#WarOfWords2 WHEN WE REALIZE by Ehiz d poet

This guy is good, 
deep words, 
nice flow, 
and passion is clearly evident.
He narrowly missed out on being one of the 15 finalist during War Of Words saeson 1.
Will he get lucky this time?
Well, if you ask me, 
I will say, me likey likey!!!


WHEN WE REALIZE by Ehiz Momodu aka Ehiz d poet

Won't it be funny?
To wake up some day and realize that humans with hands, and untamed thoughts
Have been dancing to rhythms of rat drums hovering round a circle of untidy definitions where we are like script-less antagonist armed with bitter memories of what we thought are bigger than all we are.
So we drunk our minds in anger and distance it from love of all kinds,
Paint the eyes in raging passions and pierce it thick into the racing heart of a fellow antagonist,
And with our own hands, we drag apart the earth
And masquerade the flesh of our falling comrades
Into an act of out of existence..
Then our dreams becomes hanging..
And soon dies like untold ferry tales
Like fantasies defeated when realities strikes to the fore
Then our heads turn into a grave host of undone dreams,
Of unmade songs, of UN-fought wars
And of voices of rusty ideas echoing dirges of regrets
Maybe when flood of reality swabs out the blind folds
And stop the music of rat race and rat lanes only for us 
to realize that the clock is helplessly holding its hands at very end,
Then we turn to drink the falling remains of uncouth songs,
Dream of moon and cooling blues
Sing dead blues and pretend cool,
Smile like fools and polish our noose
And watch hooks drain our seas into private pools of few
Leaving our skins black-dead like stolen blistered fishes
Maybe then we would cheap trade our every word
To buy incantations as the only way to travel peace down our dreams...
At least they would make one smile-and fold reality under the pillow to another dawn,
So they keep us dreaming and build island of dreams
In every of our sleep.-at day -dusk --or young dawns
And fuck the business of reality insane,
Deadlock the brains and tangle everything there is humans can do
Into expectation of miracle rain
And set sail to propaganda camps to add volumes to the chorusing chants of corrupt dames, 
seeking change from their nebulous plans.
But the truth however is, change isn't about dreaming all day long
It isn't about being a fan of those that sing shabby songs
It is about striking the rod into the heart of rocks to escape water for thirsty throats
It is the sword that slams against ivory shields to water tongues with victory songs
It is in the hands that craft dreams into reality..
It is about you being the change you want be.

Check out the video via the link below

#WarOfWords2 WHEN WE REALIZE by Ehiz d poet

http://youtu.be/hc94TiN0-9o

How to Win a Poetry Slam Competition.

How to Win a Poetry Slam

Poetry slams gained national prominence in the 1990s after originating in the mid-1980s at Chicago's Get Me High Lounge, USA. 

These contests, driven by judges and audience members, pit wordsmiths against each other in a competitive round of performance poetry. 

Poetry slams are boisterous events that sometimes incorporate elements of hip-hop rhythms and themes into the performances. 

Try these tips to win a poetry slam.

Instructions

1. • 
     
   • Perform like you mean it. Poets and poems bursting with vitality, anger and other strong emotions win high scores at poetry slams. A subdued or shaky performance won't cut it with slam judges or audiences.
   • Set your timer. Slam poets are judged on the length as well as the content of their performance. Poems three minutes or under are given the highest scores. Longer performances are penalized by half a point, up to three points for poems over four minutes.
   • Hone your skills. Try out a variety of poems, reciting everything in your arsenal, from confessional pieces and political commentary to angry rants and risqué humor. Give plenty of readings before participating in your first slam.
   • Engage your audience. Poetry slam audiences critique poets during the performance, not after. Heckling, foot stomping and booing are common if a poet is deemed unsatisfactory by the audience. If you handle hecklers with a witty phrase or comeback, you may win back the audience.
   • Make lots of friends in the poetry slam world. Get to know slam organizers and judges, and bring lots of your own friends to poetry slams. The more fans you have, the better chance you have of winning a slam, since the contests are based on audience and judge approval.
   
   

   Tips & Warnings

   • Do use poems that address oppression. Angry or socially conscious poems are popular at many poetry slams.
   • Don't use props or costumes at a poetry slam. They are forbidden by slam rules.

