The contest is traditionally composed of 5 elimination rounds. In each round, the number of authors decreases, and in the last, Fifth round, the winner is decided by a voting system based on the Eurovision Song Contest scoring system. The main responsible person of the contest is Nermin Delić, the idea creator and organizer of the contest. For 8 years in a row, Mili Dueli have been gathering authors and spreading the influence of poetry in everyday life.

Nermin Delić

Briefly about the First Round: The selection of all received applications (739) was performed by Nermin Delić. The organizer selected 476 authors for presentation in the Second Round.

Briefly about the Second Round: After the selection in the First Round by the organizer of the contest, Nermin Delić, 476 authors were selected and presented in the Second Round. In the Second Round, the authors are classified in 12 duels, according to the countries they come from. Due to the number of participants, Bosnia and Herzegovina had 2 duels (DUEL 1, DUEL 2), and Serbia 3 (DUEL 3, DUEL 4, DUEL 5). Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Bulgaria had one duel each (DUEL 6, DUEL 7, DUEL 8, DUEL 9). Due to the small number of participants, authors from Albania, Greece, Kosovo, Romania and Slovenia were presented in one duel (DUEL 10). Poets with Balkan roots, but with current residence outside the Balkans, are grouped together in one duel (DUEL 11). In the end, all authors coming from non-Balkan countries are grouped into one duel (DUEL 12).

The beginning of the presentation of the duel on the official Facebook profile of Mili Dueli was on July 12, 2020. Duels are presented in order, every 2-3 or 4 days according to the scope of the duel. For the first 15 days from the presentation of the duel, the followers of Mili Dueli were able to vote in the comments by entering the author’s number below the picture where her/his poem is presented. In addition to the readers, the members of the jury, composed of 12 renowned and important for Mili Duel artists from the Balkans, also voted. They selected 90% of the authors to pass to the Third Round. The other 10% is intended for the votes of the readers, for those who were not selected by the jury, and who have the great support of their friends and companions Mili Dueli.

Briefly about the Third Round: In the third round, the selection of the best authors continued and only the TOP 100 best authors had the opportunity to continue.

Briefly about the Fourth Round: The fourth round is brought by the TOP 50 best authors who pass to the final, fifth round. It is composed of a total of 16 duels.

You can see more about the Fourth Round (how it is voted, how it is organized) here:

Mili Dueli 2020: Organization Of The Fourth Round

FOURTH ROUND (SEMI-FINALS)

RESULTS

First of all, an important announcement … In the fourth round, we were looking for the 50 best authors according to the procedure established by the organization of the competition. Looking at the results, as the Organizer, I realized that in certain duels, the authors were much more dominant, and that surely many more authors deserved to pass, at least according to the presentation in the semifinals. For that purpose, I decided that the number of authors who go directly further should be 36, and that a total of 34 authors should fight for the remaining 14 places. All those authors who did not go directly further will equally send the poem for the finals, but only 14 of them will be presented, based on the quality of the submitted poem and the accompanying video material that traditionally adorns our Finals. More about everything, certainly below …

DUEL 6 – BULGARIA

WHAT’S NEXT? (PREPARATION FOR THE FINALS)

DARK BLUE. Authors who entered the TOP 50 directly! These authors are officially the finalists of this season, therefore, participants in the last round of Mili DuelI 2020/21. From this moment on, they need to contact their mentors and start preparing the poem for the Finals. All details related to the preparation and sending of the poem for the Finals will be received in a private message in the inbox. Please be patient!

LIGHT BLUE. – Authors who has chance to participate in the finals, the last round of Mili Duels 2020/21. These are authors who did not go directly to the final round, but due to the fantastic performance in the semifinals, the Organizer decided to give a new opportunity to promote their poetry. There are a total of 34 of them in such a situation, and 14 of them will be participants in the Finals. The decision will be made by the Organizer based on their application for the Finals. From this point on, they can also contact their mentors and start preparing a poem for the Finals.

TOP 100 – Authors who remained in the TOP 100 and did not make it to the Mili Dueli 2020 Finals. Their contribution to the spread of the project and poetry will be rewarded by receiving electronic recognition for their participation as they represented their countries in a bright light (TOP 100 from 739 registered !!!), and will accordingly receive recognition for the intercultural dialogue of the Balkan countries and the countries of the world in which they participated.

All the presented poems will be represented in a electronic collection which, apparently, will have its own printed edition (summer, 2021), when MILI DUELI BALKAN TOUR awaits us. More on that soon!

Also, all authors who are 2000 or younger will be presented at the MILI DUEL JUNIOR ONLINE POETRY CONTEST which will start a few days after the end of the eighth season of Mili Duels 2020 – Online Balkan Poetry Contest!

JURY COMMENTS

Organizer: NERMIN DELIĆ

Dear friends,

First of all, thank you for showing the greatest sense of loyalty to the whole project this season. The Corona-year prolonged the contest itself, and at the same time some of my private achievements happened (I finished university and started working), so the time spent on the project was reduced to a certain extent. Either way, our play through poetry continued, and so in these wonderful summer days we had the opportunity to read the 100 most representative authors we had so carefully selected.

In this, the fourth and at the same time penultimate round, we had the opportunity to enjoy the poetry of all Balkan countries, but also many countries around the world. Somewhere it turned out to be good that there was longer voting time than in previous seasons. Looking at the number of views of all the semi-final poems, with 328,492 views on Facebook, my mission was already fulfilled. Looking at the countries that read us, I could not stop, if I started to list … Almost 330,000 times we entered the everyday life of people on social media with poetry… I noticed at the beginning that there were two camps among the authors; one who enthusiastically welcomed the publication of their poem and those who did not promote their poetry even to their friends. The former shared the same with their friends, because for the first time, somewhere in our region, people can vote for poetry; for the first time it was important to point out that you have passed the selection of 739 authors and you are one step closer to the end, exclusively with your poetry. Because this was not an invitation to like the conquest of handbags, irons, shelves, etc., this was an invitation to the world of poetry in which each of these 100 great authors lives!. But probably everyone had their reasons for being one and not the other, and from that point of view it certainly can’t be a complaint. I rewarded some of the poems, even though they had poor readability, because they are masterful in themselves!

Just led by a mass of people who wrote me every day who they were voting for, shared your poems so beautifully and decorated their Facebook walls, I didn’t want to conflict my opinion with the opinion of the masses. But points always say it all. So in this case. I started to comment and went in order, all in order to write as good and clear comments as possible, WHY such points. But then I finally realized that in most cases the same mistake, the same comment, was written only in different words.

Therefore, I decided to point out in general the following …

When submitting a poem, to any contest, anywhere, even where you are already sure that the poem will be published, awarded, or generally given some recognition, please take note of the following:

