Weekly Contest Results 01-02-2016

Hey hey PnQers, it's the end to another week so here are our weekly contest winners! I know some judges found it hard to make a decision this week due to the quality of poems that were nominated. I just want to say a big thank you to our judges. Before I was a mod I judged many times myself. Finding the time during busy weeks can be difficult and it's our judges that keep the weekly contest going.

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VOTES:
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Humility by Yakari Gabriel: 10 + 10 = 20
I will Not Settle For The Dregs by Ben Pickard: 10 + 7 = 17
If I were a plant by Darren: 10 + 7 = 17

When it's too late by Saerelune: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12
Simply Red by Maple Tree: 10
Decrepit by Poet on the Piano: 10
Visiting the Darkside by Adreamer: 7
Three and a Half Years by Adreamer: 7
French Bread poem by Mr. Darcy: 4
Schizophrenia's Children by Maple Tree: 4

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COMMENTS:
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Humility
by Yakari Gabriel

A strong poem from Yakari, that explores the balance between humility and the artist, although it's a personal piece with the poet refusing to give up her humility since it is a power play by society or by an individual (denoted by 'you' in the poem) it still made me think of the humility of artists. Some artists are extremely humble about their poems, and others are extremely self-aware (which may come across as being arrogant), although their level of humility has no bearing on the piece itself, it still interesting to explore this relationship. Great job. (10)

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As one who loathes racism how can I not like this poem, especially for what is happening in our own presidential election where mass exclusion is being presented and accepted daily. Many people thought the civil rights movement made racism in America better, I'm here to tell you, it is worse than it has ever been, no longer is it just about color, but religion, education, social and economical and getting worse. I know the poem is about humility, but it cuts far deeper than that for me....Great job..... (10)

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Three and a Half Years
by Adreamer

Lilacs represent love, so it's interesting to note. In addition to the verse of 'six-feet under letters...' indicating that it is a lost love, adreamer did an amazing job sewing together well-thought out imageries and symbolism that work together to make this a great piece. It's a honest self-reflection baring her thoughts naked and it is just a truly touching piece. Great job. (7)

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Schizophrenia's Children
by Maple Tree

This is an extremely chilling piece, the proximity between the verses"because the voices told them to do so" and "telling them to hold on/while demons tell them to let go...." is what haunted me. Schizophrenia is one of the mental illnesses that is amongst the most recognized, but not a lot of people know much about it or are aware of how much it varies in terms of it affecting people. One of my uncles are diagnosed with schizophrenia (it's under control now, but there were/are times when it isn't and well daunting is the word to describe it). This piece touch me. (4)

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Simply Red
By Maple Tree

What a beautiful piece of poetry Andrea has penned for the reader. She has the cold snow of Febuary and the cupid. The love she felt for this person can be felt in the heart as you read her words. Yet you wonder if this person is still around with the mention of the soul. It's like she is paying tribute to this person for changing her. I love the line with the blizzard that buried the past. This piece held my attention from the beginning to end. It created a beautiful picture for the reader. (10)

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I Will Not Settle For The Dregs
By Ben Pickard

This is such a feel good poem that Ben has penned. The picture it has created for the reader is wonderful. The beauty of nature seen through his eyes as he penned this piece can be felt with every word. It's like the reader is right there beside him enjoying all nature has to offer. (7)

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It is so hard week after week deciding with the amount of quality poetry you write if I should choose yours or someone else. This poem however, was a winner hands down for me. It exuded a strong will and powerful presence and I admired that. (7)

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When it's too late
by Saerelune

What a very sad piece. The picture the poet created with their pen is heartbreaking. How sad not to believe in love anymore. I do love the mention of the daisy chains and a little girl. The feelings taken by me the reader is, the writer has been hurt by love since they were young. Also
the mention of the stories and no happy endings. I love the piece. (4)

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This poem is sad... just a heavy and yet beautiful poem.

I adore and admire Saerelune's creativity within her writing.

I felt the loss of innocence and yet I felt strength within each line... just wonderful! (4)

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Ah the poet's friend, "regrets"
Except, it's too late now
to braid flowers into my hair.
It's too late to use a safety net.
Fate is nothing but a gardener
pretending to plant happy endings

^this was exquisite had me yearning for more and the following stanza didn't disappoint with "ill fated, crumpled, like bad poetry" wow, the knock out......terrific job (4)

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French Bread poem
Mr. Darcy

This write had me longing for a trip to France. Bucket list of wishes. Another fantastic write from a prompt. Absolutely gorgeous imagery, use of language entwined with magic. Lovely. Just lovely! (4)

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Visiting the Darkside
by Adreamer

Adreamer takes us to the dark side of death, dying and grieving with this elegant poem.. To date, I have never read such a powerful poem, laced with a creative edge. The emotions she poured into this poem are magical and true to heart. Beautifully expressed! (7)

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Decrepit
Poet on the Piano

Outstanding job on a prompt. This reaches down into the recesses of my soul and toys with religion and love. Loved the imagery throughout. (10)

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If I were a plant
by Darren

A life poem with metaphors of nature, we grow, we reach , we shrink , we die, we are seen, then ignored.....the descriptive image this Author paints is probably a true testament of many nursing home residents, I often wonder if thoughts like these are why they put flowers on gravesites.....nicely done (7)

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I feel that everyone has felt like a dying plant within our lifetime, however the way that Darren so powerfully expressed just blew me away.

The metaphoric tones and heartfelt feelings are meshed very well within this piece. I was clearly blown away, excellent write by Darren! (10)

Many thanks to the judges. I have to say, there should have been 5 or six winners this week! Michael - your piece was stunning and deserved to be up there as well, in my opinion.It must be such a hard job for the judges, so thank you again.
All the best and congratulations to the other two winners; I have read them both and they really are wonderful.

Congrats to Yaki, Ben & Darren and the PMs.
Darren, it won the site contest and the weekly! Way to go!

Thanks judges and Mel for posting.

Congrats to all and thanks Mel for posting, and judges for your work. Appreciate the HM!

Congratulations to all three winners.
Congratulations to all the HM'S

Congrats Winners and HM's!

Thank you judges for all your work and thanks Mel for hosting :)

Thanks for the win and comments judges.

Congrats other winners and HMs

truly appreciated.

Congrats

Congratulations on the win you three!

Darren you rock!

Thank you judges for my Hms... Lovely comments!

Congrats!!!!

Congrats, guys. So nice to see a fair mix of talent on the front page.