For the past five years, poets have had a place to send their beautiful words, many to help others grieve the losses of loved ones; the AVBOB Poetry competition has become a staple within South African literary circles.
South Africa (23 October 2023) – Poet Anne Scarborough Moore found her way back to poetry after 30 years and has since published over 80 poems. Her winning poetry has been featured online and in book format after winning the AVBOB Poetry Competition.
Anne had seen news of the competition in the newspaper, and she took a chance at entering. Having waited 30 years, words of kindness, comfort, and compassion flowed from her heart.
Words hold so much meaning, but sometimes, one can be at a loss to find the right ones, especially in grief. AVBOB launched the poetry competition in 2018 as a way to connect the people in need of words with the people who had them arranged most beautifully.
Winners like Anne and others like Simphiwe Nolutshungu, who writes in IsiXhosa, appreciate the freedom to express themselves, especially in their native languages.
The competition offers more than just a platform; it offers rewards and recognition. Selected poems are paid for and published on AVBOB’s website, and the top three are included in an annual anthology. This anthology is unique in that it features all 11 of South Africa’s official languages, with translations into English for broader accessibility. For many poets, the ultimate reward is knowing their words could bring comfort and hope to someone in need.
To date, over 19,000 poems have been written and published on the website, so if you ever find yourself in need of powerful words, you can find the perfect ones as if written just for you.
Renowned poet, Antjie Krog, adds, “Every phase of my life has been enriched through poetry. Through the African language poems, you realise that death is not some fearful passage. It’s actually a door towards ancestors. You can relax because they will be there.”
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