1. LITERACY. There were so many mistakes that turned me away from some nice emotions I felt while reading your poems. If you’re a writer, that doesn’t mean you have to be computer-wise and orthographically perfect, but if you’re sending a poem somewhere, to someone, let it be viewed with other eyes as well; maybe someone who knows maybe less than you will know something more about certain things. It is this item that is crucial in depriving the spirit of amateurism that a writer can carry within himself. Four-dot in poems, spaces several times, unnecessary punctuation marks in the wrong places; all of which violates the RHYTHM and AESTHETIC VALUES and, ultimately, the GENERAL IMPRESSION of the poem. If you make me take a break in the wrong place with a comma, that thread that runs the poem will break, and I will remain confused. I have to admit that these mistakes were greatly reduced, as a team of mentors worked with the authors, but there were authors who submitted their poems without a mentor and where such mistakes were noticed.
2. WORK WITH A MENTOR. This item may be crucial, as it involves collaboration on the selection and / or correction of a semi-final poem. It’s not just a conversation about a poem, it’s a conversation of two cultures, often two peoples, and you were representatives of your own. The basis of any peace is acquaintance, cooperation and compromise.
   We did not take it as evil if an author, in the words of his mentor, still insisted on being “according to him”, but it is a completely wrong form not to respect the form of the contest that requires cooperation, therefore, not to contact his mentor at all, not to greet him.
   My impression is certainly complemented by the opinion of my colleagues, members of the jury, and your mentors, and in this regard we are looking for a person who will be a part of us in the next season of the contest.
3. OPINION OF READERS / YOUR FRIENDS. We should never primarily be guided by the number of likes and reviews that one author has achieved on the social network, because then the competition part would mean a struggle for numbers, and not for the quality of the poem. However, I am of the opinion that on this occasion as well, through the number of votes cast, you showed two things; first – how much you actually care about going through; the second – how much support you can actually collect for your poetry. I note that for the first time it is a vote for poetry, where free votes decide who will be the winner. In this regard, I rewarded all the authors who heartily presented their poem.
4. POETIC VALUE OF THE TEXT. Many of the texts in the verse that are sent are often not clarified as poetry, so it was necessary to point out to the authors what is poetic and what is not in their poems. Judging subjectively, the original metaphors and comparisons are something I admired the most, because they impress the most. The most common example I give to everyone is this: if it was written IT WAS COLD it has less poetic value than IT WAS ICE, where in the same sense, a metaphor is introduced. If someone writes IT WAS WHITE LIKE SNOW, which is expected, clichéd and outdated, it will certainly be less impressive than IT WAS WHITE LIKE A NEEDLE HOUSE.
   When it comes to rhyming poems, rhymes should not be surpassed and expected. Here, too, the use of new poetic words and their skillfully found rhymes was appreciated. Of course, no one should invent hot water, but every step out of everyday life was considered a success.
5. AESTHETIC VALUE OF THE TEXT. Applications submitted for the semifinals were to be complete. Any answer to the questions related to the biography and the general impression of the author about the contest was evaluated. Also, the poem itself was supposed to be completely computer-correct. It is extremely unnecessary to point out grammatical / spelling mistakes to someone in this round of the competition, because every such mistake is a sign of the author’s lack of dedication to the text and work with a mentor.
6. GENERAL IMPRESSION. The authors have sent poems in the previous three rounds, too. It is also, a significant factor that influenced the distribution of my points.

Opinions of the rest of Jury Members

Lela Zjajo said this:

“This is a duel of authors who certainly deserve attention. Young people think differently, more freely and do not hesitate to write about everything they think about. Many need attention, because quality exists, talent is praised and rewarded. Great Duel and all my congratulations to all the authors.

RUZHA VELCHEVA – A wonderful vision of freedom!

DIMITAR DZHENEV – They are poets, they are also people and they have questions. Unfortunately, they often go unanswered because others don’t even think like poets. Great poem.

GENO NEDYALKOV – Beautiful miniature and unusual thinking of the author.

VALENTIN POPOV – Also, a very beautiful miniature. A short, well thought out story. I walked through the author’s thoughts and liked it.

DONKO NAYDENOV – I love dreamers! They feel poetry most beautifully.

NINKO KIRILOV – Very beautiful miniature.

YANA RADILOVA – Short, clear! And unusual!

LYUBOMIR KYUCHUKOV – Sonata without melody. In addition to this sonata, much more was needed …

KALOYAN HRISTOV – Dedication to grandfather. Wonderful! Wonderful!

DENIS OLEGOV – I’m not a fan of “hard to digest” poetry. Life is beautiful and there are many ways to beautify it even more with words. He works for himself, and then for others. An effort has been made. The experience is recognizable, but the tastes are different.

GEORGI SLAVOV – Yes, it was really difficult to put a title to a poem like this. What was the goal of the author and what he wanted to say with this song, I don’t know … but the inspirations are different and I respect and accept everyone who dares to try to enter the Finals of this competition in this way. It is a virtue to believe in yourself, but sometimes a man is deceived.

ALEX ARANUDOV – I am simply sorry when someone so young writes poetry like this. Heavy, dark, incomprehensible. Where is the love, that bright bond of life and the joy of feeling that is remembered and the poetry that is read?

JOANA HRISTOVA – Dark theme. I read and writhe. My face probably received the same expression as when I bite a rotten fruit that I don’t want to swallow. THE BUILDING is a very difficult poem. Hardly deceptive and hardly anyone who reads it will like it, not because of the poor quality, but because of the wrongly chosen topic for the Semifinals.
Isn’t our goal, in fact, to make our poems appeal to a readership? To wish to read it again and again, to remember it by the beauty of the verse, melody, story…

Anđela Turukalo, theirs mentor said this:

“Bulgaria… As usual, one of the best groups, but the hardest one to grade. I couldn’t possibly find a bad poem here this time, so I have to look into the core of every single one. I already feel sad for having to choose between these poems. Well done.

Ruzha Velcheva… Not a bad poem, definitely, but it’s too simple. Too plain for this group. It didn’t bring any special energy that would make it stand out, though the message is loud and clear. I feel that the semi-final round deserved something more powerful and memorable.

Dimitar Dzhenev… I love this one. Using the simple subject as fog, the writer managed to create such depth and emotion… He brought to mind a lot of questions here. The expression is amazing. Aesthetically, the poem is exactly what I want to see. Well done.

Geno Nedyalkov… Perfect. This is one amazing miniature: meaningful, powerful but playful. I love the motives this writer gave us.

Valentin Popov… Like a fine wine. The longer he’s with us, the better he gets. As his mentor, I was amazed with the poems we were choosing between. This one is short, but powerful and memorable. It almost feels like some scene from an old French romantic movie or something… Enchanting. It seems that he needed a better subject of writing for a better grade: something stronger and more creative.

Donko Naydenov… This poem is very nice. It’s descriptive and it brings some peaceful, but lively feeling. I like it. Yet, the subject was apparently a bit pale for this round. It wasn’t as intrusive as it should be.

Ninko Kirilov… This is a very emotional poem with a couple of disturbing moments, which create a bit of contrast. I loved every single word of it. Well done. Yet, the semi-final round for Bulgaria… There’s a lot of good poems, powerful poems and the slightest details make a difference.

Yana Radilova… One awesome miniature. I don’t usually appreciate the repetitive verses, but here that verse creates an atmosphere which is absolutely necessary. I love the pictures here and the way they’re connected, the way the situation unwinds to the very end. Ending is simple, yet powerful.

Lyubomir Kyuchukov… It’s a good poem, but it seems to me that it lacks fluency. In some parts it seems a bit torn, all over the place. The motives are good and I can see the talent here, it just needs a bit more work to make it perfect.

Kaloyan Hristov… This is another very emotional and touching poem. It’s almost palpable, the sincerity in expression. Lovely work, indeed. Still, I’m shocked, but this poem needed more drama and contrast to get to another level. It needed a bit more strength.

Denis Olegov… This poem is beautifully brought out. It’s deep and wise, with an important message. Every sentence is a wholeness for itself. Loved it. The ending fits perfectly, which is always an important thing. I can’t say that there’s a single thing I don’t like about this poem, it’s just that some other poems made me feel more.

Georgi Slavov… Very vivid poem, with striking motives. It’s direct and clear, with a strong attitude. I feel the first and the third strophe are a bit soft. Those could be done better. Yet, the rest of the poem is making it up. I love the ending.

Alex Arnaudov… I wasn’t really expecting a poem like this. As Valentin, this writer also keeps getting better and better. This one is very effective, with striking imagery. It’s socially engaged, yet it owns a poetic melody.

Ioana Hristova… This poem is very original and impressionable. Yet, I’d say it needed a bit of polish and more focus. This way, it feels a bit messy and all over the place. I do like the style of expression and scenes displayed here.”

You can read poems by Bulgarian authors here:

Mili Dueli 2020/21: Poezija bugarskih autora (Polufinale)

MILI DUELI 

Made in Bosnia and Herzegovina
by Nermin Delić

Europe / Balkan Peninsula
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Central Bosnia Canton
Jajce Town 70202

Sva prava zadržana. // All rights reserved.

Objava MILI DUELI 2020/21: Semi-final results – DUEL 6 – Bulgaria pojavila se prvi puta na Mili Dueli.

RUZHA VELCHEVA 1946 BUL Veliko Trnovo
Mentor: Anđela Turukalo
СВОБОДАТА…

„Робът се бори за свобода, свободният – за
съвършенство!“ Яне Сандански

Ако имаш една риза
и я подариш на този,
който повече от теб
се нуждае от нея –
ти си свободен

Ако обичаш някого
толкова силно и дълбоко
и си готов въпреки болката
да го оставиш да бъде щастлив
с друг –
ти си свободен

Ако родината
потънала в интриги лъжи
и безизходица
се нуждае от живота ти
за да поеме дъх
да се изправи
и ти го сложиш
на олтара й
без страх –
ти си свободен

И съвършен
———————————–
Sloboda

Jednom je Jane Sandanski rekao: rob se bori za slobodu, slobodan čovjek se bori za savršenstvo!

