ADVICE FOR POETS

Let's be reminded that we have a review tomorrow. I will send each person's piece for review to them. Let's keep the flame of our hope glittering in the darkness, and the light of our works frittering away gloom.
I just thought I should share these words with you. I know they might not be unfamiliar to all of us here, but additional knowledge on them would not be injurious to us in any way; they may even boost our divergent and unique use of them. Below are just five and their use:

*titter* - To laugh in a restrained, nervous way.
Synonyms: giggle
Usage: Mention sex therapy and most people will titter with embarrassment.
*perspire* - To excrete perspiration through the pores of the skin.
Synonyms: sudate, sweat
Usage: The air-conditioning was broken in his car, and he began to perspire heavily in the heat.
*billow* - Rise up as if in waves.
Synonyms: wallow
Usage: Smoke from the burning building billowed up into the sky, obscuring the sun.
*strangulate* - Kill by squeezing the throat of so as to cut off the air.
Synonyms: strangle, throttle
Usage: The police are searching for a serial killer who strangulates his victims.
*inebriate* - Fill with sublime emotion.
Synonyms: beatify, exhilarate, tickle pink, exalt, thrill
Usage: He receives your propositions with an enthusiasm which cheers, and plunges into their accomplishment with an alacrity which almost inebriates.

*_Good morning_*, strive to learn a few words everyday as you write and pen your innermost thoughts towards changing lives and societies..

Spic, Alawode Tosin O. (Mirzadekunme)
Head of SPIC Critiquing Unit
Speaking Pen International Concept
Www.speakingpen.net

Poetic Devices

FIGURES OF SPEECH

A figure of speech is a literary device which a speaker or writer uses in an expression to give a deeper (connotative) meaning to his words, mark a pattern in the pronunciation or exhibit a pattern in the use (meaning) and arrangement of words. Some common figures are described herein. Note that their definitions will be related to writers, though, they are the same with speakers.

1. Address (Apostrophe): This is a figure of speech whereby a writer calls or speaks to a lifeless or an absent object or person as though the object or person is there and can hear.

2. Alliteration: This is a figure whereby a writer uses a number of words with the same initial consonant sounds together in a statement. At times, it can be used to mean the use of the same sound or letter, at the beginning of consecutive words, which are not necessarily consonants only.

3. Anagram: This is when the letters of a word are jumbled to create another word used in the same sentence.'

4. Analogy: This is a figure with which a writer compares two things of different nature but some similarities in quality in an elaborate manner. It is usually done with the use of "as if", "as though", "as...so". It can be referred to as the general term for comparison such as simile and metaphor.

5. Antanaclasis: It is the play on meanings of a word in a statement. That is, a word is used with different meanings. 

6. Anticlimax (Bathos): This is the arrangement of events or processes from the highest or most serious to the least or most ridiculous.

7. Antithesis: This is a figure whereby a writer makes a contradiction by placing two opposite words or statements beside each other.

8. Antonomasia: This is the use of a title or an epithet to refer to a person instead of the person's actual name/s.

9. Assonance: This is the use of the same vowel sound in several words that follow one another relatively (usually in the same position in the wordsーinitial, middle or end).

10. Climax: This is the arrangement of a sequence in an event or process from the most serious one to the most ludicrous one.

11. Consonance: This is the use of like consonant sound(s) in consecutive words of an expression at the middle or last position in the words.

12. Ellipsis: It is a figure in which the writer exclude one or more words in a statement while its meaning is inferred.

13. Euphemism: A figure it is in which the writer uses decent or ridiculous statements to describe a very ugly and horrible situation or object.

14. Hyperbole: This is an exaggeration of a situation in a statement.

15. Irony: This is the use of a statement which is contradictory to the truth or writer's intention.

16. Litotes (Understatement): This is a figure whereby a situation is presented as though not very important or serious.

17. Metaphor: This is a direct comparison between two different things. It is a compressed form of simile and a very shorten form of analogy. It is "simile" without "like or as".

18. Metonymy: It is a figure in which the writer address something with an object that is very related to it.

19. Onomatopoeia: This is the use of a sound that is related to something to describe that thing.

20. Oxymoron: This is the use of two contradictory words side by side.

21. Paradox: This is the use of two contradictory statements side by side. (Note: paradox has statements while oxymoron has words).

22. Personification: This is a figure in which a non-living thing is attributed the features of living things to or things other than human are given human qualities by a writer.

23. Pun (Paranomasia/Paronomasia): This is a play on the meaning or pronunciation of words.

24. Repetition: This is the act of writing a word or group of words again and again.

25. Rhetoric: This is the act of asking a question which answer is obvious hence not needed to be given.

26. Run-on line (Enjambement): This is a figure whereby the completion of a statement in a line is carried to the subsequent line of poetry.

27. Simile: This is the act of comparison between two objects of unlike nature but like qualities with the use of "as" or "like". It is a slightly compressed form of analogy, but more vivid than metaphor.