   
   
   Source:
   
   
   http://www.ehow.com/how_2060270_win-poetry-slam.html
   
   

#WarOfWords2 Be the change you seek by Mac Dave

Be the change you seek by Mac Dave

What is mine is mine
Is my time to shine
Is about time I be at my prime
Is about time I wipe my tears and tell my eyes stop eye rain
Is time I stay on course and breakthrough walls
Is time I pray of course and open doors
Cause for many years I have been off course
A guy with no vision a mirage an illusion
I was so off guard that when poverty came
It came on hard striking, striking on hard
I was beaten so bad; if there was a score card
It will be zero to something it was that bad
Like that wasn't enough. He had his friends over
To have a taste of my chin chin
His friends were procrastination,depression, frustration
And after all that I was left on the floor with humiliation
Whispering into my ears; words crippling upstairs
Into my memory, telling me that I can't be great
That my present state is locked down
That he has the key to the gate from now
But as he left awhile later
Walking home I found love down town
Telling me scolding me to stand
Words renovating my psych anew,a brand
And after he spoke I took a stand
Because I was crawling before
Never had more life in me for sure
Cause no one will believe in me
If I don't believe in me
I am the change I seek
If I say am weak am weak
If I say am rich am rich
And that's how to reach my peak
Your words are the gateway to the changes you seek
Stay on the words you speak
And you will shine from week to week.

Check out the video via this link

#WarOfWords2 Be the change you seek by Mac Dave

http://youtu.be/9d2OeBCJdLU

#WarOfWords2 Be The Change You Seek by Dawhiizz-aD

Be The Change You Seek by Dawhiizz-aD

I am not here to lecture,
Neither your mind have I come to puncture;
But I will fetch from the well of experience
And not run pipe from the tank of witness.
Because my word is a mystery-
That has a history-
From where it makes a story-
That can relieve you of your misery.
So, if you will listen; you will reason.
Listen!
I’ll tell you a story, but it could flare up in you a fury.
If you are on a chair,
It will definitely rip off your hair.
I knew a man who wanted to own a fleet of cars
“I will own houses one of these days, he says.”
But we were to beg fifty naira for food, so I thought,
Is he crazy, I was lost in my thought.
The last time I saw him, he had become a crim
A public badger he had become, but what happened to the dreams he had long form.
Then I realised, it not good enough to cook words
Strive and ensure you eat those words.
To think and desire is so easy
But to do and have is what that is fuzzy.
Just like a plane, you must first run on land.
It is your fleet and pace that takes you above any ground.
Hear this!
Like a pole, first, be firm and take a stand-
Before you look ahead for another ground.
To see others listen and your words reason;
You first be what you speak and have what in others you seek
Because to make strong the weak, you must prolong your strength week
See! The feeble carry about frail hopes of change-
Because they are brittle in thoughts and don’t see beyond their kinds range
You must be robust in thoughts-to transfer your zeal to men with words
Because to require, you must first acquire.
That’s why, only a warrior tells the tale of a conquest-
And same can lead a nation on another quest.
You don’t fetch from a dry well-
Or cars run on an empty tank.
You must first be filled to fill,
Different to make a difference,
Be big to trample,
And have to give.
Because, only from the bank of alter-
The world can withdraw and deposit.
Be what the world seek- that’s a clue
And from you-they will take their cue

Change!!!

Check out the video via this link

#WarOfWords2 Be The Change You Seek by Dawhiizz-aD

http://youtu.be/_n8h5S8LN-I

#WarOfWords2 Be the Change by Tiana

Be the Change by Tiana

You blame it on the government every time you gather in your tent

Still bent on the fact they aren’t executing their assignment

Yet causing the society a serious dent

And how every supposed enjoyment

Turned into a great torment

How they could not even refund the money they lent

Well, I’m glad to inform you ladies and gent

That the solution to this predicament lies within you, me and every one in our environment

Even though we think something is missing

Yet we take no responsibility doing nothing

Action is needed so lets get something doing

And stop blaming our leaders for bribery

When you've always paid your way

Stop blaming the country for scarcity,

When you've never closed your eyes in prayers for economy supplicity

We all agreed our politicians are greedy,

But how generous are you in giving to poor and the needy

please let us stop this nagging sense of dissatisfaction

cos you've added nothing to bring about solution to the present condition of our nation

If you think everyone around you is tired.