Ako imaš košulju
i daš je onome
kome je potrebnija
nego tebi-
ti si slobodan.

Ako nekoga voliš
tako snažno i duboko
i spreman si, uprkos bolu,
da bude srećan
sa nekim drugim-
ti si slobodan!

Ako ti je otadžbina
uronjena u spletke, laži
i beznađe;
pa zahtijeva tvoj život
da udahne vazduh,
da ustane;
pa se žrtvuješ
na njenom oltaru,
bez straha –
ti si slobodan

i savršen.
———————————–
The Freedom

Once Yane Sandansky said: the slave is fighting for freedom, the free man is fighting for perfection!

If you share your only shirt with somebody
that is worse off
and needs more than you,
you have achieved freedom!

If you love someone very much
but you are ready to let him go
and be happy with someone else,
you have achieved freedom!

If you country is ridden by lies
and intrigues
and needs your life
in order to take a fresh breath
and restore the dignified life,
and you sacrifice it for this idea,
than you have achieved freedom!

And perfection!
____________________________________
Your biography
Ruzha VELCHEVA is born in 22 august 1946 in Pavlikeni, Bulgaria, but from 1956 lives in Veliko Tarnovo. She is engineer ,but the soul Ruzha’s is in Poetry. Write poems, stories and haiku.
Have 16 published books – poems and short stories.
Ruzha Velcheva is member in World movies POETAS DEL MUNDO and member in The Union of the Bulgarian writers.
A list of published book:
My last published book is in AMAZON – EN EL FILO DE LA AGUJA/ НА ВЪРХА НА ИГЛАТА -Spanish and Bulgarian
Your opinion about our contest – Mili Dueli?
Mill Dueli is very nice contest!!!I’m so happy to be one of autors in him!!!
Do you expect to win the contest?
YES

DIMITAR DZHENEV 1962 BUL Sofia
Mentor: Anđela Turukalo
Мъгла

Ти изпъпли отнякъде, зимна мъгла,
като прилеп се стрелна в прозореца,
после всичко погълна.

Ти погълна дърветата, къщите,
планината и реката –
огледало на слънцето.

Ти, премръзнала гостенка,
без да хлопаш вратите,
отдалеч си дошла –
да послушаш как огънят гасне,
как оранжеви пламъци галят стените,
а навън като гладна вълчица
виелица вие и броди.

Колко хули отвсякъде
върху теб се изсипаха?
На кого и какво си отнела?
Кой по пътя безлюден
от нас те прогони?

И когато си тръгваш –
кой да погледне,
че угасват след тебе очите на бухала.
—————————————————-
MAGLA

Ispilila si niotkud, zimska maglo,
kao šišmiš udarivši u prozor.
Tada si sve progutala.

Progutala si drveće, kuće,
planine i rijeke,
sunčeva ogledala.

Ti, smrznuti gostu,
došla si izdaleka,
bez lupanja u vrata,
da slušaš kako se vatra gasi
dok narandžasti plamen miluje zidove,
dok napolju mećava luta,
zavijajući poput gladne vučice.

Koliko je ljage
proliveno na tebe iz daleka?
Koga si lišila, čega?
Ko te je otjerao od nas do puste ceste?

A kad odeš,
ko će vidjeti
oči sove kako idu za tobom?
————————————————
FOG

You bulged out of nowhere, winter fog,
and like a bat bumped into the window.
Then you swallowed everything.

You engulfed the trees, the houses,
the mountain and the river,
the sun’s mirror.

You, freezing guest,
have come from afar
without slamming doors,
to listen to the fire dying out,
while orange flames caress the walls,
outside the blizzard wandering
and howling like a hungry she-wolf.

How many slurs have been poured
on you from far and wide?
Whom have you deprived of what?
Who has driven you away from us
to the deserted road?

And when you leave,
who will see
the owl’s eyes going out after you.
______________________________
Your biography
I was born in 1962. I graduated from Sofia Universiity with an M. A. in journalism. I began my career as a reporter for Bulgarian Army newspaper. I was deputy editor-in chief of Pari newspaper from 2001 to 2011. Then I founded Exporter BG – the site which gives Exporter of the Year awards to small and medium-sized companies in Bulgaria under the patronade of the Ministry of Economy. I am the editor of the encyclopedia “Wines of Bulgaria” (2019) published in Bulgarian, English and French.
A list of published book:
1. Ask the Wind, poetry collection (1993)
2. Winter Chapel, poetry collection (1997)
3. Heavenly Ambassadors, poetry collection (2016)
Your opinion about our contest – Mili Dueli?
Mili Dueli has already passed the borders of the Balkans and Europe and has turned into an international poetry contest with a great future.
Do you expect to win the contest?
YES

GENO NEDYALKOV 1971 BUL Stara Zagora
Mentor: Anđela Turukalo
Зора

Излая куче някъде
Светът се преобърна
Отвъд пропадна Слънцето
Жълтото в черното
Като пчела между деня и нощта
Появи се сумрака
А с него и хората
Жадуващи начало и край
Ненавиждащи средата
Сега
Наблюдават пчелата
Как се рее искрящо-жълта
В лоното на зората
Пчелата…
… а всъщност Слънцето
———————————–
ZORA

Negdje laje pas
Svijet se preokrenuo
Sunce je palo dalje
Žuta do Crne
Kao pčela između
dana i noći
pojavio se sumrak
a sa njim i ljudi
željni početka i kraja
mrzeći sredinu.
Sada
oni gledaju pčelu
kako pluta blistavo žuto
U njedrima zore
Pčela…
… A zapravo Sunce.
———————————–
Dawn

A dog barked somewhere
The world turned upside down
The Sun fell beyond
Yellow into Black
Like a bee between day and night
Twilight appeared
And People in it.
Eager for a beginning and an end
detest the middle.
Now
They are watching the bee
how soars sparkling yellow
In the bosom of dawn
The bee…
… and in fact the Sun.
_____________________
Your biography
I was born in 1971 in Bulgaria but it’s not my fault. I love books and stories and these were and still are places very suitable to escape. That lead me to the ocuppation of a teacher in English later. I keep working that job till now and that’s too long. I have a son who is my Sun. I’m a weekend writer, poet and amateur photographer.
A list of published book:
1. “19 stories” Geno Nedyalkov, Short stories collection (2019)
Your opinion about our contest – Mili Dueli?
I like it very much to that point (because I’m still in) and I hope things will continue in the same way. On the other hand it’s a great chance for people like me from Balkans to show their poetry to the world and to meet each other in poetry. The organisation is great and my mentor … she is awesome.
Do you expect to win the contest?
NO

VALENTIN POPOV 1979 BUL Sofia
Mentor: Anđela Turukalo
***
дима от цигарата
рисува причудливи форми
париж
айфелова кула
катакомби
шанз-елизе
улични музиканти
улични кафенета
лунна светлина
завива сена
самотна цигулка
разбити мечти
по оживени тротоари
мостове
крехки мигове
на докосвания
дима на цигарата
рисува париж
без нея и него
париж без тях
париж без нас
не струва пукнат грош
всичко е
нищо
——————————
***
Dim cigare
crta bizarne oblike
Pariz
Ajfelova kula
katakombe
Elizejska poljana
ulični muzičari
ulične kafane
mjesečina
Sena
usamljena violina
uništeni snovi
na prometnim trotoarima
mostovi
krhki trenuci
dodira
dim cigare
crta
Pariz bez nje i njega
Pariz bez njih
Pariz bez nas
ne vrijedi ni pare
sve je
ništa
________________
Your biography
I’m born in Pleven in 1979. I live in the Bulgarian capital since 1997. I have five books of short stories and I like traveling, reading, riding, and writing.
A list of published book:
„The night before November“ (Gaiana, 2014)
„Ashes of the dark“ (Gaiana, 2015)
„Ford trough the world“ (Mont, 2016)
„Angels have no wings“ (Gaiana, 2017)
„26 stories“ (Gaiana, 2019)
Your opinion about our contest – Mili Dueli?
The poetry contest Mili Dueli is really great oportunity to meet new friends, conquer your ego and to read foreign poems, think outside the box, and fight for peace!!!
Do you expect to win the contest?
NO

DONKO NAYDENOV 1980 BUL Belogradchik
Mentor: Anđela Turukalo
Последният пролетен сняг

Отварям прозореца – всичко е бяло,
пречистено, в пухкав каймак.
И знам – в тази прелестна нощ навалял е,
последният пролетен сняг.

