Weekly Contest Results 3-24-14

Here we are! The results!
A big thank you to whoever nominated my poem. Also, thank you for the thoughtful comments. I appreciate that you guys (judges) take the time to write up responses, knowing how difficult it can be.

-Jane

WINNERS

Another Me (For Lesbians)
by LittleMsPink
14 pts

"I like the way this poet approached a controversial topic. It's not something people aren't familiar with but it's indeed a topic many are afraid to talk about even in today's world which is slowly changing and becoming more open and understanding about this topic. The rhymes aren't force. This piece clearly comes from the point of view of a woman who feels like a man. She feels like she doesn't belong in her body. Feeling like one doesn't belong in a place is a horrible feeling, so I can only imagine what is like to feel like one doesn't belong in their own body and dislike it, its like. Well done. Keep writing.

P.s On this line:

"My innersel, a guy"

Do you mean inner self?" (10)

"This poem gets my 4 points this week. Although technically it could do with a little polish, (its flow is a little stumbling here and there) the subject and the narrative is worthy of recognition. When we think of lesbians there are two stereotypes, we have the butch fat girl with short hair, tattooed beyond recognition, nose stud and somebody you wouldn't take on in a bar brawl. Or we have the more recent Hollywood stereotype 'The playboy blonde' or impossibly gorgeous women that every man lusts over who happens to be dating another impossibly gorgeous woman. But this poem shows us the true side. The real side. From the POV of a lady who is struggling with the way she is born, A man trapped in the body of a female and trying to come to terms with the challenges she is faced with everyday. The inevitable talk with the parents. The hope that she can live her life as she wants. The day that she can truly be he. Great job." (4)

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Fooled by the Steady Sea
by Silvershoes
20 pts

"The way you talked to the sea allured me, especially with the wave of emotions as I read more and more. I felt like this poem brought me to the atmosphere of the shore, and watching the tides roll in. I've never been to the ocean before, but I can only imagine the revelation of all the new scents and memories. I thought that the sea served as metaphor for a love that you perhaps set aside your life for.... this person then revealed their thoughts, their agenda, and you realized how unaware you were of the reality that you couldn't continue being with them. I admired that this piece had structure, that there was a beginning where I could imagine living far away from the sea only to meet it for the first time, thinking it was a calming, unwavering sight. It lured you in then left you empty, and took away all traces of those moments shared. Hidden intentions, hurt that wasn't acknowledged before, and then being left alone to face one's own demise at the end of the day. I loved how haunting that ending was. This person could not grant you any protection, could not place you safely on shore and so you became their afterthought and were left drifting, never finding land. A very engrossing piece." (10)

"I truly adore Janes gift of metaphoric beauty within her poetry! She has crafted a touching and heart grabbing poem here. I was mesmerized from start to finish. Her word display and style is very unique and that is something that in itself draws me to this piece.

Her visual display at the beginning stanza is what blew me away, to then express her feelings and then also give me the unique touch of nature was well crafted.

To be drawn in by another soul in such depth as she expresses here is a very deep feeling and when adding metaphors within and throughout, electrifys the message and meaning. Very beautiful poem by Jane this week!" (10)

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Starting over (senryu)
by Beautiful Soul
10 pts

"The first thing I think of when I read this after just line 1 is "Is it?"
to write a poem about it shows that it still lingers somewhere in the back of the mind. To label it abuse proves that it must have been a pretty horrific experience. Yet to call it abuse also shows a vast amount of courage, it has been recognised as abuse and you are able to move on. Which takes us to line two. We do wonder what you have been through and just how hard it was to even get on the train, how those days leading up to this journey must have been frantic. Or did you just snap and jump on the first train to anywhere. The final line leaves us making our own conclusions of what could happen next. Where the journey has taken you.
I don't know if this was written from personal experience or not, but what I do know that as a Senryu this is a piece of art. It tells such a big story in so few words and that is why I am privileged to give a Senryu 10 points this week. Well done." (10)

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Like Windmills
by Ray Blue

"Like windmills is a poem that captured my attention. I feel that it needs a little bit of more punctuation and a few revisions on the grammar to read a lot better, but other than that - the way this piece was written, it's lovely. I like the subtle yet the semi frustrated tones as well as how real this poem feels. I pretty much like this poem because of the emotion it has and for some of the imagery.

I like this stanza:

Without you,
Every morning I wake up alone
Walking without you,
In endless sunsets and sandy shores

Overall, this poem is sad. It tells a story in between the lines. Pretending to be friends, how? if clearly there's love in the air. Well done." (7)

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Behind the Doors
by RealMeaning

"This one is a thought provoking poem. My interpretation is that there was no love. Often we mistake love with lust and I think this poem might be related to that. I would like this piece a lot more if it had more punctuation and if the poem was extended a little bit further. I think on this line " we were living no were except" should be " we were living no where.." typo on were.