28. Synaesthesia: This is the description of an object with another unrelated object, like using words related to sound when describing looks.

29. Synedoche: This is the representation of a whole with a part of it.

30. Synonymia: This is the use of synonyms to emphasize and amplify a word.

All these figures are used one after the other in the lines of the following poem. Only run-on line is given two lines to show its effect. It is possible that a line has more than a figure. Still, only a figure is intended to be reflected.

SCHOLARS AND LIFE

Life, what a wise man you are!
Living like a legend lingeringly
Life is a file
Life is a sage as if Mr. Aristotle in his Metaphysics.
Life presents a present to present peoples.
Scholars reread, read and write about life.
Life is the creator that creation moulds
The Shakespeares have directed its paths
Weary will we be not
To assess and document and teach life.
A doss gross loss will be
As it does
We shall be gentle, mute scholars.
Nay! A million words we shall write
Even though life writes us wisely
It is no surprise that he is a sage
Life is a tortoise
And nature is a fox
Even the twitter of birds
Is a melancholy melody
And accident is a wonderful interloper
And ink is its intelligent operator.
It happens on a dais in a week.
Life is a teacher, a teacher of a life
Who won't learn?
All our saga
's got from it!
Scholars are like pupils
And the metallic baritone of life
'Ll teach our eyes in this class!
He is a teacher, tutor, yea, mentor.

Did you enjoy this?

Posted to the SPIC Family by Spic Adelere ABIODUN

SPIC EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH POET KOLADE OLANREWAJU FREEDOM

Speaking Pen International Concept (SPIC) Interview Session with Poet Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom, held at the SPIC Family Whatsapp Group, hosted by SPIC Interviewers Unit, on Sunday, 29th of May, 2016 between 8pm to 10:52pm.

SPIC:
It's few minutes to the awaited time.

Please if you are active signify by any of these smileys.
Remember, smileys only until it's time for general questions for our guest.

SPIC:
Greetings to all lovers and writers of Poetry. I've got a wonderful guest tonight, an award winning Poet. Who is he?
Please let's welcome Poet Kolade Olanrewaju.

Poet Kolade:
Everyone here seems to be a ponderer.

SPIC:
Welcom sir, Kindly introduce yourself to the house.

Poet Kolade:
Good evening, House. With poet being used before my names by the interviewer, I've just a little left to say. I'm a literary editor, a blog designer, an e-published and a content creator for websites.
I've two poetry collections entitled 'The Light Bearer' and 'Punctured Silence'. My undying passion for poetry has made me function in the capacity of a moderator for various poetry contests including the prestigious Nigerian Students Poetry Prize.

SPIC:
Poet KOLA please tell us, do you have a Pen name?

Poet Kolade:
Yes, I do.
Interestingly, it is not used independent of my birth names. I prefer addressing it as an adopted name.

SPIC:
So tell us the name.

Poet Kolade:
FREEDOM

SPIC:
Wow!, the name speaks. You are free indeed.

SPIC:
How did you come about the name?

Poet Kolade:
I could recall bearing the name briefly in my secondary school - Federal Government College, Ikirun. Then, there was no personal ideology behind it, I was just influenced by the influence it had on my  brother's political campaign for the position of SUG President at FUTA.

When I started writing creatively, I took the name more serious as it signifies 'expression without restriction'.

SPIC:
I see, Okay tell us what type of Poet are you? Written Poet, performance Poet or Spoken word Poet?

Poet Kolade:
I'm first a written poet before anything else. However, I can also be classified as a momentary performance poet as there were instances were I got intoxicated enough to give breath to my poems on some selected platforms.

SPIC:
Wow, that is challenging and encouraging. Kudos to you.

Poet Kolade:
Thank you.

SPIC:
You're welcome. it's a pleasure.
Which poetry devices do you use more often?

Poet Kolade:
As a poet, your works thrive on the adequate use of poetic devices. They make your works come alive; they 'flesh up' your frame, that is, the subject matter.

I make use of all known poetic devices including Metaphors, Similes,Personification,Oxymoron,Hyperbole,Euphemism, Alliteration,Oxymoron and a host of others.

SPIC:
Okay, but which ones you use more. Like if I pick five of your poems now on different title. Which of the devices can I find more?

Poet Kolade:
You'll find Metaphors dining with Similes while Personification looks on as Enjambment runs around on the skate of Alliteration.

SPIC:
Hmmm Poet Freedom, I love the way you put up that answer. Yea that's Poets for you.

SPIC:
Is spoken words really Poetry?

Poet Kolade:
Maybe you should have used it this way - Spoken Word Poetry and not just Spoken Word.
The former is similar to saying this: Oral Poetry. Spoken Word - Oral Poetry - Poetry.Spoken Word Poetry - Oral Poetry.

I, however, cannot affirm poetry's similarity with the latter - Spoken Word.
Even if you say you're doing Spoken Word Poetry, does it really adorn the page poetically when 'paged'? Does it meet the standards of poetry?
Just as some written poems cannot be accepted as poetry, the same goes for poetry spoken.