It’s high time you retired

In order for our prayers and desires to be answered without going haywire

Good turns they say deserves another

If we as individuals

Young and old of every family member

Including the farmer, street hawker, banker and company mangers

Would make our ways right and proper

Join hands together

Going to the top won’t bring about any disorder

I assure you we are already the change we want to see

Check out the video via the link below

#WarOfWords2 Be the Change by Tiana

http://youtu.be/BoD1aSUIUlE

#WarOfWords2 Be the change u seek by Rage.

Be the change u seek by Rage.

Enough is Enough..
If it is true love.. then u say it to my face.Cos all I need is one love.. Tuface .
Just the other day I saw on CNN, I hide face..
CHIDI was d violence..
so Lloyd used d mace..
u say one word.
I say change..
I am not afraid..
Don't u know.. I am "rage"..
I may be deranged ; but I still wage.. wage wars..
war of words.
I am not the spoken word.
I only speak change through words... Time we sheathe our swords , guns,  bombs and be born, reborn, buildings true bonds of freedom.
We all are freeborn.
U maybe young, lazy..
But u cannot be forever young ..Jay z
still chasing wrong..since history..
Posterity will never seize to judge us.. until we stop and change course:
"off course"..
I have a dream..
I dream to live..
I dream to live my dream.
to be king: "Martin Luther"
King without a crown..
crown him king we deed ..Indeed..
for our sufferings;
offering even his on life..
life less he now is but less life we even shall be should we not rise and speak.
If u speak change,
then u must bring change..
If u want change ..
then u must change..
Do not change yourself,
Be "Change" itself..
Rise up and speak..
Be the change u seek..
Still raging , still waging wars
"war of words"
I am still "Rage"..

Check out the video via this link

#WarOfWords2 Be the change u seek by i am Rage.

http://youtu.be/mlRArVdRYSs

#WarOfWords2 Be The Change You Seek by Kruseaphix

Ol boy, this guy fast o.
Hmm, probably a disguised rapper :).
But I like.
Deep words, 
Plenty action, 
And it gets better and better.


Be The Change You Seek by Kruseaphix 

Change!
That which is demanded and received when one has first given above that which is expected of him. 
Which implies that for me to seek or expect change, 
I must first have implanted seeds beyond my expected range.
Lest my request sounds silly like; walking to the cashing point at a mall, with a full trolley, 
give him nothing and say to the cashier you owe me a twenty.
That's how silly we sound when we sit back with folded arms 
and say the level of corruption is on the rise when it ought to be climbing down.
Ever wondered what the problem truly is with this country? 
Well let me spare you your misery and unravel the mystery, 
I present to you the answer; its me! 
As well as you!.
For a house is said to be dirty only when its occupants are; 
or isn't that why we refer to politics as a dirty game only because some of its players were?
The people make the nation. 
So if you're aiming at changing a situation without your arrow pointing at the population, 
you'll end up like a foolish chemist who desires a different reaction 
while his initial reactant remains unchanged; 
what a foolish expectation.
Haven't you heard that he who's unfaithful in little is unfaithful in much? 
And as such, you're hypocrite if you criticize the president 
when you can't effectively preside over those of your own residence.
Our society is experiencing a moral decadence due to the irresponsibility of those who were meant to have preeminence as now, 
 most parents are only concerned with their kids looking good than being good so in their eyes, 
you only fall short when your skirt grows short. 
 But if you wear it long enough and keep messing around,
 its ok as long as you don't get caught.
At school, they expect you to keep passing even if you have to "sort" 
so we end up in a labor market where as well as the jobs, 
most of the qualifications are bought.
Like a heartless foe,
I have no regrets crushing on your injured toe because if you don't feel the pain,
you may never seek the pill.
I'm saying; 
If you don't feel the heat,
no matter how much sperm of motivation you receive, 
you'll never conceive change let alone deliver it.
So kindle the fire and let it burn, 
till like concave lens on myopic eyes we're equipped with a better vision
which unlocks passion 
and that is why dear Samaritan, you stopped to nurse my wounds 
when both the priest and levite saw me and passed on; 
I'm saying its the reason you'll stop to pick a piece of paper when even the janitor saw it and passed on.
I'm tired of seeing broken homes 
and single parents slugging it out on their own 
so here's my part of the solution. 
As I long as I'm a bachelor, 
I'll not go in between her thighs. 
but we know its the clapping of hands that precedes the dance.
So I wouldn't deeply kiss and let the hands feel and only when it gets to third base I'm like no please. 
But since its cyclic, we're caught in the same routine.
But really!
 How do you expect to keep digging and not go any deep in?!
Weeks later, she's faced with the dilemma of being a mother or committing murder, 
and because of our hypocritical state, 
she opts for the latter 
as everyone deems it less abominable than the former.
But if she's wise and sticks with the other wise, 
we'll end up in the maternity with more daughters and no mothers; 
a society with all sons but no fathers.
He who does not gathers scatters 
which implies that if you're not a part of the solution, 
you're definitely a part of the problem.
So the smart message sent (sms for short) is the same from nike to Niké, 
 Just do it! 
As you don't need to create a lot of buzz in other to be(e) the change you seek. 
After all in the first place, 
it was your pathogenic activities that made it sick.
Someone once said to me; 
dead men rule the world and I replied; 
its  because those who are alive have chosen to be irrelevant.
Be Relevant! And Be the change you seek!.


