Art Credit: Gerbera [African Daisy] by Poetic Whisperer
This is another in the series of too little known poets from Africa, here Antonio Rui de Noronha.
The prompt is the wonderful poem and example of his work "Surge et Ambula"[ get up and walk]
I found his voice in my small reading so far to be strong and unique... a call from an African to all Africans to stand against their difficulties, see the ultimate dangers of continuing to ignore pressing needs.
I found his style dramatic and precise, with a drumbeat ...surging in tempo and urging in the words, demanding attention and calling upon people to awaken...see if you agree:
The prompt is:
Get up and Walk
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/119436-Antonio-Rui-de-Noronha-Surge-et-Ambula---Get-up-and-walk-
feel free to use the entire poem or any part that you find useful as inspiration.
The judge will reward ideas and the ability to share the insight of this man, poet, citizen of a world far greater than himself...a worthy inspiration.
No line limit, free verse preferred, but any style or form is fine.
No firm line limit, twenty lines would be a useful rule of thumb.
Closes in one week or twenty entries.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO RESERVE AND WRITE AT A LATER TIME.
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on May 28
- Rewards: Gold: 1000, Silver: 500, Bronze: 300, Honorable mention: 4 people
- Final notes:
The contest “Surge et Ambula” has ended my thanks to all of the entrants for reading the fine inspirational theme and pouring yourselves into these wonderful poems.
Africa in peril will rise by the spirit displayed here to stand and oppose difficulties, this is indeed the inspiration of Antonio Rui de Noronha. My thanks to Old Poetry and Mariza Goes for the excellent translation.
My choices for awards are as follows:
Lia, Mama wa Afrika! - Gold
An heartfelt statement of the need to realize the stakes and take action, the voice of the poet is firm and demanding, knowledgeable and powerful here. Excellent.
Mozambique Becoming –Silver
Introspective, historical, analytical yet overwhelming and passionate in the call for things to be done, this was so very well done.
Get Up and Walk – Bronze
So many wasted opportunities so many lives put in peril and there are answers to these questions of great consequence, and urgency. This is done in the drumbeat style, the drum like a beating heart in Africa…so very well done here.
The Emerald awards in order of judging:
Vigilio et Spero – Emerald
Repetition to urgency here in the bold and simple style of the theme; sleep is the enemy when action is needed…so very well said here.
On Tired Feet, Rise Up -Emerald
a wonderful poetic testimony to faith and experience very ornate and compelling language, yet to the same effect as the the theme, a vibrant urge to action. Very well done.
Folded Shut – Emerald
the voice of the poet finds the needs which we seem to ignore and finds passion to ask why, and when… very well done.
Echoes of Freedom! – Emerald
an urgent call for action saying no more, no maore…a very expressive writing here, well done.
Contest Winners
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Upon the reed of Somalia’s horn
a call sounds out and does not quiet• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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The sky is anxious, and there is haste
in the land of the fields where the dream awakens.• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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Are your feet sore Africa?
The many miles you walk• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
• Commented on by judge. [remove]
Gold trophy winner
Silver trophy winner
Bronze trophy winner
Entries [8]
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Time rolled like an ocean tide
messenger of distant powersby Peteskid 23 lines, 6 comments, on May 19 9:21 PM• Commented on by judge.
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Comments
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This speaks right to my heart, PK. The prompt made me think of a Ndebele saying "take a chance, bones as well"
...bookmarked.
~ Nicolette
~ Nicolette
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remarkable wisdom there...thank you...PK
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I actually now remember the Ndebele words: Zidele amathambo"
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ahhh, I think I might too...
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Worthy inspiration indeed!
I read some of his poems, and there is such a depth one each of them. You chose a very good one as prompt to this contest.
v^
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Thank you Mari -
This is a wonderful translation by you, the rhythm and emotion of the poetry come through so well that the reader gets a sense of the writer, how much these ideas seemed to mean...excellent work here...many thanks to you and OP...h
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latin!!!!
i've just finished my GSCE in it today, so its pretty much all i've got going round my head
good luck with the contest!!!
lucy
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when you say pre-write, do you mean one that has been entered into a contest before? I have a poem on here that would suit that has never been entered in anything yet.
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oh, of course... feel free to enter your poem...PK
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Excellent Poem
Well thought poem sweet and calm sounding when you read it. -
Very nice picture and prompt for a contest. I wish you the best of luck ~Sie
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this looks like a wonderful contest...i am sorry i missed it...good luck with the judging.
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Thank you
I am truly honored to receive silver in your wonderful contest. Thank you so much. There are some trophies that mean much more than others. This one is quite special. Thank you, I am truly humbled. Congratulations to all. ~Pamela
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Thank you so much, PK, for the honor of Gold. The inspiration piece here was absolutely compelling and the subject matter one that easily stirs. Thank you for introducing de Noronha and providing an opportunity for all of us to have such vital poetic discussion.
Another wonderful contest by our gracious host. Congratulations to all the poets, and may your voices be heard! -
Thank you for hosting these contests on African poets. It is a pleasure to read the works of authors not normally covered in American education. In addition to the memorable prompts, you have attracted talented poets inspired by these works. I look forward to further contests in this series. Peace, Liz
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