The line is drawn where the qualities of good poetry are affirmed to be present in a poem written or spoken.

SPIC:
I see. What an eye opener!
Tell us of prizes and awards you have won?

Poet Kolade:
Am I expected to talk about academic prizes as well? I won a few in Primary School (smiles).

SPIC:
Yes, tell us all.

Poet Kolade:
In 2013, I was awarded an inspirational poet by the National Library of the Philippines. I also topped the list of top 5 poems in Category A Of Write, Share, Be Read Competition (UK).
In the same year, I was shortlisted in Inner Child Essay Competition, and was rewarded with a publishing scholarship that enabled me publish my first poetry collection in US.

SPIC:
Wow, that's amazing.

Poet Kolade:
In 2014, I won SPIC Love Poetry Contest on a Friday.
I was rated among the top 30 Poets that rocked Nigeria in 2014 by EGC.

SPIC:
Am not surprised, he is Freedom!!

Poet Kolade:
Recently, I was awarded a Universal Inspirational Poet in Accra, Ghana by PENTASI B and the Ghanaian Government.

SPIC:
Wow thanks for sharing that with SPIC Family.

Poet Kolade:
I can't possibly recall all, but I've mentioned the notable ones.

SPIC:
Can you tell us the name of your favourite Poet and what you love about the poet?

Poet Kolade:
Writing takes courage. Writing poetry takes greater courage. All poets who are courageous enough to share their works with others have a spot on my Favorite Poets' List.
However, I'm sentimental about a poet whose poem 'Invictus' influenced my writing style and writing mood - William Henley.
I admire the gutsiness of his poem *Invictus* and his defiance (to the the dictates of circumstance) as a poet.

SPIC:
Okay.
What inspires you to write poems?

Poet Kolade:
Life.
An attempt to capture what happened, what has happened, what happens, what is happening and what will happen, makes my pen bleed.

SPIC:
So do you write other genres apart from Poetry?

Poet Kolade:
I do. Academically,I am compelled to write other genres. Creatively, I'm restricted to poetry writing alone. Even if I write prose, elements of poetry tend to be dominant in it.

SPIC:
Okay, that's the spirit.
Do you make money from Poetry, if yes, how?

Poet Kolade:
I make money from poetry indirectly.  Having published two collections of poems, copies are being sold. Consequently, interrupted revenue is being generated.

Also, I've been invited for one or two poetry programmes where I was given a stipend.

SPIC:
Hmmm. You said "consequently interrupted revenue is being generated," Explain?

Poet Kolade:
Hehehehe...
You only get money off books sold, and that doesn't happen always.
Living off poetry alone seems unrealisable. One has to be versatile.  From the introduction of myself, this seems to be a pragmatic response.

SPIC:
Okay.
Have you ever had you poem criticized before, if yes, how, by who, when, where?

Poet Kolade:
Yes. I remember my poem being labelled 'prosaic' 3 years ago on Facebook by an editor who worked on my first collection. I had hurt his ego by passing a demeaning remark on a song he was *jamming' online. The validity of his comment cannot be ascertained due to the circumstances. Nevertheless, I've grown greatly within the last 3 years (either from being prosaic to being poetic, or being poetic to being more poetic).
Recently, a feigned critic also wrote an unbalanced review of my latest poetry collection - Punctured Silence. A rejoinder by a fellow critic buried his.

SPIC:
Its nice to have you here once again Mr Kolade Freedom.

SPIC:
Yes, I wish he stays with us throughout eternity.

SPIC:
Nice,
Good evening family, I am Don Kolawolu,co-host on this interview session.

Poet Kolade:
Good to be handed over to a male poet. I'll probably be 'freer' to express myself. Good evening, Don Kolawolu. Good night, Lady Abigail.

SPIC:
Okay. Just like that?. I need allowee.

SPIC:
Sir, can you tell us one of your best moment as a poet.

Poet Kolade:
My best moment as a poet can be traced to the past that shows me introducing the Nigerian Students Poetry Prize to some students and student-journalists at the Students' Union Building of University of Ibadan. It symbolizes the fulfillment of a long-conceived vision.

SPIC:
That really show your passion for poetry and determination.

Poet Kolade:
Yes. I'm passionate about such a passion that solely constitutes my personality.

SPIC:
Every poet or writer has something or sometime that they started out to do what they really want to do.
When did you realize you want to be a writer/poet?

Poet Kolade:
At age 7, I set out to be a Mechanical Engineer. You wouldn't blame me; my siblings are all sciences-inclined. Then, my sister was studying Chemical Engineering and I ignorantly believed Mechanical Engineering was superior - mere fascination.
Things took a different turn in 2011 when I made up my mind to study an art related course despite having Science O' Levels.  A crossover to Arts in the same year triggered my rebirth.

SPIC:
Wow!
What could have prompted the crossover?

Poet Kolade:
Quest for happiness embedded in sense of fulfilment
It was self-motivated. I had published my two poetry collections, got featured in countless anthologies before seating in a lecture room. No writing workshops either.