В златиста магия той меко топи се,
Над черната, рохка земя
Цветя се подават от бялата риза,
Под топлия взор на деня.

Излизам навън – ведър, с поглед отнесен,
Щастлив, всред искрящи лъчи.
И крача, заслушан във птичата песен,
Която в безкрая лети.

Пенливи поточета мятат се диво,
Понасят се в бесен галоп.
Последният пролетен сняг си отива.
Светът се превръща в живот.
——————————————————-
POSLJEDNJI PROLJEĆNI SNIJEG

Otvaram prozor – sve je bijelo,
pročišćeno, kao pahuljasti kajmak.
I znam- u ovoj prelijepoj noći
pao je posljednji proljećni snijeg.

U zlatnoj magiji tiho se topi;
iznad crne, rastresite zemlje.
Cvijeće niče iz bijele košulje
pod toplim očima dana.

Izlazim- vedar, omamljenog pogleda;
srećan, usred sunčevog zraka.
I šetam kroz pjesmu ptica –
kroz pjesmu koja beskrajno leti.

Pjenušavi potoci brzo teku,
nose se bijesnim galopom.
Posljednji proljećni snijeg odlazi.
Svijet postaje život.
——————————————————-
Posledniyat proleten snyag

Otvaryam prozoretsa – vsichko e byalo,
prechisteno, v pukhkav kaĭmak.
I znam – v tazi prelestna nosht navalyal e,
posledniyat proleten snyag.

V zlatista magiya toĭ meko topi se,
Nad chernata, rokhka zemya
Tsvetya se podavat ot byalata riza,
Pod topliya vzor na denya.

Izlizam navŭn – vedŭr, s pogled otnesen,
Shtastliv, vsred iskryashti lŭchi.
I kracha, zaslushan vŭv ptichata pesen,
Koyato v bezkraya leti.

Penlivi potocheta myatat se divo,
Ponasyat se v besen galop.
Posledniyat proleten snyag si otiva.
Svetŭt se prevrŭshta v zhivot.
_________________________________
Your biography
Zdravo svima. Zovem se Donko Naidenov. Rođen sam 1980. godine u gradu Belogradchik u Bugarskoj. Radim kao željeznički dispečer. Najčešće pišem prozu, u žanrovima horora, naučne fantastike, misterije.
A list of published book:
1. Franklin Tomas (Франклин Томас), roman (2010)
2. U zamci nepoznatog (В капна на неизвестното), zbirka kratkih priča (2011)
3. Udarci sudbine (Ударите на съдбата), zbirka dugih priča (2011)
4. Izvan straha (Отвъд страха), zbirka kratkih priča (2012)
5. Horizonti ludila (Хоризонтите на лудостта), zbirka priča (2015)
6. Zakoni zla (Законите на злото), roman (2010)
Your opinion about our contest – Mili Dueli?
Mili Duel je najbolji konkurs, koju sam ikad vidio.
Do you expect to win the contest?
YES

NINKO KIRILOV 1983 BUL Sofia
Mentor: Anđela Turukalo
МОЯТА РИЗА

тя ще бъде с моя риза тук на сутринта.
босите ѝ ходила тиктакат.
кафе и фреш от портокал.
ще ме прегърне.
вселенската тъга
ще ме прегърне.
ще бъде много рано,
още хладно,
вторник или събота.
свежи чаршафи,
окосената трева на август.
ще ме прегърне.
лицето ѝ ще бъде като восък
от снощните ни свещи и лъжи,
косата ѝ – последният доносник,
а китките и глезените – кухи.

ще дойде в спалнята да ме събуди,
ще се огледа
и ще разбере,
че съм невидим.
————————————————-
JEDNA OD MOJIH KOŠULJA

Nosiće jednu od mojih košulja
tog jutra.
Bosa stopala igraće tik i tak.
Kafa i svjež sok od pomorandže.
Zagrliće me.
Zagrliće me tuga svemira.
Biće vrlo rano, još uvijek prohladno,
utorak ili subota.
Čista posteljina,
miris pokošene trave u avgustu.
I zagrliće me.
Lice će joj biti poput voska
naših sinoćnih svijeća i laži.
Njena kosa – poslednji cinkaroš,
a zglobovi i članci – šuplji.

Doći će da me probudi u spavaćoj sobi,
pogledaće oko sebe
i konačno shvatiti
da sam nevidljiv.
————————————————
ONE OF MY SHIRTS

she’ll be wearing one of my shirts
that morning.
her bare feet do tics and tocs.
a coffee and a orange fresh juice.
it will hug me.
the sadness of the universe will hug me.
it will be very early, still kind of chilly,
Tuesday or Saturday.
fresh bed sheets,
the smell of the cut grass in August.
and it will hug me.
her face will be like wax
of our last night candles and lies.
her hair – the last snitch,
and her wrists and ankles – hollow.

she’ll come to wake me in the bedroom,
she’ll look around
and finally understand
that I’m invisible.
_____________________________
Your biography
Ninko Kirilov is born on 7 December 1983 in Bulgaria.
He has a major degree in journalism and has some short stories and poems translated and published in English and Serbian.
A list of published book:
1. “Doubles and animals”, a collection of short stories (2013),
2. “A human amongst people”, a collection of short stories (2017)
3. “Three plays”, a collection of plays (2018),
4. “Rawer”, poetry collection (2019)
5. “Falling forever”, a poetry collection (2021).
Your opinion about our contest – Mili Dueli?
My honest opinion is that Mili Dueli is a great chance for contemporary poets to have their voices heard not only in their own country. It could create connections between them and even become a mediator in turning those poets not only in contestants but in a long term friendships. And help in turning poetry in a universal language.
Do you expect to win the contest?
YES

YANA RADILOVA 1992 BUL Sofia
Mentor: Anđela Turukalo
NIŠTA VIŠE

Par je pio čaj
A između njih – slomljeni čajnik i par neizgovorenih misli
U sred sobe –
obrazac male ceremonije
Kao da će ovaj ritual promijeniti tok jutra

Par je pio čaj
A između njih – zastava i maslinova grančica
Usred rata – šablonski mir
Kao da će pretvaranje da vole promijeniti tok mržnje

Par je pio čaj
I ljubili su prazne šolje
Po navici

Par je pio čaj
Ništa manje
Ništa više
—————————————
Nothing more

A couple was drinking tea
And between them – a broken teapot and a pair of unspoken thoughts
In the middle of the room –
a pattern of a little ceremony
As if this ritual would change the course of the morning

A couple was drinking tea
And between them – a flag and an olive branch
In the middle of the war – a pattern of peace
As if pretending to love would change the course of hatred

A couple was drinking tea
And they kissed the empty cups
by default

A couple was drinking tea
Nothing less
Nothing more
_________________________
Your biography
I was born in Moldova in the beginning of 1992, just after the Soviet Union broke up and the transition process started. I came to Bulgaria with my family when I was just six years old, but soon I started to feel it as my native country. I have always wanted to be a writer: to inspire hundreds of people with my overwhelming stories. Soon I realized that I need another, more practical dream, as I lived in miserable conditions and desperately needed money. I took a Master’s degree in Financial Management and a BA in European Studies, and I changed my job positions so many times, wandering between projects, deliveries and administration. However, I continued writing during this period and in 2020 my first collection of poems was published.
I think that was only the beginning and the best is yet to come, as my mind is full of poems, stories and plots. I am planning to release a new book soon – it’s called “A child of transition” and it will represent rhe different stages of the transition process – through status quo, through the complete destruction till the complete renewal.
If I have to say what makes me different, most probably it’s my “flexible sensitivity”, meaning that I am able to adapt my tastes and preferences, and I would say that I like to read and write almost all different genres. I am also very detail-oriented, sometimes even perfectionist, but this quality helped me a lot in my job and in my poetry.
A list of published book:
Radilova Yana, Nine circles(2020)
Your opinion about our contest – Mili Dueli?
I think it is a great opportunity to empower more people to write and show their works in front of a big audience. Unlike most contests for poetry, it seems to be real fun and also very emotional, as different rounds are organised in different way. I value your work and understand that it is quite challenging to read and evaluate hundreds of poems, as well as translate them. Thank you for your time and for the great inspiration!
Do you expect to win the contest?
NO

LYUBOMIR KYUCHUKOV 1995 BUL Sofia
Mentor: Anđela Turukalo
СОНАТА

Клавишите трептят и струните
ги следват в недовършена соната.
По случайност вън е пълнолуние –
още, като мен, не спи луната.

