Belizean poet receives international award

George Gabb is no stranger to Belizean art scene. Recognized as an establish sculptor, playwright and poet, his artworks can be viewed at his combination restaurant and gallery in the Buttonwood Bay, or at the entrance to the capital city Belmopan, where his lightening bolt like sculpture entitled “The Freedom of Thought” is situated. In September 1996, Gabb published a book of poems and proverbs called “Naked Eye.” Now, almost four years later that publication, which contains a poem “The Sculptured Sculptor”, has brought the writer international prestige.

George Gabb, Poet

“About a month ago, I got a letter from Washington D.C. and they were inviting me to read poetry in Washington D.C. for the International Society of Poetry.”

Jose Sanchez, Reporting

But Gabb was invited to more than just a poetry reading. His poetry and proverb collection “Naked Eye” led him to the mother of all poetry competitions.

George Gabb

“I was told I was going to be in a competition with two hundred poets from all different parts of the world. But when I got up there, I found out that it was much more than two hundred, it was three thousand poets from all over the world.”

To make the semi-finals in this global competition, Gabb had to place in the top two hundred, which meant rereading his poem many times. One hundred and ninety eight names were called, before Gabb heard his name as a semi-finalist. Gabb was ecstatic, and justifiably so, seeing that numerous poets have been invited to participate for many years and have yet to reach the semi-finals. Gabb, however, further exceeded his expectations, when he made it to the final round after qualifying in the top ten.

George Gabb

“After I got up and read my poem, I felt really satisfied inside and I thought there is a possibility that I could be number one. To make a long story short, after we finished, they did not select me as number one, the selected an American. As soon as they selected him as number one, the crowd just jumped up and I felt like I won because they were saying “The man from Belize. The man from Belize.” The judges scrambled out.”

Gabb’s poem wasn’t simply written. His philosophy on creativity is that he must write about the piece of carving before he molds it. Wanting to make a piece for his creator God, the sculpture became the inspiration for the words that led him to his spiritual fulfillment.

George Gabb

“The very deep imagination that I’m doing it for this supreme being actually pushed some power into me more. I felt myself being carved as I carve. When I got to a certain point in the sculpture I had to leave it. I rushed into the shop, pulled out a pencil, and a pen. and I start writing. And this is how this poem is born and I called it:

Fleeting moments of immeasurable suffering,

particles of ecstasy leaking from the seams of time

“A messenger of truth”

A haunting voice beyond existence, echoes to my heart

take shape, make shape, there is no time,

Be a ripple in the sea of eternity, for in time there is none.

Only on the shores of infinity where blessed souls

bathe themselves with countless shapes of sculptured water

and quench their thirst with the gladness of your coming.

And Yea

To find the echo that was once lived in my heart,

now lives in my voice singing, shouting on that same seashore.

Take shape

Make shape

Time is no more.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Jose Sanchez.

The International Society of Poets was established in 1990 and includes members such as the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.