Hannah, I really had no idea who wrote this one but this poem stood out to me the most in the final round!

I love how naturally you narrate this- nothing is forced and I know sometimes for contests, and trying to fit in prompts, it's easy throw things in for fear it will not be enough.

The imagery of this nature scene speaks to me and is very vivid and refreshing! I like how you don't necessarily describe the dance moves but moreover personify them, especially with the country pebbles skinny dipping!
Also, I can't get over the "she baptized him with her sorrows"- such an innocent, captivating line....

Such a country atmosphere here, it's seems timeless and I can picture this man and woman like childhood friends in the country again, sharing how they've gotten to the place they are now in life. Very graceful poem. Congrats on winning the contest!!!

Enjoyed reading :] Take care

I did a little dance when I saw this poem come in, because I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. You took my breath away with a huge majority of your poems, and it made me wonder why I don't stalk your poetry already. Shame on me!

"He offered a penny for
her thoughts but she spent
it at the wishing well, "

I love this. You took a cliche and went somewhere with it.. instead of spending it on a dream (I've heard that a lot before), she took her thoughts and tossed them into wishes and hopes.. something we often do. Remain closed off. I really like how you worded this.

Like MA said, this poem has such a country feel, which is probably why I felt so drawn to it. I love that instead of forest, you said backwoods. The words and scenery you use to describe things is such a genuine country feeling!

"she baptized him with
her sorrow as he plucked
hymns on his guitar strings,"

Can I just say, this is gorgeous? I love how you incorporated the instrument..interesting thought, too, baptizing someone with an emotion. I've never used that before and now I feel like I'm going to steal your brain. Yell at me if I do, this seems too original to take. lol

"Country pebbles miss
skinny dipping across
the open water,"

AHH.

I really just love this entire poem. It is one of my top 3 from the contest from everyone. You really inspired me here.

Hannah this poem is awesome, I will be back to make a better comment.

Wow Hannah, you know I find your poems the hardest to comment on probably, from anyone on this site. I think because you blow me away with everything inside every one of your poems. You have the wording, the flow, the imagination and creativity, you have it all and write is so powerfully. I applaud you and think your talent is immense.

Anyway- as for the poem, I love the setting of this, the ageing appears to be years back and yet the language is still present which I find interesting. It felt like I was reading a summary of a movie. Very nicely done.

I am always a big fan of your poetry, especially to the ones that capture that amazing narrative style you have. You make it visible for the reader to see the settings of your poem, to hear the voices around, and to relate directly to the feelings that you put in each and every word you write.

This is really a one of a kind poem :)

Judging comment:

"The imagery here is what really gets me. Hannah Lizette seemingly took a view from her backyard and created a small masterpiece. I really feel like the last half of her poem (after the --'s) is what made this so strong for me. Very creative, very country, very emotional. I feel almost like I'm watching a country music video, thats how specific the images were for me, and it took me to a serene place where a woman in pain is missing something, longing for someone/thing and putting all her hopes into this wishing well. She's a dreamer, for sure. This is really an amazing piece of art!"