SPIC:
As a poet, what is the measure of success for a poet?

Poet Kolade:
A multi-faceted question.
How does a poet measure his success or influence? Having your works (poems) speak positively to individuals who in turn influence their respective societies positively. The success of a poet can simply be graded on the scale of 'my poem fought this ill to a stand still, 'my words inspired this person unto greatness', my works will outlive me to carve the right path for posterity to tread'.
Sorry it took so long to respond. It's a question that needs reflection, not to be answered anyhow.

SPIC:
Hmm.
So as a renowned and first class poet, how do you measure your success? Can you share with us?

Poet Kolade:
I measure my success based on the relevance of the message of my poems to readers, based on the level of 'I could relate to it', based on the association between saying and doing.
Also, I crave the birth of many 'in-the-womb' poets. So, I'm happy when I deliver a baby poet in the hospital of attention and nurture.

SPIC:
Okay, how can one begin  a ppoem, I mean, what is the driving force that sparks the first line and how do one follow through?

Poet Kolade:
I need to write this; I can't turn a blind eye.
You can't give what you don't have. The driving force is sustained by the quantity of poetic ingredients present in your mind. That is why it is essential for one to continually hone his craft either by reading or subjecting oneself to tutelage of masters of the art.
Knowledge is what channels inspiration towards excellence.

SPIC:
Sir, What words do you have for Speaking Pen International Concept's "SPIC FAMILY" (Group of poets that nominated you to be interviewed)?

Poet Kolade:
Discover your passion, be passionate about it, be selfless about it, be consistent with it, and  success will show greatness where you reside.

SPIC:
Now that's rhema.
But before the house start asking their questions.

SPIC:
What is your advice for poets looking up to you?

Poet Kolade:
Advice for poets:
Look inward before looking outward. You've to believe in yourself before you can get others to believe in you.

SPIC:
Thanks so much Mr Olanrewaju Kolade Freedom, we celebrate you. Now we would like to entertain few questions.
Questions from the house before we call this session a memory.

Poet Kolade:
You're most welcome, dear host.

Spic Beatitude:
Hello Mr Kolade, can you please tell us your course of study?

Poet Kolade:
Communication and Language Arts.

Poet Kolade:
The nature of reactants determines the product. What you take in determines what you will excrete.
You improve your writing skills by first improving your reading skills. Afterwards, you can talk about consistency. I hope I've answered your question, sir/ma?

SPIC:
Wow, it's being a wonderful time.
Due to time we are no longer going to take questions.

Poet Kolade:
Okay. If there is any question anyone desires to ask, it can be privately done as opined by a member of the family.
Thanks for making every minute spent here worthwhile. I appreciate your appreciation.
All the best!

SPIC:
Goodnight, House
Seizing this opportunity to say a big thank you to our special guest for honouring our invitation. The sky is your starting point, Poet Kola.
Also a big thank you to all the participants. I pray our pen pay us soon. Bye.

HOSTS: Spic Abigail and spic Kolawolu, of SPIC Family.

Other active SPICs during the interview session:
Sunday Abedunde, Mercy Akintola, Mirzadekunme, Olamide Kmixers, Eliezer, Diamog, Kcpwesh, Withoutwax, Aswagaawy, Pheor, Uncle Fred, Umoh, Tersemann, Muyi, Olawale Samuel, Sirdamait, Sheilyrics, Winlade, Jeomen, Opacash, Naporoo, Umar Ajetunmobi, Bada Yusuf Amao, Kwen Toosen, LOSmercy, Max, Brand Manager, Emaculate, Mac H, Bukdam, Chechyn, Josh, Lawrence, P'fresh, Rachael Ogunmuyiwa, Enreal, Penmind, Maryam Damilola, Khudrah, Amioluwa, and Hollumuyiwah. 

Compiled by:
Spic Abdulhafeez T. Oyewole (H.T.O) and Ogunjimi Anuoluwa of the SPIC Compilation and Interviewers Unit respectively

Speaking Pen International Concept (SPIC)
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SPIC EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA

Speaking Pen International Concept (SPIC) Interview Session with Poet James Ademuyiwa, held at the SPIC Family Whatsapp Group, hosted by SPIC Interviewers Unit, on Sunday, 05th of June, 2016 between 8:03pm to 11:44pm.

SPIC:
Good evening to all, Please if you active signify by any similes. More actives members please,Two more active members then we start.
Wow house, I've got an amazing interviewee tonight. I believe you would love to know how amazing he is?.
Join me as I welcome Poet James Ademuyiwaaaaaaa!
Good evening Poet James Ademuyiwa

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Good evening here

SPIC:
Welcome Poet James Ademuyiwa. Please kindly introduce yourself to the house

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
My name is James Ademuyiwa

SPIC:
Okay, who is James Ademuyiwa?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
And I am a Poet, That's all.

