Weekly Contest Results, 18 January 2016

The judges went with profundity this week, from Bob's existential martyr's declaration to Ben's decry of years wasted on the deadened fields of emotional eco-disaster to Cassie's ethereal response to both to rejoice in song and freedom despite the absurdity of existence and the trammeling of hearts.

[Four judges voted/commented because of confusion caused by me as to whether a judge was permanent or just substitute. The voting was so lopsided, though, that it's unlikely another set of votes would have changed the outcome.]

Cliffhanger by Bob Shank (10+10+10=30)
Soil moist with acid rain by Ben Pickard (7+7+4=18)
Kiss the wind....Cassie Hughes (10+7=17)

Our Eleusian mysteries....Karla (7)
Death of a Poet....Cassie Hughes (4)
Disintegrated by Baby Rainbow (4)

************************************

Cliffhanger by Bob Shank (10 points)
Knowing how passionate the writer is about helping youth, underprivileged, handicapped and elderly people, this poem is deeply an embodiment of the struggle to help everyone. Clearly an emotional write. For easier read I think a further separation from the personal note at the end is needed. It could have actually read as a continuation of the poem itself save the name.

Cliffhanger by Bob Shank (10 points)
This writer has his own style and way of writing that leaves the reader speechless.
I admire poets who can reach into the darkness of their soul and stick to the principles of the way they choose to write. This poem reads with flow and elegance.
To take on the pain and anguish of others, to take the pain away.... the suffering of humanity... that is what I am reading with this piece. Bob has went above and beyond with perfection in this poem, just beautiful!

Cliffhanger by Bob Shank (10 points)
Bob just reaches in and grabs the readers heart and soul. Makes you want to help in your community. I know of his work with the underprivileged children and women. He is very dedicated to his volunteer work. This piece he has penned brings tears to my eyes.
Beautiful poem
"Bob Shank
I wish that I could sacrifice myself
for the pain of the world, especially the children,
but then I realized I am among the multitude..."
^^^^^
This says it all

***************************************************

Soil moist with acid rain by Ben Pickard (7 points)
I felt connected with this poem in a way I am sure was unintended. "The trail of tears" came to mind and the governments overthrow of Native Americans. I suppose it was redolent of this because of key words or phrases such as "On concrete roads, suppressing grass" and "yellow corn". Regardless, it is in the nature category and does seem as though it relates to today as well. Handsomely written as per usual by a phenomenal poet.

Soil Moist With Acid Rain by Ben Pickard (4 points)
Ben has a wonderful way of writing that touches so many. This is no exception. The sadness in this nature poem makes you want to cry. How sad it is what we are doing to the planet.
Excellent piece Ben

Soil Moist With Acid Rain by Ben Pickard (7 points)
Rhyme beauty by Ben this week! Just beautiful..
This nature poem breathes creativity and excellence. I love the style and flow along with the message.
He allows the reader to find beauty in the simplistic parts of nature, I am blown away!

************************************

Kiss the wind Cassie Hughes. (10 points)
A piece that speaks of the journey towards inner peace and happiness, the pitfalls along the way offering hope to those who have struggled for so long...Nicely done

Kiss The Wind by Cassie Hughes (7 points)
Cassie's poem makes you feel like you want to let go of everything in your life and fly away. Throw it all away. Unlock the chains that hold you down. What a beautiful piece she has penned. As I read this it was like letting go of all the sadness in your heart and look at the beauty the world still has to offer.

************************************

Our Eleusian mysteries Karla (7 points)
"The prison is invisible, the prison is a membrane, involving yesterday and tomorrow".....wow great description of guilt or the mental stress one goes during acceptance.....enjoyed this mythical piece

************************************

Death of a Poet....Cassie Hughes (4 points)
This poem could be taken many ways, and had me thinking for hours, my final conclusion was the watering down of poetry and how poet's and their craft are no longer respected , or widely read....

*************************************

Disintegrated by Baby Rainbow (4 points)
Such a very sad piece. Not only did the writer pour her heart out in the rain, she obviously poured it into this poem. Quite a dismal, heartbreaking piece about lost love. Too many times a relationship is founded on lies. This poem is remarkable for its ability to to make one sympathetic to the writer. Structure and flow were great.

*************************************

Simplicity 7801 by Dixiedaisy (4 points)
This lady is powerful!
Dixiedaisy brings you back to memories and the comforts of home with this poem. Its a tear filled piece, writing from her heart and soul and one that all can relate to... just lovely!

Well done Larry, great introduction.

It seems that 2016 is going to be a good year. It must be those New Year's resolutions! The standard is mind blowing.
Congratulations to all winners and HM's. Also for the hard work from our judges.

Congratulations everyone!!!!

Thank you to the judges and Mods for all that they do :-)

Congratulations winners and HM's...excellent poems again this week.

Thanks Larry for your hard work :)

Thank you judges for all the hard work ...it must be so hard to pick all the great poetry that has been nominated.

As Michael says, Larry, your introduction was wonderful. You could almost submit it as a poem and I don't doubt that it would win, lol
Many thanks to all the judges for their time and lovely comments and to the winners and hms.
All the very best,
Ben

Congratulations Winners and HM's!

Sir your introduction is simply fabulous! I love the way you have introduced the winners winning poems!!

Thank you judges and thanks Sir for posting :)