Спотайват се из тишината сенки –
удължени от лъча на светлината.
Завеса! И изчезват… аплодисменти!
Преходът към втора част – стакато.

А на сцената разказват се истории:
как човешкият живот – една спирала,
се завърта – пак ще се повтори
онова, което мислиш за отмряло;

как нечестно разпределят роли
режисьори в някаква амнезия;
как артистите сноват в гастроли –
няма време за поезия…

Но тихо! Ще избухне трѐмоло!
В пиесата съвсем се бях улисал…
Изчезвай! Полунощ е, демоне –
договори с теб не съм подписвал…

Или чакай, остани – ела обратно,
помогни ми с партията на струнните.
Да допишем недописана соната –
по случайност вън е пълнолуние.
—————————————————-
SONATA

Dirke trepere dok ih žice
prate u nedovršenoj sonati.
Slučajno je napolju pun mjesec –
ipak, poput mene, ni mjesec ne spava.

Sijenke vrijebaju u tišini –
uvećane snopom svjetlosti.
Zavjesa! I nestanak… aplauz!
Prelazak na drugi dio – stakato.

A, priče se pričaju na sceni:
kako ljudski život – spirala,
okreće se – ponoviće iznova
ono što mislite da je mrtvo;

kako neiskreno raspoređuju uloge
direktori, u nekoj vrsti amnezije;
kako umjetnici tumaraju na turneji –
nemaju vremena za poeziju…

Ali tiho! Drhtaj će eksplodirati!
Bio sam potpuno zadubljen u predstavu…
Nestani! Ponoć je, đavole-
nisam potpisao ugovor sa tobom…

Ili sačekaj, ostani – vrati se,
pomozi mi oko gudačke zabave.
Dodajmo nedovršenu sonatu –
slučajno je napolju pun mjesec.
____________________________
Your biography
Lyubomir Kyuchukov was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 1995. In 2020 he graduated with a Masters degree in Law from Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’ and now works as a lawyer. From 2021 is a PhD candidate in Law. He is also a poet, writer, vlogger and musician – combining various activities and having many interests, he is an interactive, cosmopolitan and friendly person, who takes on the Mili Dueli challenge with pleasure and love for the fellow Bulgarian, Balkan and rest-of-the-world poets.
A list of published book:
1. “Fate of the Lightborn, part 1: The Ascend of the Seven”
Your opinion about our contest – Mili Dueli?
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Mili Dueli contest! I think it is a great opportunity to help authors in the Balkans and worldwide to meet, come together and share experience!
Do you expect to win the contest?
YES

KALOYAN HRISTOV 1997 BUL Sofia
Mentor: Anđela Turukalo
КАК УЧЕХМЕ

На дядо ми

Спомням си как ме научи
да гледам света, да го слушам,
да му се радвам, да го чертая.
Моя свят, с моя поглед,
с твоя поглед.
Спомням си как ме научи
да пиша, да чета.
Да чета всичко наоколо.
С теб се гмуркахме в книгите.
Ти ме хващаше за ръка,
отваряше кориците и потъвахме,
после изплувахме на брега
и ти ми пееше песни.
Смеехме се.
Гмуркахме се,
Смеехме се,
докато един ден ти
не излезе на брега.
Аз те търсех.
Продължавам да се гмуркам,
продължавам да те търся.
Сега ти се потопи в съзнанието ми
и плуваш,
а аз тихо греба
с веслата на спомените,
по повърхността на паметта.
—————————————–
KAKO SMO UČILI

Mom djedu

Sjećam se kako si me učio
da gledam svijet, da ga slušam,
da mu se radujem, da ga crtam.
Moj svijet: mojim pogledom,
tvojim pogledom.
Sjećam se kako si me učio
pisati, čitati.
Da čitam sve okolo.
Ti i ja smo zaronili u knjige.
Uhvatio si me za ruku,
otvorio korice, a mi smo tonuli.
Onda smo izronili,
a ti si mi pjevao pjesme.
Smijali smo se.
Ronili smo,
smijali smo se,
sve dok jednog dana
ti nisi izašao na obalu.
Tražio sam te.
Ja i dalje ronim.
Još uvijek te tražim.
Sad si utopljen u moj um
i plivaš,
a ja veslam tiho
veslima sjećanja,
na površini uspomena.
——————————-
HOW WE STUDIED

To my grandfather

I remember how you taught me
to look at the world, to listen to it,
to rejoice in it, to draw it.
My world: with my gaze,
with your gaze.
I remember how you taught me
to write, to read.
To read everything around.
We dived into books.
You took my hand,
you were opening the covers and we were sinking,
then we came ashore
and you sang songs to me.
We were laughing.
We dived,
We were laughing,
until one day
you didn’t come ashore.
I was looking for you.
I keep diving,
I’m still looking for you.
Now you are immersed in my mind
and you swim,
and I row quietly
with the oars of memories,
on the mind’s surface.
____________________________
Your biography
Казвам се Калоян Христов. Завършил съм Софийския университет “Св. Климент Охридски”, специалност Българска филология.
Преподавател съм по Български език и литература в гр. София.
Роден съм в прекрасния град Габрово, в центъра на България.
Любимите ми занимания са писането и разходките из природата.
Опитвам се да откривам вдъхновение и в най-малките детайли.
A list of published book:
Издадени книги:
– поезия “Съвпадения”
– поезия “Солени молекули”
Your opinion about our contest – Mili Dueli?
Изключително добре замислен конкурс, в който се създават прекрасни творби
и интересни познанства
Do you expect to win the contest?
YES

DENIS OLEGOV 1998 BUL Sofia
Mentor: Anđela Turukalo
La vida es sueño II

„Едно сънуване е цяло наше поколение“
– Кавафис

Споменът беше нелепо сънуване.
Единствено решетките усещахме
в близостта на звездните ухания,
в слабостта на търсене на отговор
небето разкъсано подсказваше
единствено ума на великаните –
илюзията за тяхно състрадание
в ръждивите поля на оцеляване.
Излъган от себични гласове
света руша и Рим е никъде.
Човеците дори не са били
и Космосът ме плаши с вечността си:
далечно недостигнато спокойствие
на хиляди и хиляди ранени
затворени завинаги очи.
Кошмарното съзнание бушува,
когато искаме да се събудим,
небето изначално бе изгубено
от него щом сме отделени.
————————————————
Život je san II

„San je naša cijela generacija“
– Kavafi

Sjećanje je bilo smiješan san.
Samo rešetke smo osjećali
blizu zvjezdanih mirisa.
U slabosti traženja odgovora,
poderano nebo nagovijestilo je
samo umove džinova:
iluziju njihovog saosjećanja.
U zarđalim poljima opstanka,
prevaren sebičnim glasovima:
svijet se raspada, a Rima nema nigdje.
Ljudi čak nisu bili,
a kosmos me plaši svojom vječnošću…
Daleko nedostižna smirenost
hiljada i hiljada ranjenih,
zauvijek zatvorenih očiju.
Bijesna svijest bijesni
kada želimo da se probudimo.
Nebo je prvobitno bilo izgubljeno
čim se odvojismo od njega.
_______________________________
Your biography
Denis Olegov was born in 1998 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He i author of five books with poems and prose. His poems were published in e-magazines ” New social poetry” , ” LiterNet” , ” New asocial poetry” , ” Literature world” , ” Manu propria”, “Poetas del mundo”. Different works of Olegov are awarded at the contests in Bulgaria and Israel. His works are translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Serbian, Arabic and English.
A list of published book:
Римодрасканици (2014)
Раздвоението на една душа (2014)
Ледена жар (2016)
Колелото на историята (2017)
Вечен чужденец (2020)
Your opinion about our contest – Mili Dueli?
Mili Dueli is a great tribune for exchange of culture, experience and ideas.
Do you expect to win the contest?
NO

GEORGI SLAVOV 1998 BUL Sofia
Mentor: Anđela Turukalo
***
От устата на лъва натам
отеснява ни ловът и заприличва повече на
срам, а дори да беше кратка
болката на дишащите и диханието от болка,
щяхме вместо да сме захапани, да сме захапка.