What really caught my attention was the use of "no soul behind the masks, and no one behind the doors of yours lips" makes one wonder what this someone was. Indeed, this poem has a haunting atmosphere which I liked, and interesting enough this poem is one of the few that had an impact on me from this week." (4)

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Burning to Ignite
by RealMeaning

"What I enjoyed about this piece was the journey you took me on. From establishing how flames are ignited by lovers and tied in with passion, to the danger and possible self-destruction flames possess. That by "mingling in fire", people give into their desires, perhaps even lust, and become flammable. I agree that this was a very intense piece. We all have a fire within, some part of us waiting to ignite, and you brought those sensations alive in a intriguing way. I liked your vivid imagery such as in these lines "trees yearning to ignite whether in their lives, in their burning burst to grow, in their fruit to consummate,".... Your verses also reminded me of the idea that we are all ashes and return to ashes. That burning begins until total immersion in flames, then flames dies out and leaves ashes across hearts and across the land. Only one suggestion: in the second to last stanza, "man an women" should be "man and woman" I think?" (7)

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It feels good to breathe
by Everlasting

"I just have one suggestion in the first stanza:
"I always be a shore"
shouldn't it be "I will" or "I'll"?

This poem was quite tranquil and flowed peacefully from one line to the next. I enjoyed the repetition, as it wasn't overpowering or boring in the least, but like a mantra or prayer to repeat when in need of something soothing. I loved the openness of your character, and the life in which she speaks of. This spirit that you need to touch and inspire you once more, as they know your real meaning. I saw patience and wisdom in your character. That through being the shore, you will wait for these opportunities, for these transitions to a life where you may further understand your purpose. This seemed spiritual or meditative, that you are reflecting on who you are and have found that person or being you know is good and truthful. A life you wish to be moved by. Such a gentle piece!" (4)

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Bloom (etheree)
by Beautiful Soul

"I truly love the Etheree form and Beautiful soul has crafted a very pretty piece here.

I have to say that I'm not 100% fond of the punctuation breaking the flow, but I'm overriding those personal feelings on this poem because the message and word display is very powerful and that is a must in a nature poem as well as an etheree.

Love and nature go hand in hand... this poem is breathtaking!" (7)

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Deceptive Flashbacks
by Meme

"Meme captivated me with this heart breaking dark poem!

Flashbacks to broken pain and emotions is a very dark feeling and she displays it with such beauty and elegance, that it's hard to not be drawn in.

I love the expression of lost lover or ghost: Ties in rather nicely and it gives the reader a chance to go further in the feelings of the author.

Dark poetry is a step further in the realm of sadness and Meme has accomplished that with this powerful poem!" (4)

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Fall
by Maher

"This poem is epic, there is so much detail in each and every stanza. Nice to have a little rhyming scheme going on as well. I am partial to the odd rhyming poem, It is a skill that is fast being lost. It is far easier to pour out you feelings onto a page with little or no structure and call it a masterpiece. I blame the painters who chuck paint at a canvas from 6 feet away and call it art. I digress... I have chosen to give this 7 points because of its structure, I like the way each stanza is interwoven with the words 'I fall' I love the attention to detail in each stanza. The scene and mood setting the darkness that rumbles underneath. If I was a decent commenter then I would be able to say so much more. However I am not but I believe I know a good poem when I see one. Well done." (7)

Seriously judges...are you for real this week?
only one of these poems is worthy of the front page...the other two..well come on.. there were far more worthy poems nominated ...what happened???? Oh...nominate and vote a friend week was it???

Judges thank you for the win and HM this week, I am humbled and honoured. And thank you for the comments as well. My starting over poem is not about personal experiencebut just the abuse is.

And Hellon, I cannot speak for everyone who nominates but when I do I look for what I like and touch my heart. If it gets voted for, so be it.

A little bit harsh Hellon, I thought Janes poem was a worthy winner......

Anyway, congrats winners and HMs.

Not harsh...realistic and...strange that you also thing Jane's poem a worthy winner and yet...so far you have not left a comment on it but you have done so on the other two?

Good point, just an oversight on my behalf. I will remedy that today.

Well...I hope you do Darren because, quite clearly, this is the best poem of the three winners this week and...the only one I feel should be on the front page.

Strange that, although it stands apart in so many ways, it has the least amount of comments/votes which leads me, once again, to question favouritism on this site...something that Jane has denied in the past but...now that one of her own poems seems to be neglected in favour of some inferior writes she and others may see that it definitely does go on here at P@Q.

