Published 12 September 200912 September 2009 · Main Posts the land of the oongolie doongolies Overland Overloaded Overland Overloaded’s Karen Andrews weathered poets drenching each other in beer, blinding each other with hairspray and waxing violent and lyrical about the ‘land of the oongolie doongolies’ and left the Overload Slam Final last night oddly inspired: “I want a poem that takes you on a journey…” “I want a poem that plays Russian roulette with life…” These are the words of Vicki Thornton, one of the finalists of the Overload Poetry Slam last night. I was among the enthusiastic and unwearied crowd (we began late) at Dante`s, gathered to be entertained and taken to different places and perspectives. The poetry was wide in tone and delivery, but there were a few common themes: the compromising, scary and negotiate path of parenthood and a post-September 11 society. There were moments of pure delight, one for me being Michael Reynolds’ poem about the oftentimes preposterous naming of paint colours, something I’ve often felt was begging to be done. Other times I laughed until I had tears in my eyes (“In the land of the oongolie-doongolies…”) One thing that took me a while to understand was the defiantly and – I daresay – proudly arbitrary means of judging the competition. How was the invitation to “love the poet, but hate the poem?” a surefire way of determining if the correct contestants win or make a place? But I am speaking as a newcomer, and am probably unaware that in the great Slam cosmos, things do ultimately work out for the best. For example, I think Benjamin Theolonius Sanders was a deserving winner last night. If I may repeat a truism, it is this: if the language, the art, and passion live within you, it will emerge defiant and pure. It will defy any consternated audience. You will speak your words even while having beer poured over your head or hairspray sprayed in your face. I find this tremendously motivating and inspiring. As I type this Benjamin, Michael, and Randall will probably be getting ready for their Skype Slam Final against the Bristol Poetry Festival and I wish them all the best of luck. Photograph of IQ (Benjamin Theolonius Sanders) by Michael Reynolds. Simonne Michelle-Wells will be reviewing the Overload v Bristol Skype slam. Overland Overloaded More by Overland Overloaded › Overland is a not-for-profit magazine with a proud history of supporting writers, and publishing ideas and voices often excluded from other places. If you like this piece, or support Overland’s work in general, please subscribe or donate. Related articles & Essays First published in Overland Issue 228 8 September 202326 September 2023 · Main Posts Announcing the 2023 Judith Wright Poetry Prize ($9000) Editorial Team Established in 2007 and supported by the Malcolm Robertson Foundation, the Overland Judith Wright Poetry Prize for New and Emerging Poets seeks poetry by writers who have published no more than one collection of poems under their own name (that is writers who’ve had zero collections published, or one solo collection published). It remains one of the richest prizes for emerging poets, and is open to poets anywhere in the world. In 2023, the major prize is $6000, with a second prize of $2000 and a third prize of $1000. All three winners will be published in Overland. First published in Overland Issue 228 8 September 202315 September 2023 · Main Posts Announcing the 2023 Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize ($6500) Editorial Team Supported by the Malcolm Robertson Foundation, and named after the late Neilma Gantner, this prize seeks excellent short fiction of up to 3000 words themed around the notion of ‘travel’; imaginative, creative and literary interpretations are strongly encouraged. This competition is open to all writers, nationally and internationally, at any stage of their writing career.
