Norval Edwards, Jamaica
The Fertile Ground Writing Competition, a first for PREE, has proven to be a vital platform for addressing complex global issues. The entries, diverse in form and style, explore themes of displacement, resilience, and the search for meaning amidst chaos. Each submission, whether a narrative, poem, video essay, or reflective prose, weaves personal and collective experiences into works that are both timely and timeless.
The top entries exemplify the competition’s high standards. “Eternal Unrest,” the winning piece, is a hauntingly beautiful narrative that delves into the scars of violence and the ache of displacement. Its evocative prose and vivid imagery transport readers into a world where the personal and spectral intertwine, leaving a lasting impression. The second-place entry, “Line and Beyond,” offers a profound meditation on borders—both physical and existential—as sites of pain and transformation. By merging personal reflection with philosophical inquiry, it challenges us to reconsider the meaning of boundaries in a year marked by global crises and personal reckonings. These works demonstrate how storytelling can illuminate the human condition, offering both solace and provocation.
Visual storytelling shines in a powerful video essay that explores 2024’s global crises through the lens of noisy chaos. Using striking visuals and text, it creates a visceral experience that lingers long after viewing. This entry underscores the potential of art to transcend the page, offering a dynamic, multisensory medium for grappling with pressing issues.
Poetry also makes a strong showing, with one piece blending art and activism through the symbolism of “Scar Masks” and the recurring motif of a healing plant. The poem bridges the personal and political, offering a poignant metaphor for peace amidst conflict. The inclusion of Lingala, an indigenous African language adds cultural depth, highlighting the interconnectedness of language, identity, and art. This work is a testament to poetry’s enduring power to inspire hope and speak truth to power.
The honourable mentions are equally compelling. One essay captures the universal yearning for peace in a noisy, unpredictable world, using a bustling city as its backdrop. It balances struggle with hope, emphasizing community and human connection. Written in a conversational tone, it is accessible yet profound, leaving readers with a sense of agency. Another entry explores place, memory, and loss, weaving personal narrative within socio-political realities. Its imagery of fading landmarks and lost connections is both powerful and universal, reminding us how environments shape identities.
Together, these entries reflect the extraordinary talent and vision of their creators. They remind us that storytelling is not merely self-expression but a vital tool for understanding and navigating the world. In a time of uncertainty, the Fertile Ground Writing Competition has given us stories that challenge, inspire, and unite, celebrating the enduring power of art to illuminate the human experience.
NB: Aware of the fact that many contributors to this issue are not native English speakers we edited with a light touch, paying attention to the substance of what is written rather than homogenizing it to conform to conventional grammatical and syntactical standards.
