Perfect

Understated and subtle, if I believed the rating system did anything other than place the undefinable in categories, I would doubtlessly give this work a "5". THIS, is what art is about, this poem exposes the absurd quality of the death of an elder, and death in general. It's such a clever emotional poem that it provoked me to sit for a few minutes after reading it and contemplate my own family situation and life/death in general. I think the poem is really literate in sharing the perspective of pre-mourning and mourning with such seamless transitions between the two. This really communicates with the reader in a way that aggressively grabs attention and provides you, the author, with this almost surreal illusion of omniscience. The common theme of elders in the family becoming taken for granted and seen as burdensome in their later years is so subtly juxtaposed with the great sadness and guilt of mourning that it has this trance-like quality because it almost exists in a reality without time, where the past, present, and future exist simultaneously. It amazes me that it feels so raw and descriptive with so few words, like a great comedian rhythmically and masterfully delivering an audience-igniting punch line to a one-liner.

The poem focuses on what was your fully informed opinion of your mother before her passing, which is overwhelmingly dull and burdensome (as is common). The poem completely ignores any notion of a positive quality of your mother; yet her passing leaves you lost, disturbed, hurt, and profoundly depressed. It really speaks to me, it shows that something is truly lost in our relationship with our elders in their last years of exponentially decreasing independence, something that is so deeply implanted and so emotionally potent, that the full extent to which we perceive it's potency requires their complete nonexistence to reintroduce it to us.

Truly and honestly a powerful and thought-provoking work that deserves whatever awards it received when you posted it.

Thanks as always, Liam.

This poem was VERY touching. I just had another "lonely" Christmas this past '09. My heart goes out to you, if you need anything we are all here for you. ALWAYS remember, after every dark night, there is a brighter day. =)

I laughed, cried and shit my pants. Simply less than perfect. 5/5

The simplicity of this poem awes me.
I understand you and your feelings.
A most deserving win, by far.
-AA
Hare Krishna.

Congrats on your win Corinne !
Very deserving indeed