Carmen Ziolkowski Poetry Prize Celebrates Winners
For the fourth annual Carmen Ziolkowski Poetry Prize, First prize, $500, donated by Carmen’s family, was awarded to Don Narkevic, a poet from Buckhannon, West Virginia.
Narkevic’s compelling poem on craftsmanship and ancestry in “Emerging Stone” resonated with the judges. Jim Ziolkowski remarked, “I think this would bring my mother back to Italy and the family farm. My mom would also think about the rough stones carved by men in Italy. I like this poem.”
Second prize, $250, was awarded to Sarnia poet Najah Shuqair for the careful detail and natural rhythm in “The Garden’s Quiet Song,” and third prize, $100, was awarded to Burlington poet Karen Kerekes for the emergent images and ideas in “When Irises Bloom.”
Honourable Mentions were awarded to Josie Di Sciasio-Andrews, of Oakville, for the captivating perspectives on time and place in “Flowers in Blue Vase,” and to Mary Anne Griffiths, of Ingersoll, for “Looking at the Bed in Candlelight” and its sharp depictions of inheritance and transition.
This year over seventy poems were submitted from across Canada and abroad, and the winners were selected by Carmen’s friends and fellow writers Ryan Gibbs, Rhonda Melanson, and Lois Nantais, as well as Carmen’s son Jim Ziolkowski.
Carmen Ziolkowski was a beloved Sarnia poet born near Naples, Italy. In her spirit, The Lawrence House Literary Arts Committee sought well-crafted poetry that was heartfelt, nature-based, and hopeful for this fourth annual Poetry Prize in her honour.
Carmen immigrated to Canada in 1955, and she studied journalism at Port Huron Junior College and taught creative writing at Lambton College. Her books of poetry include Roses Bloom at Dusk (Vesta Publications), World of Dreams (River City Press), and The Moon Before the Sun (Beret Days Press).
She and her husband Bruno had two sons, Robin and Jim, and three grandchildren, Alexandra, Nicholas, and Samantha. She loved her family, nature, travel, and literature. A vibrant member of the Sarnia-Lambton writing community, Carmen passed away on December 26, 2018, at the age of 94.
Jouri’s Art: 9 Years Old From A Refugee Camp
This is Jouri. Shared with permission.
War
Waking up one day not knowing if I’ll see another Praying to God so he can protect my father and mother We haven’t had enough food to eat since July I wanted to act grown and so I try not to cry I ask myself why this was always happening They say they are killing
Child Through War
Child through war What do you see? Pomegranates, figs, and an olive tree Child through war What do you see? Smoke, steel, and concrete on me Child through war What do you see? Family and friends weeping, crying for me Child through war What do you see? Dark clouds looming, above brown trees Child through
Interview with Khaled Nigim
Dr. Khaled Nigim, along with his family, has made Sarnia-Lambton home since 2008. Khaled’s professional background is as an academic and electrical engineer, specializing in renewable energy. Before arriving in Canada almost 25 years ago, Khaled managed the planning and implementation of many infrastructural projects for the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction (PECDAR).
The Earth Bleeds
The earth has a heartbeat that bleeds tears In time with a little child’s fear. The holies dare not rest complacent in the belief That humankind will love their neighbors as themselves. The wars and rumours have split open the doors And something much more malicious has entered in. Something stirred the dust and the