Legendary Prof. John Clark-Bekederemo was one of the special guest writers at the ‘Meet the Author’ segment of the 2014 World Book Capital event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. As always, the celebrated poet and playwright fielded questions from a panel led by the Special Assistant to the President on Documentation, Ms. Molara Wood.
Clark-Bekederemo, who turned 80 last year, assumed the role of a guide to an audience that comprised mainly young and aspiring writers, as well as a fair sprinkling of literary enthusiasts.
As expected, the seasoned writer focused on emerging poets. Apart from counselling them on the right things to do to improve on their craft, he drew their attention to the need for proficiency in the use of language.
“Poetry happens to be the highest point of any language in the world. So when it comes to writing poetry, be sure you know the language whether it is written or spoken,” he said.
Then recalling his days in the Government College, Ughelli, Delta State, where he had his earliest introduction to modern literature and English language, he continued, “We were taught by those who brought the English language to this part of the world. By the time we left secondary school, we had a good grasp of English literature which carried the language. It was a good guide to English we had.
“What worries me about poetry today is that many practitioners take their academic education serious enough to know the language they are practising with. You must know your language, whether it is the Queen’s English, pidgin English or Ijaw. You must know the literature that it carries. If you do this, you will succeed in your chosen vocation. Before you come to practise the art of writing poetry, please do your apprenticeship. Know your literature.”
While responding to a question from Wood, the poet left no one in doubt that he was aware of current developments in the literary community – especially the seeming scramble for literary prizes and awards among writers in the country.
Clark-Bekederemo cautioned against writing solely for material gains. He noted that while literary prizes might fetch writers financial benefits, they should not be seen as an inspiration for creative production.
He said, “Prizes bring money, but you don’t set out to write because you want to win a prize. Prizes are not the inspiration of a work of art. They give you fame at the time you win them and they bring the publisher money. But prizes were not there when some of the greatest writers wrote books. There are more poets, playwrights and novelists outside than in the hall of prizes. Only a few win these prizes from those who put them up.”
