Weekly Contest Winners 11-18-13

Howy-do! Two clear winners this week, and a tie for third place, which the site will break.
Typically we find a sub judge to break the tie, but I'm a dope and forgot (again) it was my week to host, so this is all very last minute.
Anywho, congratulations to all involved! Lovely poems, and of course, hats off to the judges. One judge was unable to judge this week - no bother pointing out 3 votes/comments are missing, you-know-who ;)

-Jane

1st place:
Entries.
by Poet on the Piano
14 points

2nd place:
Satoric Feast
by Larry Chamberlin the Godfather
11 points

3rd place tie:
Alis Volat Propriis
by Hannah Lizette
Transfiguration
by JaneDoeWrites
Salvaging
by Satish Verma
10 points/ea.

WINNERS!

Entries.
by Poet on the Piano

"I love how different and unique this is, there are so many poems that simply start out by saying the same thing: I don't think I have ever read an opening like this one before. And that's what I just adore about this author, she manages to write in such a unique way consistently and always brings something new to her audience.

Even when writing more for herself than the audience she still has such a flare that it's easy to become immersed in her work and relate to it.

The first two to three lines in the second verse really made me smile, it created such a beautiful serene and carefree image.
What surprised me about this poem was the direction it slowly took throughout: from the first few lines I was assuming this wasn't just going to be a walk down memory lane, but a happy one and I was quite surprised to feel the emotional content subtly shifting as I progressed my way through and when I got to the final lines it was like a direct tug at the heart: knowing, caring, conversing and yearning to be with and near someone even platonic ally, in short simply caring about them only to realize they don't give two hoots about you in return. Heartbreaking.

As always, something fresh, new and original from MaryAnne, fine writing, and just a pleasure to read." (10)

"The imagery! That poem is so full of images I can't help but give this some sort of a vote. The middle of your poem had it for me, talking about never being in love. I thought it was heartbreakingly beautiful. I also love the constant contradiction throughout the poem, like you can't decide if you want to tell this person how you feel or not, or even if you know how you feel. This poem is really touching, and interesting/unique!" (4)

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Satoric Feast
by Larry Chamberlin the Godfather

"Great title! It intrigued me since I was not sure of "Satoric" or its meaning... initially I thought it meant satire. Then I googled and found satori on Merriam Webster, and how this is an enlightenment or state of consciousness? Hope that's correct. Since I then found out that this represents a spiritual goal of Buddhism, there is a lot more to reflect on in this piece than my first read through. Upon first reading, I thought of death viewed as fulfilment for a good and honest life. Now I'm thinking how beautiful this state is, that there is not loss felt by others but that they can be uplifted from your past presence. I also thought of maturity here, that you come to this deep spiritual experience/comprehension and realize your true self.

We studied Buddhism a bit in our high school Ecumenism class and it opened my eyes to other religions, in the hopes of better understanding them. I have my faith that will never change, but to be able to see what Buddhists try to reach is humbling. I will never fully understand of course, but it is still extremely interesting.... especially with all the practice, study, and meditation done.
Enjoyed reading this and all the meaning in those two stanzas!" (7)

"I'm finding it slightly difficult to put my words into thoughts here, because emotionally this strikes a nerve and it strikes it hard. I've been re-reading this over and over and each time the emotion and sadness present wounds me a little more.

The raw feeling of emptiness the author describes is ever present from start to finish and all too easy to relate to for those that have been through difficult times. At first, I thought the narrator was the ghost of someone that had passed away, as I believe everything mentioned could easily by felt by someone mourning a loved ones loss, though now I'm not so sure, but this is what I love about poetry: so often we are free to interpret how we wish, even if our thoughts don't match what the author intended originally.

Whether my initial reckoning was correct or incorrect, I believe this is beautiful poetry and this author is becoming a fast favourite of mine." (4)

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Transfiguration
by JaneDoeWrites

"What a uniquely woven piece. There was depth and self-realization in this piece that inspired me. Loved the opening image of the hammock and the purpose of cradled... this reminded me how we grow from being held by our family, in our homes, and eventually we must support ourselves. The little dialogue between yourself and your mother is so touching... that question of purpose, of beauty and her answer of just not recognizing it yet. Just because one may not see it right away, does not mean it's there. The stanza that follows is gorgeous, waking up and being able to catch "sight of a sea full of stars". Your inclusion of astronomy (which I think you've done in previous poems) is awesome. It almost opens up the mind because you realize how grand this is, how in tune you can be with the galaxy, knowing there is more than what your eyes can see right now. Neat line of "I am free dfrom the static noise of this modern earth." That was powerful and made me imagine how we live constantly moving on this earth but not always living without worries or fears... sometimes we need to believe and be moved by greater things. Wonderful poem here!" (10)

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Alis Volat Propriis
by Hannah Lizette

"Hannah has a way with words! This piece or just any poem of her's is an intellectual endeavor. I am amazed by how artistically she gives a life to her poems. Very few writers could do that. The title is perfect for this poem. And the message she gives to us also is so encouraging and motivating. Of how, we could win over the wrong if only we believe in ourselves. The poem is an inspiration in itself! What more to say. This is outstanding! Incredible! An inspiration!" (10)

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Salvaging
by Satish Verma

"This is a really interesting poem, nothing like I've read on PnQ lately. It has a troubled touch to it, yet gentle - questioning and searching out important questions on life. Interesting that it's in the nature section, I see why but it wasn't what I was expecting at all. I really adore the placement, each word so specific and beautiful. I can't help but highlight this poem. Lovely and thought-provoking!" (10)

HONORABLE MENTIONS!