SPIC: Okay

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Yeah

SPIC:
Poet James, tell us, do you have a Pen name?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Firstly, can we settle something first please? I'd love to be addressed as only James;
Thanks. Now to the question on Pen Name, I do not have a pen name per se.

SPIC:
Okay as your Lordship pleases. Okay, I hope you will get one soon?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Because, the name people think should be my Pen Name has been a Nickname before I ever dreamt of writing my first piece. And I mean (Jamesconco)

SPIC:
Wow! that sounds amazing. Hope you will adopt that?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
I hate Norms, so my name is James Ademuyiwa It turns me on when you call me James Ademuyiwa and it makes my brain cum of words.

SPIC:
Wow, James Ademuyiwa turns you on. Then there is a reason?, can you share with the house?

But James come to think of it, we only know your name and nothing more, is that fair enough?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Hehehehe
Well, you should get to know during the cause of the interview.

SPIC:
Okay still as your Lordship pleases

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
If you insist, I'd just say, it only connects back to the fact that, I became so proud the day I was honored as the "Empowered Spoken Word Youth from Africa" by the Canadian Poetry Festival in 2014

SPIC:
What type of Poet are you: written Poet, performance Poet or spoken word Poet?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
So, I realised, I've been doing more than just rants, that I've been affecting lives with my pieces which some call "sublime".  I am a Poet; I write on Page; I perform on Stage; I dramatize Poetry, So, you can call me a "Performing Spoken Word Poet".

SPIC:
Now you are talking. In fact am on already. No need to turn again

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
C'mon. Don't be naughty. Lols

SPIC: Chai, so you wanted to keep all this to yourself

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
I'm a trained Communicator so, I answer whatever you ask me

SPIC:
Kudos to you dear, it's not easy. Is okay
POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Sorry for eating during the interview, I'm I permitted?

SPIC:
Yes o,
Many poets uses different poetic devices, so tell us which poetic devices you use more often?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Hmmmmm
Can I list more than 1???
Similie, Metaphor, Metonymy and Synecdoche
Remember to take them respectively as listed above.

SPIC:
Poetess Abigail Aliu: Yes, you can even list trillion

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
No no.

SPIC:
Okay

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
You said "often". Yeah yeah

SPIC:
Okay. So if I pick like five to six of your write up(poems) which of these aforementioned poetic devices can I find most?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Similie and Metaphor. Here is my latest
I heard your god is a vampire
walking in the sun
chasing necks of wandering
sheep in the coven of holy
cannibals.

I heard your god is a vampire
working in the sun
quenching his thirst with
innocent bloods on the streets
of Kano.

I heard your god is a vampire
scared of looking at the mirror.

SPIC:
Wow, this your Poem got me thinking. So you love comparism?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
That's full of Metaphors. Yeah yeah Comparison is what I see to drive home best the thoughts of a Poet to the other end

SPIC:
Many people within and outside the Poetry circle cannot tell if Spoken words are actually Poetry, can you enlighten us on that?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
If you ask me, Poetry started with Spoken Word

SPIC:
Really, How?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Firstly, from the Biblical story of creation, God said things figuratively and they were and are still are "Let there be light"

SPIC:
Wow, never knew I got a pastor Poet in the house, Yes, and there was.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Now, taking it away from Religion and Faith, back in the old Greek Empire, Roman Empire and old Empires, people were usually called to action or changed emotionally and psychologically through words spoken

SPIC:
Hmmm James is making me to be on cloud nine

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
If we are to look at it from the ancient literature (Shakespeare), all is Plays and Dramas, for example: Julius Ceaser, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest etc. You'd see the dexterity of the main acts with the use of words

SPIC:
Wish to study at your feet throughout the night, James the great!!!

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Take for example, the Julius Ceaser role in "Julius Ceaser" he's a man of words and looking at his words they are just so poetic. So, what I'm I saying? Poetry started from the Spoken Form then was written down. Don't forget, God spoke first, not wrote first. Choose any that fits into the statement

SPIC:
Okay sir, you quite enlightened us tonight I must confess
Tell us of prizes and awards that you have won

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Okay Ma. Don't forget, it's my own opinion, someone else's might be different. Chaiii, I hate to mention them because, they are not important.

SPIC:
Pleaseeeee

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Well, no problem, It all started with the "2nd Winner of WhatCanWordsDo?" Organized by Kukogho Iruesiri Samson, CEO Words Rhymes and Rhythms

SPIC:
Wow, that's amazing

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
"Empowered Youth on Spoken Word from Africa" by the Canadian Poetry Festival in 2014 (Award) First prize from WRR was February, 2014. While the Award was in October, 2014 which somehow served as my birthday gift

SPIC:
Really?, Wow, it's seems I will follow you home to snap with the awards.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
I was named among the top 20 Poets (Page and Stage) by the EGC ratings. That closed the accolades session for 2015, 2014 rather.

