Weekly Contest Results 2016 August 15

The judges this week deserve a special bow. Hospitalization of one loved one and unexpected funeral of another loved one did not prevent a couple of judges from performing their commitments to the members of this site. The poems chosen for the front page share a darkness of spirit. One describes the (hopefully) metaphoric slashing of enemies by a weapon Tim Allen would be proud of; another decries the lack of initiative in the response to abused children while the final one (from a tie-breaker) brings the reader through a (literally) slumbering forest. Excellent poems were chosen for HMs as well.

Front page:
Boy in Blue Bandages by Larry Chamberlin 24 points
Galvanised swords and Bloody Gullets by Sir Lancelot 17 points
Forest Lullaby by ether 14 points

Honorable Mentions:
Green Mirage By Sir Lancelot 14 points
Another New Beginning by Maple Tree 10 points
Bonded Soul by William Mae 7 points
My All by Em 7 points
The Refugee by Danny Downs 4 points
Can't believe I almost missed you by Everlasting 4 points
Leaf afloat by DarkLight 4 points

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

Boy in Blue Bandages by Larry Chamberlin 10 points
Personal thoughts on poem:
Saddening and sickening thought that most people don't give a second thought to the blue ribbons. Unfortunately, if it were the children themselves I don't believe there would be much change in the outcome. Great awareness poem, really hits the heart.
Critique:
In the last stanza I stumbled over the last few lines.
" I mean, there's just so many"
and they each and every
will drive on by" I think each and every needs to be separated by commas because it's too complete of detail. For instance you could take out each and every and it would still be a complete sentence. However, for emphasis that every single person drove by the phrase is needed but needs to be separated.
Overall you have penned a very heartfelt poem that I felt deserved the top rated score this week.

---------------------------------

Boy in Blue Bandages by Larry Chamberlin 7 points
If it weren't for the note at the bottom of the piece I would say that this write can be seen as a symbol and awareness for quite a few different occasions, but I am glad for the note and the way it clarifies the meaning for this specific piece by the author. This piece really stands out for its simplicity wrapped contemplation, we all write "the world would be better if" type of pieces but this one takes that to a more actualized level because it is explaining not only where we are going wrong but how we got to this point as well. The line about lacy blue ribbons is definitely something I would not have expected - while children are delicate (like the image of lace suggests) the topic at hand does not come across as having the same... particularities; and that truly caught my attention as showing the author's unique way with words as well as directing their intentions in a manner of informing the reader where they stand on this issue. As heartbreaking as this piece is, it is also eye opening.

---------------------------------

Boy in Blue Bandages by Larry Chamberlin 7 points
A very interesting title, until I found out the meaning behind it, it was much more than interesting, it was deep.
A very touching poem, in my humble opinion.
It's also sad, so sad because it speaks of a shameful truth. sometimes we try to express ourselves in a poem when we feel helpless in regard of making major changes to cases such as the one this poem defends..
And for instance we succeed in highlighting the cause we are defending but opening eyes about it.
This is what the poem did here,,,
amazing.

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

Galvanised swords and Bloody Gullets by Sir Lancelot 10 points
Comments
A dramatic, blood thirsty poem, excellently executed.
I loved the visual imagery, the idea of blood boiling
hot upon the galvanised surface of the sword. Reeks
of venom and hate of an enemy. Poetry that inspires
such vivid imagery and emotion definitely deserves a 10

---------------------------------

Galvanised Swords and Bloody Gullets by Sir Lancelot 7 points
Personal thoughts on the poem:
I could picture a person pushed to the brink of madness. Perhaps it could be a metaphoric reference to some conflict in your personal life. I have felt this way though couldn't word it quite as masterfully. Delightfully dark yet tinged enough madness to make me giddy over this poem.
Critique:
In my opinion the opening line should be "Forged" not "forge" because it would have happened prior to the event of the slaughter.

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

Forest Lullaby by ether 10 points
There is nothing more elegant than "trees drooping", this poem peaks such volume, it reads like a lullaby and is truly breathtaking!
A jaw dropping poem at its finest!
The graceful tones and visual display is very, very pretty!

---------------------------------

Forest Lullaby by ether 4 points
Personal thoughts on the poem: Without viewing the link one can draw their own imagery with the words provided. The descriptive imagery is powerful. I concluded that the subject must be evening twilight. That magical moment just before darkness sets in. The trees bow in the presence and weep at the beauty. What a beautifully written nature poem.
Critique: I adore nature poems but, I am hung up on the need to capitalize "I".

