Chance for poets to shine in Avbob’s mini-competition

The simplicity of children’s language astounds us, poems by teenagers open our eyes to a new way of seeing the world.
Young people have an uncanny ability to see into the future.

We laugh and gasp, pause and stare, think, and thank our lucky stars as a result of their uncommon wit.
For the second time, the Avbob poetry mini-competition asks young poets to submit two poems in English that are out of the usual – whatever that means to you if you are 18 or younger – and centre on the theme of Covid-19 during Youth Month 2021.

Marius du Plessis, Avbob’s marketing manager, said that the judges are ready to read about the experiences the youth are facing amid lockdown.
“This might include your wonders and wanderings, your warrior words or earth worries. We want original poetry in stanzas that sparkle, in verses that show us a new view of the times we’re living through. Our judges want lines that live on in our minds long after we’ve finished reading,” Marius said.
“We want your words, especially those that are out of this world, out of the blue, out of the corner of your eye, out of the frying pan, into the fire… if you are 18 or younger. Please forward them to us. Obtain a piece of paper. Look for a pen. Fill in each line until your poem is complete. Allow your thoughts to run wild on paper or your mobile device. Use your imagination to create something new.
“Show us what you have come through during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The competition will run from June 4 to June 23 and is open to any South African citizen.
Entrants under the age of 18 must obtain permission from their parents to participate. Poets may submit up to two English poems about their experiences with the Covid-19 pandemic. Only e-mail entries to social@avbobpoetry.co.za will be accepted.
The winning poem will receive an amount of R1 000, the second poem R700 and the third poem R300.
The winners will be announced on Avbob Poetry’s social media outlets and in a press release on July 21, 2021.Entrants can read and accept the Avbob Poetry mini-competition guidelines at www.avbobpoetry.co.za/Blog/View/68.