POETS MEET TO DISCUSS POETRY IN NATURE.

The 2nd edition of A Cup of Love with Poetry was a celebration of love and reconciliation through poetry.

The pending question is, can poetry change lives? If poetry can change lives, what does that tell us about poets? How do we regard poets in our different societies? What role do they play in changing the narratives of literature, the society and the World?

« Poetry is emotion put into measure. The emotion must come by nature, but the measure can be acquired by art. » -Thomas Hardy

Well, we've known engaged African poets such as Chinua Achebe, Dennis Brutus, Bate Besong, Kofi Awoonor, Okot p'Bitek, Leopold Sédar Senghor, Christopher Okigbo etc., whose inks have brought positive changes in Africa as they addressed a variety of themes, negritude, anticolonialism, neocolonialism, Pan-Africanism, exile etc. Today, the strong voice of emerging poets can't leave the world indifferent to their pertinent contributions in remediating the different societal problems.

Slam poetry and activism: writing for a good cause.

As part of YOCEP's (Youth Centre for Progress) objectives to fight against hate speeches and violent extremism, it has resolved in using poetry to spread love, create friendship and reconcile hearts thereby creating safe spaces for poets of different cultural, religious and political backgrounds to connect, network and share. The first edition of A Cup of Love with Poetry took place last year, 2019, on mount Eloumden, Nkolbissong. February 29, 2020 marks the 2nd edition whose focus was on love and reconciliation. This inspired the discussion on the topic "Slam poetry and activism: writing for a good cause" led by Karolyn Kouakap who shared experiences of how slam poetry is a perfect medium through which poets can pass to make their be heard. She opined that poets are the torch bearers of their distinguished societies as such, they should not lose sight of their focus which is to bring light to a dark world. According to all the poets present, poets play a key role in reshaping mentalities, habits etc., they write for a good cause.

Karolyn Kouakap, Slam Poet (Artiste slammeuse)

Another discussion on poetry as a therapy was chaired by Boris Kiampi who made us understand the importance of poetry in resolving pychological and emotional stress. Rick Assyla drilled poets in techniques of writing good, captivating and engaging poetry. It was a beautiful poetry reading, discussion and sharing session spiced with soulful musical interludes.

Elvis Vislow, guitarist and song composer

Poets and lovers of poetry at Mvog-Betsi Zoo Botanical Garden.

Let love lead. #Poetryadvocacy #Poetry4peace #Poetry4love #Defyhatenow