Contest Winners- January 7, 2013

Hey everyone! Hope this new year finds you living well and following your resolutions :)

This week we had 2 winners with the same votes from judges and a win that was from the site breaking a tie between the poems with 10's. Ironically, it was mine which is very uncomfortable for me right now lol!!

Here are your results!

WINNERS:

A Crushed Flower
by Amreen 10 + 7 + 4 = 21

Winter at 5.28pm
by the Huntress 7 +4 = 11

You're Invited
by Chelsey 10

HM'S:

A Shade Called Grey
by: Meme (10)

Sun Rays
by Wild flower (10)

Merry Men
by MyOnlyMoon (10)

Contemplation (7)
by: Noura

Winter- Full Moon
by Everlasting (7)

Closure
by Poet on the Piano(7)

Last Breath of a Rose
by Wild Flower (4)

Of Words
by: Steven Beesley (4)

Isolation
by Hellon (4)

WINNER COMMENTS:

A Crushed Flower
by Amreen

I congratulate the bravery to write such a piece. It is easy to look at this as jumping on the bandwagon of relevancy, take a topic that has touched many and write a poem about it, (guarantees comments and a nomination). However what Amreen has done is different, it is a political statement. It is written from a unique point of view. I don't sense a sympathy vote, just a clever piece of writing.
Stanza 3 is so powerful, the innocence of the past is shot down in an instance. It is like you question the whole point of being brought up as innocent. This is further questioned in 4 with ' a life?'
You are asking a serious of clever questions, With those last two stanzas we see the real power of this poem. You are asking for real change, not to be just another statistic.(10)
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A crushed flower...
by: Amreen

Amreen, I had just read this in the news when I came across your poem, this is just so so sad, it truly disgusts me to see what this world is coming to. I have never had a poem touch me as much as this one has, it has brought out so many different feelings. I don't understand how people can do these things to others and how a government can say it was her fate. This write is heartwrenching, as a mom, I would do everything in my power to see that these people are punished. I love how you have chosen to use a flower as this beautiful young lady for a flower is fragile and precious yet strong and rooted, I hope you understand what I'm trying to say. And the reference of the gardener and the wind, as the government and rapists, excellent. And although this write is based on the evils of this world and tears at my heart, it is beautifully written and filled with amazing metaphoric details, and I hope with all my heart that justice is done... may she RIP. (7)
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A Crushed Flower
by: Amreen

This is a very raw and personal subject to me, probably for obvious reasons. Upon first reading, I had an idea what the author was talking about. Upon reaching the final note/message, I broke down in tears.
What I will say is that while the author manages to create a beautifully and dedicated and amazing piece of art of something so incredibly tragic...I truly was not sure if I would be able to comment without becoming emotionally involved for the above reasons.
That being said, I read countless times, and every time I did this piece became more stronger to me (And I am sure it would have done, even if it was not (The subject, anyway) so personal to me.
I managed to ignore/forget the personal reasons of why this poem moved me so deeply and focused instead of the content of it. The author (I will admit I am not a fan of the constant use of 'I') and forgetting the content but focusing solely on the poem it almost ruined it for me. BUT going back to the actual content and meaning of the poem, it seemed to work, and the author truly stuck a chord deep in my heart.
What I will say, is that rape victim or not, to anyone that still has a shred of decency within them and to anyone that can emphasise with others, this is truly a heartbreaking and moving piece and something I only hope will move others at it moved me.
The whole content and flow and meaning and the true heartbreak behind the written words really speaks volumes to anyone who still cares for others and the author did an incredible job of highlighting something so common yet rarely spoken about. (4)
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Winter at 5.28pm
by the Huntress

I thought the layout of this was clever, I can only assume that 5.28 is the time of death.
The 'sing me to sleep' line is great, a clever way of describing dying. This poem is so very deep that you could write a 2000 word essay on it fairly easily. There are clever deep references scattered throughout, I will pick a few out,
'This pond is revealing the worst of me. '
As the scene is so cold I can only imagine that this would be iced over, this would then be mirror like. We could then discuss tips of icebergs etc, with the reflection just an image.
' I think I only loved because I was lonely'
This is the best line in the whole poem. So many people can relate to this. This one line could be a poem on its own.
In reality the poem is fairly short, but is says a huge amount. Clever write and worthy of 7 points. (7)
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Winter at 5.28 PM
by: The Huntress

