After a compilation of all the judges’ selections, and based on their choices, the following have emerged winners of the Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize 2012.
FIRST PRIZE: Sleeping With The Dead by Nwakanma Chika
I love this piece for its concision, elegance and melody. Out of the poems, this piece sprang out at me on first reading, because it is not showy yet very arresting; its timeliness in making interesting points on the inhumanity of some of our traditional rites, and protesting.
~ Judge
SECOND PRIZE: Can Anyone Hear Me? by Chuks Asoegwu
Great rhyme, great theme and great flow. The contrasting paradox and parallels of differing lines show the confusion that befuddles that which is spoken about; the general despair that has come to be a lot of the country. There is finally the word of hope – a hope called forth. Can anyone hear me?
~ Judge
THIRD PRIZE: The Beggar by Olufunmilola Olubunmi Adeniran
I love the interesting story told in this piece. It makes me excited about the prospect of reading it again. I love the rhyme in the 2nd and 3rd lines of each stanza.
~ Judge