А отвъд има стена и фолио от минзухари,
и поле пълно с поети без китари.

Но аз не вярвам колкото себе си,
и не сричам на хората обратни слова,
че има истинност във всичко това.

Затова понякога се чувствам единствен,
без да има в мене ни едно цяло единство.

Завършил съм защита от битуване
в школа за несбъднати науки.
Притежавам всички грешки и пътувам,
изпуснат в океана на наслуката.

Как е леглото тази вечер?
Като ковчег, но не толкова удобно.
———————————————–
Od čeljusti lava pa nadalje
sužava nam se lov i liči na sram,
makar bio i kratak
bol pri disanju i uzdah od bola;
umjesto da grizemo- da budemo griženi.

A iza je zid i folija od krokusa
i polje puno pjesnika bez gitara.

No, ja ne verujem, koliko ni sebi;
i ne dajem ljudima povratne riječi:
da u svemu tome ima i istine.

Zato se, ponekad, osjećam sam;
bez ijednog jedinstva u meni.

Završio sam zaštitu od života
u školi za neostvarene nauke.
Imam sve greške i putujem,
nasumično bačen u okean.

Kakav je krevet večeras?
Kao kovčeg, ali ne tako udoban.
_________________________________________
Your biography
Georgi Slavov. I work as a political journalist and as an English teacher. From Sofia. Born in 1998, I like to play the guitar, drums, bass. Interested in a variety of metaphysical occurrences.
A list of published book:
И това ще мине – 2017
Звездопадение – 2018
Човек е сам и човек е само – 2021
Your opinion about our contest – Mili Dueli?
I think it is a brilliant idea, executed finely. Keep on doing what you are doing!
Do you expect to win the contest?
YES

ALEX ARNAUDOV 1998 BUL Sofia
Mentor: Anđela Turukalo
тийн айдъл

“Всеки, който прокълне баща си или майка си, непременно да се умъртви;
баща си или майка си е проклел; кръвта му да бъде върху него.”
Левит (20:9)

паметта ни пуска корени
като безкрайно дъно в бездната
облечена с телата на майка и баща

тишината е безтегловност
пропадаме в състояние на сън
и някой забравя да обича
няма следа от нас
как нетърпеливо подчиняваме сенкpите
хванати за ръце

обезопасяваме дните
докато омразата расте
в изнемощели мечти
с които задушаваме децата си

смъртта има толкова нужда от нас
колкото и ние от нея
——————————————————–
tinejdžerski idol

„Ko proklinje oca ili majku, sigurno će biti usmrćen;
prokleo oca ili majku; krv njegova biće na njemu “.
Levitski zakonik (20: 9)

naše sjećanje pušta korjenje
poput beskonačnog dna u provaliji
obučeno u tijela majke i oca

tišina je bestežinska
počnemo da tonemo u san
a neko zaboravi da voli
nema nam ni traga
dok nestrpljivo pokoravamo sjenke
držeći se za ruke

osiguravamo dane
dok raste mržnja
kroz iscrpljene snove
kojima gušimo svoju djecu
smrt nas toliko treba
koliko i mi nju
———————————————-
teen idol
‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death. Because they have cursed their father or mother, their blood will be on their own head.”
Leviticus 20:9

our memory lays down roots
like an endless bottom in the abys
dressed in bodies of a mother and a father

the silence is weightlessness
we started falling in a dream state
and someone forgets how to love
there is no trace of us
how we impatiently compel the shadows
holding hands

we secure the days
while the hatred keeps growing
into exhausted dreams
which we suffocate our kids with

death needs us as much as
we need it
_____________________________________________________
Your biography
Alex Arnaudov is born on the 11th of November 1998 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He graduated from the American College of Sofia and then proceeded to pursue his higher education at the University of Dundee, located in Scotland. He has been part of the editorial team for the Fibre online magazine for the past two years and also he was appointed as Regional Manager for the Student Publications Association for the academic 2019/2020. After winning multiple awards back home he published his first book Bottom of the Sky (Publishing house Signs and editor Ivan Hristov). He currently works as a member of the team that manages the NGO New Asocial Poetry.
A list of published book:
Bottom of the Sky (Publishing house Signs and editor Ivan Hristov) – Дъно в небето (ИК Знаци, редактор Иван Христов)
Your opinion about our contest – Mili Dueli?
Excellent organization and international reach. One of a kind competition that I am happy to join every year.
Do you expect to win the contest?
YES

ЙОАНА ХРИСТОВА 2001 BUL Sofia
Mentor: Anđela Turukalo
“Сградата”

Часовете летят
чистача чисти и чисти
хората бягат
убийството седи и седи
Чистача кърви и кърви
хората подминават
душата му крещи
те не могат да го видят
Девет и половина е
чистача на жена си звъни
часът тежък е
той няма семейство дори
Сградата заключват
хората ги няма
чистача го няма
часовете изчезват
След години и години
жалък и тежък живот
пияни и нещастни
изминали дни без живот
той е дух на тъгата
той е жертва на съдбата
умря без мир и облик
вътрешната кръв седи
душата му вече спи

Няма ни труп,
няма ни чистач
Сградата съборена преди години
жъне часове отровни
хвърля кръв и крещи
много неразказани съдби
много убийства пази
в своята материя ги крие
от душата им пие

Чистача днес е дух
като всичко материално
сградата и утре ще е там без прах
камъни невидими кървят.
Животът след години остава
историята не бяга
хората подминават
хората умират
убийствата стават
невидими лица без тела остават.
Душата на материята крещи и кърви!
————————————————————–
ZGRADA

Sati lete
čistač čisti i čisti
ljudi bježe
ubistvo sjedi i sjedi
Čistač krvari i krvari
ljudi prolaze
vrišti mu duša
oni to ne mogu vidjeti
Devet i trideset je
zove žena čistača
čas je naporan
on nema ni porodicu
Zgrada je zaključana
ljudi su otišli
čistač je otišao
sati nestaju
Nakon godina i godina
jadan i težak život
pijan i nesrećan
dani prošli bez života
on je duh tuge
on je žrtva sudbine
umrli bez mira i izgleda
unutrašnja krv sjedi
duša mu već spava

Nema leša,
nema čistača
Zgrada je srušena godinama unazad
žanje otrovne sate
proliva krv i vrišti
mnoge neispričane sudbine
mnoga ubistva čuva
krije ih u svojoj tvari
pije iz njihove duše

Čistač je danas duh
kao i sve materijalno
zgrada će sjutra biti bez prašine
nevidljivo kamenje krvari.
Život nakon godina ostaje
priča ne bježi
ljudi prolaze
ljudi umiru
ubistva se dešavaju
ostaju nevidljiva lica bez tijela.
Duša materije vrišti i krvari!
__________________________
Your biography
Казвам се Йоана Христова.Родена съм на 02.05.2001 година в град София,България.Завършила съм средно образование в 119 СУ ”Акад.Михаил Арнаудов” с хуманитарен профил.От 2020 година уча ”Право” в Нов български университет.В свободното си време чета,пиша и спортувам.Обичам животните и се боря за техните права.Начинът ми на живот е веган.Членувам в сдружение КАЖИ ( ”Кампании и активизъм за животните в индустрията”).
A list of published book:
Your opinion about our contest – Mili Dueli?
Един страхотен конкурс . Организацията е на отлично ниво , заедно с хората участващи в нея.
Do you expect to win the contest?
YES

More about organization of the Semi-Final round (4th Round):

Mili Dueli 2020: Organization Of The Fourth Round

Objava Mili Dueli 2020/21: Poezija bugarskih autora (Polufinale) pojavila se prvi puta na Mili Dueli.

The contest is traditionally composed of 5 elimination rounds. In each round, the number of authors decreases, and in the last, Fifth round, the winner is decided by a voting system based on the Eurovision Song Contest scoring system. The main responsible person of the contest is Nermin Delić, the idea creator and organizer of the contest. For 8 years in a row, Mili Dueli have been gathering authors and spreading the influence of poetry in everyday life.