What I love so much about this piece is how it reads and how it flows; it's not your typical four or six line stanza, or however many lines. It reads like the reader is taking a step into your thoughts. Separating the poem into parts to just with the simple Roman numeral had a way of speaking for itself. The end
reminds me of a musical piece coming to its climax, its final chord that can leave someone just wondering at the conclusion. It had my heart torn: "I think that death is trying to sing me to sleep. My fingers are frozen. Don't ask. Don't ask for more." Is the poet speaking to a past lover, or a presence in their life that is using all the energy they ever had? I love the atmosphere of winter here....it's nostalgic, raw, and eerie. I felt the emotions fully rolling out, not confined to lines or rhythms but openly viewed by the reader. The emptiness described in this character is constant throughout the piece, revealed in different areas but showing it is not just the heart that can be broken. Thoughtful and haunting piece.(4)
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You're Invited
by: Chelsey

In all honesty, this does not read like a poem to me. There are stanzas, there is structure, but I perceive it more as a story. The reader is being touched by the poet's experience and it is a life lesson that goes deeper than what we all are used to hearing. A lot of adults can say you will make a difference in the world, but to truly be moved by a piece is to know the poet poured their soul out in writing his....and that your soul is listening too. "It's ironic isn't it, we search for a life guard when we don't even guard our life. How can one save you, deliver you, when you pollute your own world?" These lines are like a wake-up call, creative and pulling me even further into the message of the piece. The poet has great amounts of wisdom. We are only brought down by what we believe to be true of ourselves. We can
be our own enemies. The poet's voice was incredibly active as well, like a speech I could hear from a political activist telling me to free myself and free my country. A treat to read and an unforgettable call here to all. (10)

HM COMMENTS:

A Shade Called Grey
by: Meme

Meme, I have read and reread this piece so many times and although it makes me sad I cannot help but to read it again. Wanting to blend two lives together and create a loving masterpiece is something, I believe, everyone wants in life. To find that one person that completes us, that fills that emptiness inside. So to read how you flourish when apart from each other but not when together is so heartbreaking. I could go on and on but I will stop here and just say, the flow is flawless, I love all the metaphors and Meme, you, the poet, paint words with a pen just like the artist paints canvas with a brush and this piece is priceless... (10)
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Sun Rays
by: Wild Flower

I am generally not a fan of short pieces, especially of the nature genre. I find that nature poems are by far the most difficult to write about, no matter if they are short or long, or formed poetry or free verse. That being said, I read this quite a few times and found myself falling more and more in love with it each time.
The author has managed to captivate me within their opening lines, they have managed to successfully make me visualise what they are describing and they have managed to make me feel and see what they are describing.
The power behind this short little poem astounds me. As I said I'm not a fan of shorter pieces, no matter which genre, and that is because usually I find it very difficult for either myself or other authors to pack in so much depth and emotion. Usually, short pieces leave me thinking...is that it?! But this? This I truly adore.
So much emotion and depth and meaning, coupled with such pretty imagery and such a beautiful and inspiring ending.
You truly did a remarkable job, well done. (10)
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Merry Men
by Myonlymoon

This poem had my vote since last week and I am not going to change my opinion. So I am going to summarize what I wrote before. Poems like yours make me realize how much I love poetry. "Merry Men" is filled with poetic power in every elegant detail. The opening stanza is stunning and the first line is jaw-dropping. But I must admit that many lines caught my attention in your piece. They evoked many thoughts in me. I also like the title of your poem and the images you crafted. They are unique. You penned something spectacular. Excellent piece!(10)
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Contemplation
by: Noura

There was a directness and certain candor in this piece I highly admire. The poet's ability to suggest with such clear beauty the endless possibilities with her love. There is a simple romance in the poet's language, and also
an adventure of hope. Reading this my mind opens up to all the dreams I can fulfill in this world- I loved how the poet wrote at the end with this passion: "Let's be anything, anything/ but not silence tonight". I like the idea of being anything, whether it be a part of nature or living out the life of two dreamers. I feel enlivened after reading this...the poet conveys much more than just a love beginning or maybe enduring, she has the reader enter the reality of the world with exploration none of us should be afraid of. Beautifully expressed. (7)
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Winter - Full Moon
By Everlasting

