In a world that is torn apart by pain and strife, I believe that poetry can unite us — Korede Badmus, the grand winner of the DKA Annual Poetry Prize narrates her writing journey to PurpleWorld.
A student at Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Korede Badmus, has just emerged the grand winner of the just concluded DKA Annual Poetry Prize. She speaks to Grace Oni, PurpleWold correspondence, about her writing journey.
Congratulations on winning the DKA Annual poetry prize! What inspired your participation in the poetry competition?
Thank you so much. I must say that what inspired my participation in the DKA Annual Poetry prize was really two-fold. Firstly, the whole idea of sharing my work with a large audience inspired me. Initially, I didn’t submit my work for the prize, I submitted because I wanted to move out of my comfort zone and to go beyond posting my works on my social media pages. Secondly, I was inspired by the challenge that came with writing within the specific parameters of the competition. This didn’t only push me beyond my limits, It also helped me to think outside the box and as well made me to explore new creative avenues. I must say that the whole experience was really worth it, and quite rewarding.
How did you feel when you emerged as the winner of the competition?
It was a mixture of emotions, actually. The day I read the announcement on my Facebook news feed, I felt excited, joyful, and grateful. It was so incredible to know that I won the competition. That morning, I had to refresh the page to be certain that I saw the right thing. I can remember switching my data on and off just to be certain. Although I never had it in mind that I would emerge as the grand winner, but winning the competition validated the time and effort I’d put into writing the poem. Also, I was relieved of how nerve-wracking waiting to hear the results was. But overall, it was a very rewarding experience and one I’ll always remember.
Can you tell us about your winning poem and what inspired you to write it?
Definitely. At first, I had nothing in mind, since there was no particular theme for the competition. So, I allowed myself to write freely. While writing, I employed metaphors and imagery in other to pass my message across. In the poem, ‘A Dirge of Memories’, themes of betrayal, change, and as well as loss are explored. The first line, “The tumbleweed rolls across the hill,” suggests the poetic persona being carried away by the storm of life. This shows a state of helplessness and is further compared metaphorically to an antelope trapped in the hunter’s net. There is also the mentioning of the trickster sleeping on a baobab tree, and the “go-away bird” chanting a song of absence; these give a sense of loneliness and abandonment. However, the last two lines suggest newness, acceptance and freedom. The message of the entire poem is that, no matter how much past may haunt us, it is the ability to move on regardless of the pain that defines who we truly are.
What do you see poetry as? And how long have you been writing poetry?
I started writing poetry in 2019 when my older sister challenged me to write a poem, and since then, poetry has been a part of my life. Poetry helps me to pen my emotions, and also helps me to process my thoughts in a logical way. This genre of literature does not only help me to explore my own experiences, but has also helped me explore the depths of different human experiences. There is a reason T.S. Eliot said, ‘Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality.’ With the aid of poetry, I can always go beyond the limits of my own experiences and connection with others becomes so easy. In a world that is torn apart by pain and strife, I believe that poetry can unite us.
How do you usually source inspiration for your poems?
Personally, I source inspiration from different sources. I draw my inspiration from human experiences—both my own and those of others. Also, I get inspiration from things around me like nature, art, and music. However, there are no particular guidelines for sourcing inspiration for poems and I strongly believe that the beauty of poetry lies in being open to inspiration from different places. The most beautiful poems are often gotten from unexpected places.
Did you encounter any challenge(s) while writing your entry for the competition? How did you tackle and overcome them?
Yes, I encountered few challenges while writing my entry for the competition. One of the challenges I faced was striking balance between being vague and also being clear while writing the poem I submitted. I like it when my poems are not really direct and straight to the point. However, I was able to write a satisfying piece because I kept working on it.
Can you tell us some of your favorite poets or writers that you admire and in some way, influence your work?
Wole Soyinka, Niyi Osundare and Edgar Allan Poe. These poets have influenced my works greatly.
How do you think winning this competition will influence your subsequent writings?
Winning the DKA Annual Poetry Competition has undoubtedly given me a boost of confidence and motivation. It tells me one thing, that my work is valued and appreciated and it has encouraged me not to stop writing. In the future, I do hope to send more of my works out to the world, and also to inspire others to write and to submit their works. I must say that winning this competition is a great experience and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.
What advice do you have for promising poets who would someday like to participate in relative competitions?
For aspiring poets who would like to participate in competitions like this, I have just a few pieces of advice for them. Firstly, it is important for them to note that writing is a process, and at times, it can take time to find your voice and your stand. Creating a masterpiece requires writing and rewriting till you are pleased with what you’ve written. Secondly, reading poems written by different poets will help in learning technics that might be new to you in poetry. Lastly, I would encourage aspiring poets to develop the habit of submitting their works to as many competitions as they can, and to also submit for publications— you know, you never know when your work will be chosen.