow a few!
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have to agree wholeheartedly, an amazing writer and leader; hope you can find a moment to write for the contest...PK
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The poem is beautiful! I'm glad it inspired you to write a poem and now to hold this contest. I won't enter but will be here to read the entries.
Wonderful idea!!!
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thanks to your Old Poetry research this writer and some other African writers may become more well known on AP well done Mari...PK
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Wow wonderful contest PK..I heard of Leopold Senghor before but never been exposed to his works..I will check his link for sure..good luck in the contest
Ruby -
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Great, hope you have time to post an entry, i think his work will appeal to you...wonderful to hear from you...PK
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Interesting prompts here though I feel he belittles teachers somewhat by implying poetry written by teachers is impoverished. My poetry may not be brilliant but that is because of me not the fact that I was a teacher!!
However that apart I salute your intentions and wish the contest luck
Jim
Oldpoetry Research Team -
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Jim-
Thanks for the comments, well i think these are all translations so we wonder a bit... thanks for the good words...PK
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Guess the Blacks and Old Poets can't enter huh?
I will be back to read all entries, provided my PC allows. It is on its' last leg.
Bookmarking!
Much Love Always ♥
Renee
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You are certainly welcome here. Hope everyone who wishes will enter, thanks for raising the point... OP and B-Lit folks are welcome; will post this contest on your Group page too; sorry to hear about your computer problems... been there!... PK
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This particular poet is fairly new to Oldpoetry and thanks to ‘Marigoes’ we now have 3 poems from this man. We have yet to add a biography for him (any willing helpers here?)
Your contest will certainly spotlight him. I wish you well with your contest, anything that showcases and supports Oldpoetry (which has been my ‘baby’ for 5 years now) is just fine by me.
~Von~ -
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Thank you Von-
for your comment and the update on the poet at Old Poetry. Yes, Marigoes has brought this amazing writer to our attention and I am grateful to OP for the efforts there and to 'The Blacks A Literary Society' for their support also...PK
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so beautiful. i love that line "mouth that gives music to my mouth". appreciate you posting this, i did not know about this guy and would love to read more. do you like Walt Whitman?
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*bookmarked* i hope i can get back!!!!
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Congrats to all of your favorites.
Ephiphany
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Thank you for this wonderful contest and for introducing me to a new poet. I am pleased to receive a silver trophy and congratulate the other winners. Peace, Liz
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Thank you so much PK and Dez. Wow. I really am so humbled to find favor in the midst of such great fellow poets and judges. It was an absolute delight to read the works of Senghor and to learn about his personal history and influence as a poet-President. I truly appreciate having been introduced to his fine work, and thank you, PK, and those who also worked with you, for recognizing his voice and for sharing it with the rest of us.
Thank you for hosting this excellent contest and congratulations to all the fine poets who participated. -
Thank you for the Honorable Mention in this challenge. This was the last poem I was able to write at AP because of computer problems. It is an honor to have won an award here.
Congrats to all the winners!
Much Love Always ♥
Renee
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