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

Green Mirage By Sir Lancelot 10 points
A stunning poem. From title to the last line, a very vivid magical piece.
A creative way to send a moral message, full of meaning and honesty.
It speaks of both diff aspects of the human nature, one that goes for what the eyes crave, one that hunts what's inside the soul.

---------------------------------

Green Mirage By Sir Lancelot 4 points
The perspective in this piece is definitely an interesting one to share. Especially with such a poetic flare and voice to the piece. We all need a reminder every now and then that the world is only able to be whatever each and everyone of us perceives it as. This short and captivating write was nothing short of interesting, and personally, I feel that is what the weekly contests need to feature.

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

Another New Beginning by Maple Tree 10 points
This poem is absolutely wonderful in terms of self-realization and in poetic nature as well. One thing so many members here enjoy so much about Maple Tree's work is how she tends to lean towards nature theme and still relate them to the human condition or whatever it may be that she herself is going through. While this piece is certainty no exception to that, it is a phenomenal representation of her talent and views of the world. The imagery here is excellent and inviting, the word choice is direct and precise, and the style is interesting enough to keep the audience engaged while also being simple enough not to scare them away. I've read this piece a few times since its nomination, and each time I just find more and more things to love about it, which I honestly believe is a benefit that most fans of the author AND fans of the news letter are able to experience.

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

Bonded Soul by William Mae 7 points
Rhyming at its finest!
Bonded souls, though distance apart!
The wording and tones are beautiful within this poem. I would have like to have seen this piece in a different format, but however it is displayed, it's a gorgeous piece!

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

My All by Em 7 points
Comments
The shorter lines delivered a dynamic colourful
piece. An emotional comparison of what was and
what is now. Very sadly ending with every feeling
being left stamped on the floor. An enjoyable read
well worth 7 points

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

The Refugee by Danny Downs 4 points
Comments
A later submission yet an excellent portrayal of
current events. It is unbelievably sad but true that so many people are experiencing these horrors
on a daily basis. This poem captures very well the emotion and fear that is constantly part of their lives. For me the most powerful imagery is in the last
stanza where "Smaller hands slip and are never held again
and the very last line Hope washes away like dust in the rain.
4 points

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

Leaf afloat by DarkLight 4 points
The title is very tender. The content is very raw.
The imagery is original and the sentiments in this little piece are so rich and so apparent.
Very personal but very open. Sad but somehow (if not hopeful) strong..
Deserves to be highlighted.

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

Can't believe I almost missed you by Everlasting 4 points
This pretty little love poem is fun and full of flare.. It has a unique placement..
I really adore this poem..The ending grabs the heart.. (4)

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

Note: I want to thank the three judges who commented on Boy in Blue Bandages. This cause cannot be left behind in our concern for extraordinary evils which begin to occupy the daily news. Abuse affects more girls and boys every day than all other violence.

Congratulations to the Winners and HM's. Thank you, Judges and Mr. Larry for posting! (:

Firstly, to the judges who have had to deal with family hardships this week, you both have my sincerest sympathy and all the very best; it puts all this poetry nonsense well and truly in perspective. But despite that, you have still managed to judge and give thoughtful comments and precious time, so many, many thanks.

Congratulations to everyone,

SL

To the judges who had hardships I'm sorry and I take my hat off to you both because you still delivered and thanks to other judges too.

Congratulations to all the front page winners and all HMs. Thank you for my HM and the comment for it, much appreciated.

To the judges despite the hardships my sincere heartfelt sympathies...and my heartfelt gratitude for your time...

Congrats to the front page Winners and HM's...well done.

Thank you Larry for posting and covering for me...thank you!

Judges, you are amazing and I want to thank you for going above and beyond what was asked even in family emergencies. My heart goes out to you <3

Congratulations to all! Thanks so much, Larry, for posting

In my opinion, during times of hardship and turmoil, taking a moment to judge is a calming distraction...

Thank you judges, you have beautiful hearts!

Congratulations to everyone!!!

Thank you judge for the precious comment!

Hopefully this week will be kinder to the judges. Congratulations to those mentioned, and thank you for the comments. As an aside to the particular judge who believes i should capitalise "i" - it isn't ever going to happen. That's my style (all lowercase).

Every week I'm amazed at what effort the judges put in to reading, rating, and reviewing the nominated poems. Thank you sincerely for the feedback.

"Every week I'm amazed at what effort the judges put in to reading, rating, and reviewing the nominated poems"
^
I totally agree - thank you all!