SPIC: Hmmmm,

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
2015 opened with a "Special List of the Eriata Food Poetry Competition' where I was awarded. Oh! I'm sorry, 2014 had me came 5th at the Maiden edition of Eko Poetry Slam

SPIC:
Okay, James for the sake of those of us who might not be familiar with some Poetry bodies, can you tell us what EGC means?. Kudos to you, you've come a long way

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
They are generally known as EGC, but it's curated by Enigmatic Olumide Bisiriyu. Sorry, I can't get you the meaning.

SPIC:
Okay no problem.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
2015, I won the 2nd Prize of the Okigbo Poetry Night at University of Ibadan in a Dramatic Poetry Competition. Basically, I unleashed my dramatic Poetry performance that night.

SPIC:
Can you tell us the name of your favorite poet and what you love about the Poet?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Can't remember some, but 2015 ended with me being the 12th position on the year's EGC list which had Efe Paul Azino as the first
SPIC:
Wow, getting higher

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Well, I'd disappoint you, I don't have a favorite Poet
I just have those I love to listen to often or read; Well, Efe Paul Azino is my role model.

SPIC:
Okay. So what do you love about him?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
But, I love to read Maya Angelou, Oswald Mitsyali, Agarau Adedayo, Oriogun Oluwasegun etc

SPIC: Okay.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
With the fact that he opened my eyes to what is called Spoken Word in November 2013 at the maiden edition of Ake Arts and Books Festival, where I was so astonished to see someone perform poetry without holding a book for more than 15 minutes. So, I got interested from there.
[6/5, 9:28 PM] James Conco Pt: Because, he loves to input history in most of his pieces, I fell in love with him. I'm a lover of history.

SPIC: Wow, I see.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
I hate to bore people, hope I've not woken your boring life!

SPIC:
Wow, so you can tell me more about slave trade, the amalgamation of North and South

SPIC:
No.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Definitely.

SPIC:
Okay.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Unfortunately, those are histories written for us not written by us

SPIC:
Can you tell us what inspires you to write poems?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
LIFE.

SPIC:
Life? That's deep

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Yeah, it is because I am deep.

SPIC:
(laughed)
Do you write other genres apart from Poetry?.
POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Yes Ma.

SPIC:
Which other ones?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Prose and Drama. The Prose are Short Stories and Flash Fictions & (Reviews). Drama, I do engage in Movie Script Development

SPIC:
Wow, nice one, multi talented
Do you make money from Poetry, if yes tell us how?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Maybe I am not multi talented, maybe I need to exhaust myself before I die. Yes Yes Yes.

SPIC:
So tell us how?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Aside from few Stipends some event organisers provide when I grace their events, I get to organise Poetry event myself and see returns on Investment

SPIC:
Wow, can I be your P.A?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
But the whole part of making money with poetry comes with me adopting my Poetic skills as a Public Relations and Marketing Content Developer for Brands and also Social Media PR and Marketer for personalities, events, Brands and products; Though, I was once contacted for an Advertisement Voice Over meaning money comes from voice overs too as a Spoken Word Poet.

SPIC:
That's great strategy. Hmmm, am inspired

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Maybe.
SPIC:
Okay

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Yeah

SPIC:
Have you ever had your  Poem criticized before, if yes, how,by who, when and where?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
I get my poems criticized all time

SPIC:
Hmmm

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Because, Criticism is appreciation and appreciation can come either positively or negatively. So, I can't say this and this are those that have criticised me

SPIC:
Okay, I love that spirit, Can you share with us one of your Poem that was criticized and by who?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Yeah yeah
You would be having all my poems tonight oooooooooo
I think this last question is no more necessary coz, I had answered it

SPIC:
Okay, for now just tell us the title of the Poem

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Which poem?

SPIC:
Any of your Poem criticized, tell us the title and how it's was criticized

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Read this again
SPIC:
Okay.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
I get my poems criticized all time, Because, Criticism is appreciation and appreciation can come either positively or negatively.

SPIC:
Oh, all times.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
So, I can't say this and this are those that have criticised me. Yeah yeah

SPIC:
Okay noted. Tell us of your best movement ever as a poet.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
That was when I performed the first Spoken Word in my school, "A minute silence" and the crowd almost turned to a river of tears.
SPIC:
Hmmmm, I imagined how it was.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Thanks. I made my colleagues and lecturers proud this day in 2015. Plus, I introduced Spoken Word to the system, which led to organizing the first Spoken Word and Soul Music event in MAPOLY, Empowered By Words Season 1.

SPIC:
Now I pronounce you DON JAMES!!
When did you realized you wanted to be a poet (writer)?.
Can you brief us little about it?.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
C'mon. You like stories o
Okay, It happened I was a group leader for an Entrepreneurship project in school, that's my second year in school

SPIC:
Yes oo, Okay.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Having given a lot of myself to the success of the product which was a Stage Drama, the first of its kind in MAPOLY, that student would pick a stage drama for an Entrepreneurship project

SPIC:
Nice one thanks for sharing

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
I was so enthusiastic about the success but, 60% of my group members were nonchalant, they liteirally behaved as I was the only one that would be awarded at the end of the day

SPIC:
What is the measure of success as a poet?. Don't mind them.What is the measure of success as a poet?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
C'mon, I'm still on my story.That's a bad habit of an interviewer.

