They call themselves the Belizean Poets Group, a collective of eager young poets who throw it down bi-weekly at the Lyrical Lounge, a feature of the Putt-Putt Bar and Grill. Now, they've together a poetry contest and they're asking poets to put pen to paper and produce some inspired verse. It's called the First Belizean Poets Contest where hopefuls are asked to produce three poems, one of them patriotic.
Journalist and poet Adele Ramos, who's organizing the event, says that these young poets are prophets.
Orson Elrington, Organizer
"I think it's very important for us to embrace this type of talent, this type of artistic renaissance. Poetry is probably one of the fundamental artistic art forms; singers, writers, everybody has space on some type of poetry, some poetic and artistic work. So I think it's very important for us to embrace this type of thing."
Adele Ramos, Organizer
"I'd like to say to anybody who has been keeping his or her poetry that there's such a great joy you will get from sharing it with other people out there. I mean the reaction you get from people is just totally unbelievable, especially if you are writing sincere and real poetry. And you don't have to use fancy words or fancy imagery, just be yourself and write. And if you feel that you have something positive to contribute, I would encourage you to enter your pieces because you never know, you might turn out to be the winner of the contest."
Orson Elrington,
"Its an opportunity for everybody to come together during the September Celebrations time and celebrate being Belizean, celebrate poetry, and celebrate art."
[Adele & N'Jah Performing Duet Poem:
Adele: 'When I look into your eyes I see the milky way. They are the windows to my soul you say. Dancing across my body as they skip and play. Temptingly dancing, prancing, my way. The galaxy in your eyes brightens my day. Takes my breath way.'
N'Jah: 'When I look into your eyes, I see inner peace. A fireball of love waiting to be released. Who is found worthy of love so firm and sturdy? Who is worthy to receive such blessing? Please let me know and don't keep me guessing.']
There will be a cash prize for the first place winner and everyone who submits three poems will receive a gift. Those wishing to participate in the contest are asked to submit their poems by e-mail to belizeanpoet@gmail.com. You can also join the Belize Poets Group on Yahoo at Belizepoetsgroup.yahoo.com
The winners will be announced at a special celebration season staging of the Lyrical Lounge on Thursday September 8. The feature of that evening will be a performance by Belizean author, playwright and poet John Watler who will render a reading of his epic poem "The story of Belize City", and his 1981 classic, "While they fight, I Write."
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited and Prepared for the internet by Keith Swift