A new little 'click' has been born on this site and they are still at the point of stroking each others ego....get over it guys...if your poem reaches the front page and IMO doesn't cut the cloth I will definitely tell you...

.

Well, my feelings would be hurt if you said my poem isn't worthy of the front page, and the others are... And my insecurities would tell me you are right.
An opinion is an opinion is an opinion. Thanks for the flattery, but I hope the other two winners this week don't take it too seriously. Your poems made it because the judges chose them! I probably don't have many votes and/or comments because I rarely reciprocate.
I also have the nagging feeling that my poems get attention because I'm a mod :)

Such a tense atmosphere, Though it feels good to breathe.
I want to thank the judge who gave me an HM.
This means a lot to me, as is this one is one of my favorite poems

Thank you.

Jane and Lucero your poems were very beautiful :). And for my senryu it's one I've always wanted to write and never found the words for. :). I am honoured that the judges noticed mine. And I always comment. I actually like to comment more than write

I do not want to get my hand dirty on this but suffice to say that: Hellon you are such a preforming artist!!
And anything should be said about this weekly winning post? This is too kayothic, it is so undisciplined that laughs at you. Is Colm still a mod? really ?? are you guys serious?? I think after the bob shanks tyranny, you guys lost your way in thinking anything opposite, would be justified!! nobody is going to realize that what has stricken them until the years after!!!!!

And that is all I have to say about this the real meaning is dead , next time you see me , is in an other stage name. but I am not going to be a participant in this no longer.

By the way his is my resignation as the Real meaning, after this I only be the real me. And I do not care. By the way I am sure you are going to love it seeing the big void of meaningless in your auras.

By the way his is my resignation as the Real meaning, after this I only be the real me. And I do not care. By the way I am sure you are going to love it seeing the big void of meaningless in your auras.

^^^^

And you call me a performing artist? Oh no...I pale in comparison to your Oscar winning performance with this statement :)

Anyway, I was calling a spade a spade here...not performing in anyway, just being totally honest (what you see is what you get with me...I do not need to hide behind numerous personas) and...what really surprises me is that, so far, no one has asked me why I'm of this opinion...maybe certain members are happy to have their egos stroked and are not interested in a person's opinion if it is not favourable.

I would like to see you reconsider your resignation RM because...believe it or not, you are one of the few remaining members who post on here that I still find interesting and, to a certain extent, entertaining :)

Hellon, you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but it's a shame your opinion seems to be negative and insulting often. Don't get me wrong, I love that you're honest and don't give out anything you can't take. Not everyone has such thick skin, or feels sure of themselves without the encouragement of others. Not everyone likes to debate. It can be confrontational and uncomfortable for some, inspirational and stimulating for others. No one's wrong to feel either way.

RM, I really have no idea what you're talking about. If you care to dumb it down, maybe I can respond.

To the rest of you, please don't take it personally that this thread's turned into something other than congratulatory. PnQ has been lacking in the excitement department lately, and the bundled up energy had to get released somewhere!

Congrats fellow winners, honorable mentions, and wonderful judges that impress me with your dedication every week.

You're all great. I've had too much wine.

I said IMO two of the winning poems this week should not be on the front page...how is that insulting?...it was not aimed at the authors but at the judge/judges who selected them...it's not negative either..it's my honest opinion and...I gave a very positive thumbs up to your poem which, once again IMHO deserved to win.

If you post on here then you have to take the good with the bad and that includes myself so...toughen up folks, not all of your comments will be what you hope for but...that's how you learn if you really want to improve your writing. On the other hand...if you're happy with one liners telling you how great your poem is then fine...just don't expect it from me. I do encourage members when I feel it's justified, most are grateful, if fact I don't recall anyone complaining about my comments so...in general, I believe I'm more positive than negative ...seems that most prefer to highlight my negative side on here.

I will happily embrace your criticism any day. I don't think my poem is front page material, but who am I to judge? Pun intended.

So the judges picked poorly, but the poems aren't poor? Can't have one without the other.

So the judges picked poorly, but the poems aren't poor? Can't have one without the other

One of the poems is presented in a fashion that is extremely poor and just should not be representing P&Q the other isn't so bad but, at the moment is lacking that little spark needed to be a winner...it could be improved on I feel.

Congrats to all winners and HM's!

Thanks Jane for posting the results when I was a busy bee.

Well done to winners and hm's, and thanks to the judges.

I understand Hellon's opinion and her glad she uses her right to express it. But I think that the point about cliques and or favouritism becomes diluted when it pops up almost every judging term, with different judges and combinations many weeks.

Oh dear Colm...you're Irish and not a betting man??? Don't believe it for a minute??? Huntress...Mel...Mellissa...my money would always be riding one these three without a doubt....regardless...