SPIC:
Haaaa, am sorry ,thought you were through

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
You've got to listen to me before moving to the next question. Read again, does the story seem to have ended?
James Conco Pt: Back to my story

SPIC:
Okay boss, time constraints. Depending on the reader, to me that was brief enough.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
The story wasn't complete Ma. Because, whenever I call them for rehearsals, they would give excuses of going to tutorials or the library. Even up to the day the supervising lecturer came to inspect our rehearsal for final approval, they delayed that I was scolded by him
Well, at the end of the day, having reawaken Ulcer due to late meals during the project, I was totally exhausted that I almost go unconscious on getting home.

SPIC:
Hmmm, listening, Really?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
So, I revived myself with Matina (in Odunlade's voice) Pelu Miliki alagolo. Yeah yeah, and you didn't want to listen. I need to tell you guys so as to know where I was coming from.

SPIC:
(laughed)

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
So, after taken that, the next thing I did instead of sleeping was to start writing my travails in lines of Poetry,Thank Good Poet Bada is here.

SPIC:
Okay.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
While I was writing it, Sir Bada came to visit me to congratulate me on the success of our project as one of the leading roles in the stage drama, that he met me scribbling for the first time. The next thing he said was, "James!!! You mean you wrote all these lines on a straight approach"?. And I said yes.

SPIC:
You sighted SPIC BADA, you will pay Fine - one trillion naira only.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Then, it was over 60 lines.

SPIC:
Hmmm

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
So, he concluded I must join WRR on Facebook.

SPIC:
Okay, what an angel?.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
He introduced me to WORDS RHYMES AND RHYTHMS, I started familiarizing with them, then I got to meet Kukogho Iruesiri Samson too the curator of the group

SPIC:
Okay.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Basically, Sir Bada discovered me that day as a potential Poet, and I launched fully, officially December 2013.
Summarily, I started Poetry out of frustration. I became of Poet through sadness. I realized I'd become a Poet in 2013.

SPIC:
Okay, you've really come a long way

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
To me, the measure of success as a Poet is when your impact has been felt physically. I just answered your next question.

SPIC:
Hmmm, that's the fact. Not how far but how well, Yeah

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Yeah yeah. Are we through now?

SPIC:
James, tell me if I approach and I say to you, " please sir can you teach me how to write poems?" What will be your answer, in another way, tell you how do you begin a poem?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Hehehehe, Well, we've got two questions up there.
SPIC:
Asking" are we through now is a very bad habit of an interviewee. It's even poisonous.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
It's never a bad habit.

SPIC:
(laughs) there you go

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Let me pick them one after the other

SPIC:
Okay

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Nope, you delayed. You refused to give an iota of continuity,
SPIC:
Really?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Well, asking me how to write a poem. I would ask the person, what do you understand as Poetry. The person's definition would lead me to what I'd say next, Though, often, I get to tell people having given me the response to my question on what their definition of poetry is, to go and study the nitty-gritty of poetry, That is, the rudiments of Poetry. Then, tell them to read Poets of yore

SPIC:
Hmmm

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Meanwhile, for one to retrieve these steps from me, we'd have got to have a kinda relationship that allows me to study the person. So, the arrangement I'd use for enquirer A might be different from that of enquirer B. Summarily, what I'm saying is, writing poetry comes from within

SPIC:
Wow.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
I can't teach you how to write poetry, I can only show you how to.

SPIC:
Hmmm

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Second question, I begin my own poetry in various ways

SPIC:
Okay

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
I've written some pieces that, I got their last lines first While, I've written most poems that I got their first lines first.

SPIC:
Don James on point!.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Likewise some, it's only the idea that pops into my head, and I get to develop words for. Now, the duration of words development for me varies, I've written a poem of 1 year, 1 week, 10mins, 4 hours etc. Generally, all been attached to how LIFE brings them about.

SPIC:
Okay

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Yeah.

SPIC:
It's being nice having you around.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Okay Okay Ma.

SPIC:
So what words do you have for Speaking Pen International Concept(SPIC Family) who nominated you to be interviewed.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Well, they should continue doing what they know how to do best. Their last input is not their best. Focus is key. Knowing yourself is paramount. Chasing more horizons should be your Mantra.

SPIC:
That advice is rich, thanks. What is your advice to Poet looking up to you?.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
You welcome

SPIC:
Thanks.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
They should take their eyes off me and see beyond where I've not gotten.

SPIC:
Hmmm another rich, heartmelting advise. I feel like staying here with you all through the night but nature will fail me, before we let you go, we will like you to attend to some questions

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Much

SPIC:
So my Seamless PENist, it's question time

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
No problem.
SPIC:
Thanks.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
You are welcome. Shoot

SPIC:
Do anyone have questions?
POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
I think my namesake got something. He's typing since 1884(laughed).