*None english word used*
Niké - A feminine yoruba name.

Check out the video via this link 

#WarOfWords2 Be The Change You Seek by Kruseaphix

http://youtu.be/coFDg4V1qiM

#WarOfWords2 GOOD ACTOR, BAD SCRIPT by Slimzy

Unique, inventive and nice.
She fine too :).
She just stepped it up a notch higher.
At this rate, it can only get better


GOOD ACTOR, BAD SCRIPT by Slimzy

The only thing that is constant in life is change.
That gives a bit of hope.
At least with time the dishes in Nollywood's menu might change,
Probably with the likes of Emeka Ike playing Jack Bauer in Nollywood's
version of 24
That aside.
Just the other day I overheard kids discussing.
It's almost like their beginning to see what my grandpa sees without climbing
an Iroko tree.
They had a picture of the life they wished they had.
But the paints and paper in their hand produced a picture of rage.
My ears took note of every conversation that took place in that
seemingly impossible conference room.
The design was quite worthy of note-for sure.
Drainage flowing with waters that infuse little drops of death within seconds
Pile of dirt formed a great pyramid,perfect tourist attraction.
Never before has my nose been treated to a first class hospitality.
Fragrance of heated up stink welcomed my smell organ to its humble aboard.
Poverty!
It's not just a word; it's a person.
See,
He stones my Saturdays and waste my Wednesdays
Snares my Sundays and toss my Tuesdays onto thorns
Freeze my Fridays and milk my Mondays
My Thursdays,he tears up into pieces.

But the question is,
What if you never had that jean sagging?
Maybe if you run on bare foots dirty rags all day 
Do the one zero-zero pattern of feeding
Swim in the ocean of mosquitoes and get relaxed in the spa of malaria 
Maybe just maybe you would receive sight to see the writing on the wall.
For me, It's simple!
I don't like what I see
So I
Clean up the mess that begins with me
Have a little chit-chat with myself
Arrange a proper talk show even if I'm my own audience
Never wait for the government to sign me up for some contract
Give my best to the very thing I love the most even though it's made worse
Exchange thoughts with geniuses to give life to the picture in their head.
Fact is,
The cleaner your attire, the better your chances
Quit playing the casualty and save your society.GOOD ACTOR, BAD SCRIPT.

Check out the video via the link below

GOOD ACTOR, BAD SCRIPT by Slimzy #WarOFWords2

http://youtu.be/0nlBIZAsMJs

"I Know" by Shegzrhymz #WarOfWords2

Nice flow, 
and nice use of words.
I am sure the guy must be a player, 
cos him just dey play with words 
like a newly wed husband dey play with....em...em.
Well, you know na :). 