Coffee & Cigarettes
by Meme

"Words can not express how much I love this poem. I've watched this author's work for a long time and it's truly been a joy to watch her expand and grow with her writing. The feels and visuals I get when reading this poem are lovely, such a moving and pretty piece whilst simultaneously being consistently bittersweet throughout.

"My coffee stained breathe" << should be breath.

"but love is what kept the
miles in between"

Love this, so much truth and feeling conveyed here within so few words: if love is genuine, true and pure there's nothing it can't overcome and this is displayed perfectly here.

My only nit pick with this is the closing lines, I was hoping and expecting for something stronger, something with a little more oomph. That's not to say I dislike the finale, just that it doesn't seem to be as strong as the rest of the poem which holds together powerfully throughout." (7)

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Don't you forget
by Tara Kay

"The poet has woven a message of hope and beauty within this piece. How beautifully has she executed the fact that each one of us are beautiful in our own ways and gives more life and layers of elegance to the character involved in this poem. Every stanza is like a vivid imagery of hope, perseverance and states the victory of one's inner beauty which one must not forget." (7)

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Moon and Moon's gleam
by Cedric

"The beauty of moon is so beautifully described here. I must say, the words may be simple but the thoughts between the lines are simply amazing! Good!" (4)

"Lovely personification here. You write almost prophetically here about the moon, as it has a calling and purpose to fulfill. My favorite parts were "you accompany the meek one in the darkness" and "knows the inmost secrets of our home, witnessing men's affairs". That provides this image of security almost. That everything we hide as humans, our greed, our lost ways, etc, that is all seen by the moon and it tries to guide us. It may seem like a little thing to be under the moonlight, but you really connect with the reader here on a deeper level. Even when the sun fails to shine, the moon will be there. The few suggestions I have are either separating certain lines to form stanzas (when you are moving on to your next thought), or putting more punctuation. It was quite easy to read because you have this consistent flow and I naturally paused in places, but you still could have included some periods or spacing to illustrate that further. Keep writing!" (4)

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Hourglasses and Sandcastles
by Poet on the Piano

"What a chilling piece of poetry!! This poem was so unlike anything POTP has written that I've gone through, as she talks about basically destroying someone. She is such a feisty fighter!! That third stanza (or set of two lines) made the poem for me. Such a dreamy way to fight people, the way it all read out. I really, really love this poem!" (7)

Congrats all the winners, and Hms. Some really good work there. xxxx

Congratulations to the winners and HM's. Thanks, judges.

Congrats to all

Congrats Winners & HMs:)

Congratulations to the winners!!!

Wow, was not expecting that at all! Thank you so much judges & congrats to Larry, the tiebreakers and all the HM's. Good work!

Thanks to the two judges for their votes and their comments. I particularly enjoy it when someone works through my made-up words to understand their meaning. It came to me while I was running - sort of a satoric equivalent of runners high, I suppose.

Congrats to POTP as well.

Thanks again to the judges & to Jane, mod-o-the-week.

[PS: I would be very surprised if the third winner, a professional author, even knows he won as my suspicion is that his agent handles the account, not him. If we knew for certain, we could deal with it.]

Congrats to all you lovely poets!

Thanks judge! :)

Congratulations to everyone this week! I have only now just had the chance to read them and we had a lot of really great poems. Thanks judges, your work is appreciated as always.

Also a big congratulations to all those I haven't had a chance to say it to while I was completing exams & a thank you to mods for hosting while I have been busy, I appreciate you all taking on the workload.

What does it matter if a professional writer's agent is using this site to promote work?

It would be a giant step up if this site was to draw the work of professional writers.

I thought the purpose of the contest was simply to merit quality poetry. As long as the poem isn't plagiarised (the agent would have the author's permission), it should be fine.

The main problem is that the site rules require that poems be posted by the author. If the agent is the one posting the poems & the author is not, then it is no different than a grandson starting a T.S. Elliot membership and posting Cats.

Additionally, it allows the author to publicize his works without giving anything back to the fledgling poets here who could benefit from his talent and experience.

I think that there is a loophole here though if it is the agent. It's not like the agent is trying to pass it off as their own, rather posting it under the authors name for the author him/herself. My opinion anywhoo.

Congrats all!

If anyone wants to read more from satish verma, try their blog.

http://satishvermapoems.blogspot.com/

I kind of agree about the loophole.

If T.S. Elliott was still alive and too busy or computer-illiterate to post his work to PnQ, I would consider it okay for his grandkid to post poems for him.