SPIC:
Hmmm please let's wait for him

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Sure. I was once like that too

FIRST QUESTION: Jamesconco my main man.(WWR-I am one of you) my question.....Do spoken word poetry really have style or is just about telling stories?.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Hmmm
SECOND QUESTION:  Sir James, of course having you here was or is fantastic..
My question is does it make any sense when one just starts writing without a specific topic in mind and maybe develop one along the line?

THIRD QUESTION: My own question is, do u cram the spoken words?.

SPIC:
Please o don't kill our guest with questions

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Firstly, let me make you understand that, everything that was coined for this generation to base their thoughts and actions on weren't dropped from heaven, they were propounded or formed by men, amongst which "style" is a word, an action and a form of something. What do I mean to say is, the moment I do my poetry regularly and you see me in it, you can call it "Jamesconco's style". Though, we have already established styles but, there is no way I won't portray one or two attributes of an established style.
So, simply put, Spoken Word has a style, mostly story telling, I've got some styles I denoted from people like: 'Rhetorics', 'Proverbial Approach', 'Attribution' etc.
Presently, maybe if I check knowledge databases, I might find styles of Spoken Word or due to my negligence/ego mixed with ignorance, I've not had the chance to check for various styles of Spoken Word aside Story Telling.Have I answered your question?
RESPONSE: YES.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Sir James, of course having you here was or is fantastic..
My question is does it make any sense when one just starts writing without a specific topic in mind and maybe develop one along the line?

####FORTH QUESTION: my question is , is there a special way or technique of writing spoken words poetry

Definitely, it does make a great sense to write without a title at hand then, develop it during or after or even end up calling your poem "untitled" like many established poets do. Unto the next question

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
My own question is, do u cram the spoken words?..
Yes, I cram my Spoken Word first then, know them by heart so that, if I'm called on from sleep, I can recite any of my poems.
FIFTY QUESTION: As we know Poetry requires Rhyming pattern to some extent, does it necessarily mean poems must have an end rhyme?.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
As we know Poetry requires Rhyming pattern to some extent, does it necessarily mean poems must have an end rhyme? NO NO NO. That's why we have blank verses and Free verses. Read more on those, have I answered your question?.

RESPONSE: Yeah, u did.. Thanks

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Though, during my study on Blank and Free Verses, I came across the fact that, those that invented free verses were too lazy to form a rhyme pattern so, they ended up creating the two. But, I defended them as a chronic blank and free verser that, they are never lazy, they are just too brilliant to lose their messages to mankind for Rhymes sake.

SPIC:
Wow wow wow, James you've really done well. I pray God gives you more insight to write
SIXTH QUESTION:  My mind is messy with this question right now...how do you manage your words to suit your writing?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
Amen ooo!!!, My mind is messy with this question right now...how do you manage your words to suit your writing?
Yes Yes Yes, Poems without suitable words are craps.
Now, let me clear this, there are no standardized words for particular poems. It's just that, there are different "Registers" for each idea in a poem. So, it is this ideas that would make you look out for the appropriate words to carry them out. Meaning as a poet, you must have the reception of many words on various fields. You can't be talking about a metaphor of a dead soldier and be using the registers of a carpenter. You didn't ask the question oo, Now, the art in poetry now demands you should do unusual coinage of words to make popular things uncommon and uncommon things popular

SEVENTH QUESTION: my question is , is there a special way or technique of writing spoken words poetry"?

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
There are no special ways, you only make yours special to your listeners but, there are established techniques of story telling or let me say Spoken Word like articulation of thoughts, right placement of words and verses, effective suspense, aligning Rhymes and reasonable rhythms etc.
Any more questions??

SPIC:
We are no longer going to take questions. Okay, it's been nice having you around, I enjoyed every bit of your words
Yes Don James is through with us. It's being a wonderful, insightful, enlightened, sweetened period.

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
I hope you find my thoughts useful.

SPIC:
I appreciate my special guest for honouring our invitation. I pray host of Heaven will surround him with favour

POET JAMES ADEMUYIWA:
It's really nice to be here.Thanks for having me.

SPIC:
And to my active member I pray we will all get to the peak of Poetry and we will all break records. Till we come your way again, we SPIC Interview Unit says good night.

GENERAL RESPONSE FROM ACTIVE MEMBERS:
Night!!!!.

HOST:  Spic Abigail, of SPIC Family.

Other active SPICs during the interview session:
Sunday Abegunde, Mirzadekunme, Diamog, Kimberly Smit, Withoutwax, Tersemann, Muyi,Winlade, Tolulope Impact,Naporo,Kola,Nseobong Umoh,chimeziebright,Iyanda, Elemide Benjamin, PhEor, Hal-B-, Sareeta, Abdul Hakim, Lawrence, Debby Eminent, Emaculate,Sir A-One, Olusesi Kehinde,Chechyn, Andreas,  etcetera.

Compiled by:
Spic Abigail  .