The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize

“Some days” (xxiii)

(to Akawu)

Some days know
the secret leaning of the heart

their auricles are acres of clay
watered by the kindest dew
their music the beat of every pulse
smiles grow in the garden of their lips

there is grace in their greeting
bliss in their blessing

a merciful moon sits
in the centre of their night

their hours ripen
in the shadows of a generous sun

when they pass
houses throw open their doors

flowers drape them
in their rarest fragrance

for them tenderness is no treason
compassion is no constraint

some days
are not allergic to softness

some days
are not afraid of being human

Niyi Osundare, The Norton Anthology of World Poetry (2012, p. 1206)

The 2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize longlist can be found here!

And the winner is…

Latest Articles

  • Longlist Announcement

    Longlist Announcement

    •

    Johnson Nte’ne

    We are glad to finally announce that the much-awaited longlist for the 2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize is now set to be released. With over 1000 poems submitted by over 400 poets, the tussle for the inaugural Joe Ushie Poetry Prize is already an exciting contest. Our judges have reviewed all eligible entries, and… Read more

  • ENTRIES ARE CLOSED!

    ENTRIES ARE CLOSED!

    •

    Johnson Nte’ne

    We are glad to announce that entries have now closed for the 2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize. With about 1000 submissions from over 400 poets, the 2026 prize, though the inaugural, promises to be truly captivating. All entrants are urged to maintain a positive disposition as we review the entries. There will be more… Read more

  • Call for Chapters: Critical Perspectives on Joe Ushie

    Call for Chapters: Critical Perspectives on Joe Ushie

    •

    Johnson Nte’ne

    The Joe Ushie Literature Foundation and the University of Calabar Press hereby invite chapters for the volume, Critical Perspectives on Joe Ushie, under the distinguished editorship of Prof. Rome Aboh, Dr Eyoh Etim, and Dr Mathias Iroro Orhero. The volume is dedicated to honouring the life and legacy of one of Nigeria’s foremost poets… Read more