Poetry Competition for adults

This foggy brain, like vegetable soup
Blow on spoon, cool my heated brain
And clear headed words line up
And at last make me walk in the right direction
Stride into that space with a taste of honey

I wrap my arms around my beautiful, beautiful Kit. 

from "Body and Soul Electric" by Des O'Brien

Many people have been affected by dementia, brain injury or degenerative conditions which affect the memory and thought process, either directly or by supporting a family member or friend. These conditions change us, but they also give us access to memories in a different way, that can often inspire us to record our thoughts. Much research has been done in the neurological field evidencing the positive impact of writing and reading poetry on the brain.
Inspired by this, and the poems of Des O’Brien, featured in his collection How Art* we invite you to write a poem about memory or the mind, in response to your experience of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This competition is presented by Dunedin Public Libraries in partnership with the Neurological Foundation, and with the support of Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day, Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature, Alzheimer’s Otago, poet Sue Wootton and Dr Yoram Barak, Associate Professor of the Department of Psychological Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago. Thanks also to Des O’Brien and the O’Brien Family.

Entry open to adults aged 18+ - for full details, terms & conditions and prize information, enter online or pick up an entry form from any Dunedin Public Library

Competition opens 1st July
Closing date 23rd August 2019 – National Poetry Day

*copies of How Art are available to purchase from Alzheimer’s Otago