Nermin Delić

Briefly about the First Round: The selection of all received applications (739) was performed by Nermin Delić. The organizer selected 476 authors for presentation in the Second Round.

Briefly about the Second Round: After the selection in the First Round by the organizer of the contest, Nermin Delić, 476 authors were selected and presented in the Second Round. In the Second Round, the authors are classified in 12 duels, according to the countries they come from. Due to the number of participants, Bosnia and Herzegovina had 2 duels (DUEL 1, DUEL 2), and Serbia 3 (DUEL 3, DUEL 4, DUEL 5). Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Bulgaria had one duel each (DUEL 6, DUEL 7, DUEL 8, DUEL 9). Due to the small number of participants, authors from Albania, Greece, Kosovo, Romania and Slovenia were presented in one duel (DUEL 10). Poets with Balkan roots, but with current residence outside the Balkans, are grouped together in one duel (DUEL 11). In the end, all authors coming from non-Balkan countries are grouped into one duel (DUEL 12).

The beginning of the presentation of the duel on the official Facebook profile of Mili Dueli was on July 12, 2020. Duels are presented in order, every 2-3 or 4 days according to the scope of the duel. For the first 15 days from the presentation of the duel, the followers of Mili Dueli were able to vote in the comments by entering the author’s number below the picture where her/his poem is presented. In addition to the readers, the members of the jury, composed of 12 renowned and important for Mili Duel artists from the Balkans, also voted. They selected 90% of the authors to pass to the Third Round. The other 10% is intended for the votes of the readers, for those who were not selected by the jury, and who have the great support of their friends and companions Mili Dueli.

THIRD ROUND

RESULTS

DUEL 6 – BULGARIA

How was the vote?

(1) Organizer: Nermin Delic
(2) President of the jury: Anđela Turukalo
(3) Additional member of the jury I: Danja Gašpar Đokić
(4) Additional member of the jury II: Nikola Ismail
(5) Readers (number of votes received): 944
(6) Common picture * (* The authors could achieve an additional grade of 5, if they send their picture with one of the participants of the 3rd round.)

VOTING RULES:

• In Duel 6, all authors from Bulgaria who passed the previous selection are presented. The number of participants in Duel 6 is 20.
• How the votes were counted: The ratings of the additional members of the jury were added up to the average grade, and that with the grades of the President of the jury, and with the grades of the Readers and the grade of the Common Picture. The drawn average grade is summed with the grade of the Organizer and thus the final average grade is obtained on the basis of which the authors are ranked.
• The President of the jury had the right to send one author directly to the Semifinals. The President of the jury in this duel used that option and sent Donko Najdenov directly to the next round.
• In this duel, no author passed directly based on the votes of the readers. Only one Bulgarian author with a large number of readers’ votes was awarded a grade of 5. By the way, according to the rules of the 3rd round, Readers awarded the 3 authors with the highest number of votes in the Third Round – direct passage to the Semifinals, and another 22 authors received a grade of 5. 5 authors stood out significantly in terms of the number of readers’ votes in the Third Round, the organizer decided to release all five directly into the next round.

• 

• Common picture. The authors were entitled to an additional grade (5) if they sent a picture with some of the participants of the 3rd round of the Due Duels 2020. The goal of the pictures was to encourage social relations outside of online activities and socializing.

  

SO, WHAT ‘S THE NEXT?

TOP 100 – Authors who entered the TOP 100 went directly to the Semifinals Mili Dueli 2020. Each of them will be assigned a mentor at the discretion of the Organizer, and the names of their mentors will be announced later. The mentor can only be one of the members of the Mili DuelI 2020 jury. All the details related to the preparation and sending Semifinals poems (ROUND 4) will be received in a private message in the inbox. Please be patient!

TOP 120 – Authors who entered the TOP 120 did not go directly to the Semifinals of the Mili Dueli 2020. They will, after the announcement of the all results, be offered to the members of the jury to choose them to be their mentors. If none of the members of the jury expresses their will to be their mentor, the authors will not make it to the Semifinals. If one member of the jury responds, that member of the jury will automatically become a mentor. If more than 2 members of the jury apply, the Organizer will, in cooperation with the authors, select one of the offered members of the jury as a mentor to the author.

TOP 250 – Authors who remained in the TOP 250 did not make it to the Mili Dueli 2020 Semifinals. Their contribution to the spread of the project and poetry will be rewarded by receiving electronic recognition for their participation as they represented their countries in a bright light (TOP 250 from 739 registered !!!), and will accordingly receive recognition for the intercultural dialogue of the Balkan countries and the countries of the world in which they participated.

All the presented poems will be represented in a electronic collection which, apparently, will have its own printed edition (summer, 2021), when MILI DUELI BALKAN TOUR awaits us. More on that soon!

Also, all authors who are 2000 or younger will be presented at the MILI DUEL JUNIOR ONLINE POETRY CONTEST which will start a few days after the end of the eighth season of Mili Duels 2020 – Online Balkan Poetry Contest!

KOMENTARI ŽIRIJA

Organizator: NERMIN DELIĆ

Predsjednik žirija: ANĐELA TURUKALO

Dmitar Dzhenev, quote lovely and vivid. I like the depth of this poem and I really appreciate that way of “painting with words”. Well done.

Denitsa Mineva, I’m not too amazed with this poem. It’s probably because of the difficulty of the group. It’s not bad, it just wasn’t striking enough.

Valentin Popov, I loved it. It’s deep and emotional and touching. This author just gets better and better. This poem contains such powerful imagery, it has to leave a mark on the reader. Really well done.

Ninko Kirilov… As I started reading, I found it quite interesting. But, the ending is truly beautiful. Loved this poem, loved the previous one… So, I truly hope I’ll love the next one. Well done and good luck.

Yana Radilova, this was very sharp and precise. This poem is a statement, and a powerful one. I love your expression and the life you bring into the poetry.

Lyubomir Kyuchukov, this was written quite well. But, this group is filled with amazing authors, so everything has to count. This poem lacked one single statement in the very end- something strong, powerful and meaningful- to give it the ending it deserved. Nevertheless, I find it very good.

Tanya Mirtcheva, I found this quite pale- compared to the rest of the group. It seemed like the author tried to make the poem energetic, but the product was quite chaotic and imprecise. The motives could be more personal and more creative.

Kaloyan Hristov, I like this poem. It’s interesting and pleasant. The ending is soft, but it balances the poem and really makes it whole. Well done.

Denis Olegov, I loved the imagery and energy of this poem. The meaning is profound and clear. Motives are creative and very touching… So, well done.

Georgi Slavov… A bit rebellious, a bit chaotic… Lots of emotions, though concealed. I did find a couple of questionable moments here, but the rest of the poem simply beats it all. So, I really like it.

Alex Arnaudov… This was quite unusual. Not something I expected. And that’s a good thing. It’s quite mistified, yet emotional. The ending is lovely. The only thing I find troublesome is that it feels somehow disconnected. Like the verses aren’t quite naturally merged…

Ioana Hristova, this poem was quite picturesque. I do think you needed to focus more: to accentuate some parts more, other less. It feels a bit unnatural in some parts, and this kind of poetry should be written in such manner that it feels completely fluent.

Donko Naydenov… I think this round deserved a better choice of writing subject. It feels somewhat pale compared to others. Yet, I’m happy that I find this author getting better and better. And, I do appreciate this poem, it’s quite good. I like it. But, I’m hoping for something deeper next time.

Rolanda Stefanova, I like the ending. But, it seems like the rest of the poem shouldn’t be so…simplified. It lacks a bit of mystery, some drama. This way, it feels like a flat line.

Kremena Kirilova, this poem is too simple, too naive. It lacks strength and some powerful motives to make it stand out.

Steliana Petkova: the start of the poem and it’s ending- it was great. But, the middle part was too simple. If you made the middle part stand out more, the poem would probably be perfect.

Ekaterina Gluhova-Dimitrova, I understand the theme of this poem, but this is really too chaotic. There has to be balance, to make it pleasant for the reader. Also, some innovative metaphors could be very useful.

Geno Nedyalkov, this is interesting and likeable. Yet, it lacks a bit of clarity, some strong point, some effective ending that would make it whole. It feels like it’s incomplete.

