Nominated andrea this is fantastic

Andrea,
Disheartening as your words are ("casting off compliments / like a rain shower at midnight") the very fact that you recognize your place in this situation gives confirmation that you have the depth of character to rise above it and persist. All my wishes for you, my friend.

Andrea, I'd like to say I'm pleased to see this nominated, but the idea of poetry like this 'winning' seems almost odd, when it clearly comes from a place that is so very lost, if that makes any sense. However, I would love to see it on the front page, nonetheless.

Decisive sort of chap, aren't I :)

Take care, Maple

Another soul wrenching piece. I wish that some warmth and magic could break through the cold Winter and bring you some joy at last. I love the weaving of nature through your prose and the colourful imagery that brings to this. You are much stronger than you think. Sending you a warm hug and prayers. Milly x

Like a falling leaf you'll be picked up in a delicate child's gloved hand and taken home. Once home she'll hang her bright red coat up and place you on her bedroom table.
Paper, crayons and a nice cup of warm milk and she's ready...
With care she straightens your maple leaf and covers you with paper. Hmm, she thinks what colour? Blue, Green, no. Red like my coat. Then with the crayon on its side she rubs over your ridges, massaging your every distinct contour. Pleased, she gets her safety scissors and cuts, sticks and mounts.

"Mummy, look" she cries. She tugs and pulls her sleeve and gives her signed gift:

Dear mummy, this leaf is pretty like you.
Love you x

Judges comments

Naked Tree Limbs (by Maple Tree) 7 points

This is a beautiful if sad poem by Maple Tree. How often do we mumble the words I'm fine or I'll be OK, when inside we feel nothing but pain and turmoil.

So often we hide our true feelings when secretly all we need is a cuddle.

This is an excellently written poem that certainly tugs upon the heart strings.

7 points without question.