"I Know" by Shegzrhymz 

I Know who I Am, I am who my creator says I am. I am a man of Destiny! /
But I know the gap between the lines of getting and not getting There's Tiny/
Sure, I am sticking with d former, 
I won't step down - No Transformer. 
so when I get there, let it produce no Shocks/ 

That is just my city of Destiny, not Electri-City. 
My purpose has nothing to do with Kainji Dam/
Apart from my HIV Status, 
I Am always Positive. 
That's a Plus, right? /
No division can tear down me down cos I Am not even bothered about difficult Times. 
Mathematicians will appreciate what I just said better/
Please, don't take this as just an ordinary rhyme Letter, this is what I know. 

I know I'm d Change I seek. 
I know I Am very ready to make a difference -
Inject new ideas, new inventions, new innovation in..don't let the word 'inject' in that sentence filled with 'In' bother you 'cos I learnt it from My Nurse/
Or you think I'm in d medical line? 
Now that's a Minus, 
all I just did now was to give Reference/

I know getting to my destiny might take a while/
I know a step is what starts the Journey of a thousand Mile...so, I know I Can.
I know I can. I don't need to be an Accountant to know ICAN/
I can do Everything if I put God and hard work 2 It
Pray like I don't work and work like I don't Pray/
Even when Animals do that, Humans become the Prey!/ 

I always pick d last 4 words from a Mexican; 
I Can! - 
I add an apostrophe after "I" in Impossible - Yes, "I'm Possible"/
I know I can make a change with my little words, 
I might not have as much wards as a teaching hospital.
But still I Speak, with Passion, 
drop the words like drops of water on a plant that grow to become a Forest/
Drops of water that drops on drops of water that give a mighty big Ocean,
so just take dis like I'm planting, soon you will see the Harvest!/

My spoken word is not just for the ears, 
gets through your eardrums and hits the soul/
Just like the shoes of a desperate unemployed graduate that the earth eats the Sole, 
the words Consume - Laziness, fears - gives you the assist to reach your Goal/

And don't think I'm boasting/
Even if I were 2 be anywhere in America, it definitely won't be Boston/
I'm not there yet but my aim is to be the greatest and I'm filled with Zeal/
I know I will be great! I know I will!/ 

I just have 2 believe what I see, then I will Achieve/
when negative words come then I need 2 weave/
Don't just take this as my confession, it can apply 2 u too
cos this is not just 2 keep you busy like a bee 
but 2 make u be who u are supposed 2 Be - 2 Be the change you seek/

How? Not by looking through a glass,
picking on people like you've got the Beak/
But look into d mirror, who you see is the pass - just reflection? 
Yeah, that's the trick!/
So don't think I'm selfish, or Steve Jobs or an Optician by profession cos I kept mentioning "I"/
But let this spoken word Inspire and lift you to a point so high - where u also will get a book, pen, and start writing the words "I know!"

Check out the video via the link below

"I Know" by Shegzrhymz #WarOfWords2

http://youtu.be/_Oo1OBFkP8M

#WarOfWords2 Winds Of Change by Yetunde George

Winds Of Change by Yetunde George

Hear us,
We are the frustration and the hunger,
The pinch in your shoe size,
The lies that you don't buy,
And the things that you can't try.
Like bloodhounds the fresh scent of blood burning flesh excites us...
The tribes of wailing distress invites us...
We are the raging fire of sea and ice...
We consume what we see for a price...
We are the vultures of men!

But My constipated mind won't let go,
Won't let loose,
These ideas of mine,
Coming slow...
Of history,
Of times,
Come and gone...

The time is near,
The hour is at hand...
And as I put my pen to paper
The ink of my tears bear me witness.
Of wars lost and won,
Of things seen and gone...
Of time and space...
Of name and grace...
To find a balance...
To find a face...

But I feel the earth shifting,
A new generation drifting,
Away from our tales of woe,
To times of old.

So the fat, rich and famous should get lost or get bossed out of the positions they held with impunity!
A new age has come and what we need is unity!
Why are you still sitting down there listening to this eulogy?!

Don't just sit there, stare and  act like you don't care,
Because I know your innermost fears!
Awaken the spirit of consciousness!
Rekindle the hope of "Nigerianness!"
For we are what we are because of who we are!
We are where we are because of how we do it!
We are the Wind of Change!

