Last Friday, I was part of a very special evening of poetry! It was such a magical and emotive evening not just because of the extremely high quality of poetry, but also because of the warmth and love in the (virtual) space.
The Magdalena Young Poet’s prize is a new competition for UK young poets aged 16-25, judged by the amazingly talented Fiona Benson. Oliva created the prize in honour and memory of her friend, Anna-May’s daughter Magdalena, who passionately loved art and poetry, and sadly lost her life to suicide aged 21. You can read more about Maggie, and why she was such an inspiration here on the competition’s blog.
Image credit: @annamaylaugher (Instagram)
To paraphrase Fiona herself, what makes this contest so unique is the encouragement for potential and emphasis on mental health.
I listened to a lot of very brave, emotive, beautiful, vivid, and inspiring poetry, including from Anna-May herself who bravely read a poem about her daughter that moved us all profoundly. I want to say congratulations to those who won prizes, and to everyone who read! I can’t wait to check out all the poet’s work and read their chapbooks!
I read my poem Am I clean enough?, which was given an honourable mention by Fiona in her judges report. I wrote this poem with the intention to explore the contradictions and tensions within family dynamics, the unsaid rules, and the things we wish we could say yet don’t seem possible in the moment. That’s exactly why I love poetry, because it allows me to express things that I struggle to say in everyday language.
I want to thank Olivia (who created the competition as a University project), Fiona Benson, Anna-May and everyone else who was involved in this amazing project!
Click here to read mine and the other poets work
laurentemplepoet.co.uk 