As I said before your poem transcends the silence of the page as we marvel at magnificence of your moon. You fished your inspiration in the natural world and created such a poetic gem: I could see the moon bewitching the wolf and the owl in a clear sky, I could feel its tranquil inscrutability, its splendor and constancy under a cold sky. I am going to repeat myself but your poem is beautiful! (7)
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Closure
by: Poet on the Piano

This is one of those poems where nobodies words will ever do it complete justice.
I will say I read Tara's comment before forming my own and find it interesting that she states that snow can make us feel lost and the cold is uninviting. Only because, to me, snow is magical and pretty and that if you really meant it, it can create such warmth, no matter if it is meant to be cold, if it is meant to be lonely or lost or lonesome. To me, it creates the soothing visuals of what we experienced as kids-waiting for Santa, waiting for Rudolph, knowing and waiting that snow means winter and Christmas time, a time for family, friends and thanks. (Not necessarily in that order.)
Of course that being said, when I delve deeper into this poem, I'm at a loss, emotionally at least. Is the snow a cold yet soothing and inviting place or something to run from?
Go even further and I see..it's truly lonely, it has no one, or at least the author does not, metaphorically speaking, and that ending, well all I can say at the moment, is that it is one HECK of an ending. It really does the entire poem justice and allows the reader to feel every emotion both good and bad from start to finish.
The whole concept of this poem coupled with meaning, emotion, depth and flow, well all I can say is they really compliment each other. The author did an outstanding job with this one of a kind piece! (7)
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Last Breath of a Rose
by Wild Flower

This poem has great pace, and real strong word choices. To start with 'shattered' is a great choice as it is such a strong word that can mean so much. In fact each stanza is littered with strong words and references. 'Broken', 'last breath', 'scared' and 'colors fading' just to pick out a few.I believe this tells the tale of somebody in hospital knowing they are going to die. Possibly cancer or the like where treatment has failed. You feel a real sense of despair throughout. The last stanza is clever with a possible reference that in fact her 'real' life will start soon. Good write Wild Flower.(4)
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Of Words
by: Steven Beesley

Steven, this piece just gives the reader so much to think about... words, can be taken in so many different contexts, whether you know the author or not, it can be difficult to decipher or it can just be that easy... I mean, is the author trying to convey happiness when in actuality he/she is totally mad, are they trying to express love but it comes off as heartache... or is it just a mess of ramblings/gibberish, like I am doing now, that the author understands but we do not so we brush it off as such... yes, we are taught to express through words, which I think can be a little easier when spoken than written because you can see the person's expressions and hear the tone. But when written it is much more complex... I do so love this write, puts the mind in overdrive and leaves one to wonder... (4)
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Isolation
by Hellon

Hellon, your metaphors are always superb. You are a weaver of words and it is always a lovely surprise to read your pieces. "Isolation" is mind blowing because it is filled with awesome images. Besides it is relatable. Most of us have already woken up with somebody's dream on our tongue, having to swallow what we don't want to. Your piece is sad and candid. Great work! (4)

Oh WOW!!!! I won:):):):)
Thanks to the judges and I LOVE the comments. Thats what I wanted my poem to share. And I did it! Thank you:)
Thank you Chels for organizing and congrats to all the winners and HMS:)

Amreen that poem was absolutely breathtaking, so happy for your win hun!! :)

Awesome winners, this week, and brilliant HM's too.
Congrats and well done to all,
and Chelsey, take your win and acknowledge how great that piece was.

Thanks Chelsey and judges for another amazing week of voting :)

This is the third time the site has picked mine..I'm starting to think PnQ has some kind of stalkerish addiction to me..soooo weird!!!

I will still thank the judge for picking it and the one who nominated though lol!

CONGRATS AMREEN AND THE HUNTRESS :) and our HM's for their awesome pieces!

Congrats winners and HMs:)
Thank you so much judges for the HMs and awesome comments, means a lot to me.

And thank you judges and Chels for your hard work.

Congratulations winners & HMs.

Thank you judges & Chelsey.

Thank you site for breaking the tie.

Congratulations to the winners and HM's and thank you judges for my HM & comment!! :]

Well this is WONDERFUL! Congratulations to Huntress, Amreen and Chelsey!!!! Beautiful poems ladies!!

and Congratulations to the Hm 's as well... Beautiful poetry!!

Congrats all :)

Congrats, winners and hm's.

Very prompt , Chelsey, good work!

Congrats winners and HMs

some great stuff this week.