JANUARY ‘25 POETRY CONTEST

THEME: CHARIOTS, HORSES AND THE NAME OF THE LORD 

Inspired by Psalms 20:7-8;

“ ⁷ Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

⁸ They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.”

—KJV 

The theme, possessing a reverent tone was selected, allowing each poet to explore the depth and symbolism it breathes. The theme rolls out its layer of optimism, strength, authority and introspection, piquing and bracing each poet for what's to come in the New Year and evoking thoughtful personalized questions such as ‘Who will be trusted if the smooth sailing tide changes and the boat starts to capsize or whose power will be acknowledged to run a smooth year without hiccups? The Chariots or the Name of the Lord?“ in the heart of each poet. 

SUBMISSION CRITERIA

The submission of entries was received through the platform's official website www.yemipoetproduction.com always indicated in the bio. With each entry instructed to be no more than 3 stanzas, 12 lines only, the contest kickstarted on January 1st and had its submission deadline on January 8th, leaving us a record of 341 submitted poems, however, we realized some poets made double submissions, making the accurate number of poems received 237 (in written forms only).

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation procedure was in four segments. 

●      Theme: Horses and Chariots (30%) 

How the concept of horses and chariots was integrated and the symbolism it portrayed.

●      Theme: The Name of the Lord (40%)

If the name of the Lord was a central theme engaged and what it depicted. 

●      Creativity and Imagery: Vividity, originality, and emotional and visual impact were weighed. 

●      Language and structure: Poetic sound and scheme visibility. 

It was discovered that 20% of entries scored less than 50% for writing more or less than 3 stanzas while others did not focus on the theme. Using the evaluation criteria as a focus, the 237 entries were streamlined to the Top 30, Top 10 and Top 3 poets (winners) respectively. 

WINNERS SPOTLIGHT

Our Top 3 poets include;

1. Poetic Dave
1st 
The Throne of His Name
2. Omotosho Femi
2nd
The Strength of His Name
3. Chimezie Gladys
3rd
Chariots of Faith
 An award of #75,000 was shared among them in the order of their position. 

SUMMARY

Using a thematic poetry contest as a medium, Yemipoet engaged her participants, guiding their content, tone, creativity and structure and giving room for the recognition of all works and awarding the top 3 after meeting the evaluation criteria, thereby encouraging recognition, connection and inclusivity. 

MORAL LESSON

With the theme as a yardstick, we’ve learnt to run our race, trusting God and the authority and supremacy of his name and not lean on superficial things. 

APPRECIATION

We are grateful for your support and ceaseless participation, and we thank each audience member and participant. Yemipoet is committed to recognizing your work and connecting with you. 

See you Next Month!