Vesela Haltakova, I must say it’s interesting. Yet, it’s too plain and simple. It should be a bit deeper and more emotional. First part is the one that feels too naive.

Ruzha Velcheva, it’s almost like I’m seeing it in my head- while reading your words. I really like it, though it does seem a bit pale compared to other poems of this group- because of the energy and the very subject, probably. Yet, I’m satisfied with this.

Dodatni član žirija I: DANJA GAŠPAR ĐOKIĆ

DIMITAR DZHENEV great reflective poem, not even the translation diminished its beauty, it has beautiful rhythm, it has meaning, beautiful lyrical images and metaphors, everything a poem should have

DENITSA MINEVA has something in this poem, but not enough for me to delight me or throw me out of my shoes … average poem

VALENTIN POPOV when it comes to war issues, a man can’t be immune and run out of emotions … very nicely woven and I believe that in the Bulgarian language it sounds nicer, here the rhythm creaks a little, as if there are no spaces to calm emotions and start again like an avalanche

NINKO KIRILOV great poem, it has meaning and great rhythm and the poet performed it great to the end

YANA RADILOVA is another great poem to which nothing can be taken away or added … great

LYUBOMIR KYUCHUKOV an average poem in which the reader cannot read anything new, it seems too sterile to me, maybe some special stylistic figure of the poem would give strength and beauty, like this, just mediocrity

TANYA MIRTCH’S poem was beautifully realized in the beginning, but the very end simply suffocated its beauty … much more could be given and said from this

KALOYAN HRISTOV is a poem that didn’t particularly touch me, I think it needs more work

DENIS OLEGOV an interesting poem, which was promising at the beginning, as if the author got a little tired at the end … and the verse “abyss without bottom” … if it is abyss, this is superfluous – without bottom, I think it’s a mistake came in rendition, but that doesn’t change my assessment and impression

GEORGI SLAVOV this poem has great moments, but it is too long and fragmented … this would be great if two or three poems were made from the material … there is simply a lot of stuff in the poem and it makes it extensive and unrelated

ALEX ARNAUDOV’s author nicely analyzed the thoughts, divided them into miniature cycles and thus the song gains in beauty, nothing is crowded and accumulated … I like the way the song, ie these cycles flow and how they are rounded at the end

JOANA HRISTOVA again a war theme, but in my opinion very unsuccessfully performed, there is something there, but the end itself is completely meaningless to me..needs a lot of work

DONKO NAYDENOV an average landscape poem that didn’t say anything new, a clean description of the mountain … maybe some special stylistic figure should be inserted to make the poem stand out from the average

ROLANDA STEFANOVA poem is well thought out and there are great moments in it, the comparison of life and restaurants is successful, I think there was a little more work to be done on the poem, but in any case, the poem is very impressive

KREMENA KIRILOVA I didn’t feel anything special or impressive in this poem… like purely giving lessons, which the poem can’t really stand … the average poem

STELIANA PETKOVA another average poem in which nothing new is offered, and nothing special … there is still a lot of work to be done

EKATERINA GLUHOVA – DIMITROVA a good title for a poem like this … fragments that make up a day, a year, a whole life, but there is still a lot missing to make the poem shine

GENO NEDYALKOV well thought out, but poorly realized … one quite average poem

VESELA HALTAKOVA another average poem in which I did not read anything new, nothing in particular impressed me

RUZHA VELCHEVA I was not particularly impressed by this poem either, there is something in it, the ending is beautiful, but I think it could have been written much better

Original:
DIMITAR DZHENEV odlična refleksivna pjesma, ni prepjev joj nije umanjio ljepotu, ima ritam, ima smslenost, prelijepe slike i metafore, sve ono što jedna pjesma treba imati

DENITSA MINEVA ima u ovoj pjesmi nešto, ali meni nedovoljno da bi me oduševila ili izbacila iz cipela…prosječna pjesma

VALENTIN POPOV kad je ratna tematika u pitanju, čovjek ne može biti imun i ostati bez emocija…vrlo lijepo istkano i vjerujem kako na bugarskom jeziku zvuci ljepše, ovdje mi malo škripi ritam, kao da nedostaju razmaci da se emocije slegnu i opet krenu kao lavina

NINKO KIRILOV odlična pjesma, ima i smislenost i odličan ritam i pjesnik ju je odlično izveo do kraja

YANA RADILOVA još jedna odlična pjesma kojoj se baš ništa nema ni oduzeti, a ni dodati…sjajno

LYUBOMIR KYUCHUKOV prosječna pjesma u kojoj baš ništa novog čitatelj ne može iščitati, previše mi izgleda sterilno, možda bi neka bravura pjesmi dala snagu i ljepotu, ovako, samo prosječnost

TANYA MIRTCHEVA pjesma je u početku lijepo realizirana, ali sam kraj naprosto joj je ugušio ljepotu…moglo se iz ovoga puno više dati i izreći

KALOYAN HRISTOV pjesma koja me baš ničim nije posebno dirnula, mislim kako treba više rada

DENIS OLEGOV interesantna pjesma, koja je na početku bila obećavajuća, kao da se autor malo umorio pri kraju…i sam stih “bezdan bez dna”…ako je bezdan, suvišn je ovo – bez dna, mislim kako je do greške došlo u prepjevu, ali to ne mijenja moju ocjenu i dojam

GEORGI SLAVOV ova pjesma ima sjajne momente, ali je previše dugačka i rascjepkana…ovo bi bilo odlično da su se od materijala napravile dvije, tri pjesme…naprosto je puno toga zgurano u pjesmu i čini je opširnom i nepovezanom

ALEX ARNAUDOV autor je lijepo raščlanio misli, razdijelio ih u minijaturne cikluse i time pjesma dobija na ljepoti, ništa nije zgurano i nagomilano…sviđa mi se način kako pjesma, odnosno ovi ciklusi teku i kako su zaokruženi na kraju

ЙОАНА ХРИСТОВА opet ratna tematika, ali po meni veoma neuspješno izvedena, ima tu nečega, ali sam kraj mi je putpuno besmislen..treba tu još puno rada

DONKO NAYDENOV jedna prosječna pejzažna pjesma koja baš ništa novo nije rekla, čisti opis planine..mozda bi tu trebalo ubaciti neku bravuricu da bi pjesmu izdiglo iz prosječnosti

ROLANDA STEFANOVA pjesma je dobro zamišljena i u njoj ima odličnih momenata, poređenje života i restorana je uspješno, mislim kako je još malo trebalo raditi na pjesmi, ali u svakom slučaju, pjesma je vrlo dojmljiva

KREMENA KIRILOVA ništa posebno, a ni dojmljivo ne osjetih u ovoj pjesmi…kao čisto davanje lekcija, što pjesma baš i ne podnosi…prosječna pjesma

STELIANA PETKOVA još jedna prosječna pjesma u kojoj se ne nudi ništa novo, a ni posebno…treba tu još dosta rada

ЕКАТЕРИНА GLUHOVA – DIMITROVA dobar naslov za ovakvu pjesmu…fragmenti od kojih se sastavlja dan, godina, cijeli život, ali nedostaje tu još puno toga da bi pjesma zablistala

GENO NEDYALKOV dobro zamišljeno, ali loše realizirano…jedna sasvim prosječna pjesma

VESELA HALTAKOVA još jedna prosječna pjesma u kojoj ništa novo nisam pročitala, ništa me posebno nije dojmilo

RUZHA VELCHEVA ni ova me pjesma nije posebno dojmila, ima nešto u njoj, kraj je lijep, ali mislim kako se moglo daleko bolje napisati.

Dodatni član žirija II: NIKOLA ISMAIL

Član žirija do kraja roka za slanje glasova nije glasao. 

DUEL POEMS

You can watch the entire duel on the social network Facebook, where it is on the official profile Mili DuelI.

See more about the organization of the Third Round here:

Mili Dueli 2020: Third Round Organization

MILI DUELI 

Made in Bosnia and Herzegovina
by Nermin Delić

Europe / Balkan Peninsula
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Central Bosnia Canton
Jajce Town 70202

Sva prava zadržana. // All rights reserved.

Objava MILI DUELI 2020: Third round results – DUEL 6 – Bulgaria pojavila se prvi puta na Mili Dueli.