Check out the video via this link

#WarOfWords2 Winds Of Change by Yetunde George

http://youtu.be/8zXyJpndbm4

#WarOf Words2 BE THE CHANGE YOU SEEK by Poetstreet

BE THE CHANGE YOU SEEK by Poetstreet

I want to be the perfection to the flaws of our government
Put an end to the suffering of the masses and end their predicament
I want to be the light shining at the end of their tunnel
Fill them with oil of hope even if they have no funnel
Break myself into three, taken as a three-square meal
Cos to me, feeding Nigerians remains a big deal
I want to run, not for elections but in public taps, bathrooms and toilets
I want to be the Naira, not Pounds or Dollars bouncing in your wallets
I want to be the constant electricity running in your homes
Light up the streets of Nigeria, beautify it like Rome
I want to be the affordable fuel you queue to buy at filling stations
They removed subsidy, play us like Nintendo and Playstation
I want to be the freest and fairest election like we had in '93
So Nigerians can have something to celebrate at 53
I want to be the sanity and morality in the minds of our youths
They lost these to civilization and abandon their root
I want to be the integrity we once had in WAEC, JAMB and NECO
I represent the Nigerian student, their pains I echo
I want to be the end to senseless ASUU strikes
Elevate our tertiary education, make the standard so high
I want to be to be the ban on the importation of generators
Revive the power sector sabotaged by these predators
I want to be a religion that preaches Jesus Christ and Mohammed
And tell their worshippers that both prophets are sacred
I want to be a voice that shouts Allahu Akbar and Halleluyah
Put an end to senseless killings as if we want to make suya
I want to be the first book that contains both Quran and Bible
Connecting the two religions like a USB cable
I want to be the world cup trophy for the Super Eagles
And let the world see the glory of African struggles
I want to be the much-anticipated cure for HIV/AIDS
And be administered to infected people for free without getting paid
I want to be a good job for those graduates on the street
Who are searching for any job just to make their ends meet
I want to be a home for the homeless sleeping under the bridge
So they can have a home, while I preserve them like a fridge
I may not be Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa or Zik
But Lord, help me be the change that I seek


NON-ENGLISH WORDS USED & THEIR MEANINGS

Allahu Akbar-God is great
Halleluyah-Praise ye the Lord
Suya-Grill
WAEC-West African Examinations Council
NECO-National Examinations Council
JAMB-Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board
ASUU-Academic Staff Union of Universities

Check out the video via this link

#WarOf Words2 BE THE CHANGE YOU SEEK

http://youtu.be/lW8wWPCVpDA

I REBEL

I love to see things change

But I hate to take steps toward change

Then, I recall the words of Isaac Newton “All objects remain in a state of rest/motion until a force is applied”

But who will apply the necessary force

To create my desired change

While I maintain total supremacy over my domain

 

Fear will not let me give in to external intervention or intrusion

Fear that my secrets will be unfolded

Fear that my weaknesses be discovered

Fear that I might be an unpronounced fugitive

Fear that my sacred domain be conquered

And another take my throne

Fear of the unknown

 

Oh! How fear has cunningly taken over

The rulership of my own life from me

Oh! That I could once again be in control

That I could once again make sand castles

But this time castles that could house men

That I could once again run with the wind

And soar like the eagle

 

My greatest enemy to change resides within me

And it is my own fear

As the yorubas’ will say

“The weevils that destroy the beanstalk live within the beanstalk”

The fear I procured with my hard-earned resources

The fear I dedicated so much time to nurture

 

But, this day I rebel against this siege

By an army that once I paid taxes to

And helped grow her empire in my heart

Today, I rebel against this subtle tyrant called fear

I refuse to be held under willingly again

I refuse to corporate with this virus called fear

That does more harm than the dreaded HIV

 

I will build castles in the air and

Watch God put pillars under them

I will dream the impossible and do the unimaginable

I will be what the world says I cannot

I will dream like Joseph and

One day control Pharoah’s empire

 

It does not hurt to dream neither does it to try

I will dream without limits

And attempt beyond my arms length

Perhaps, God will see a young man that needs aid

 

Fear, I will subdue and conquer

Through repeated trials

Fear, I will rule over and

Help other men gain control of their own domains once again

 

And then we will reign as Kings and Priests

That our creator ordained us to be

 

by
Tobi Ajibawo