Povember (A Poetry Contest!)

It’s November

See what I did there? Terrible wasn’t it! I tried. A few people have asked me to create a contest, so here goes!

I’m not talking about whitewalkers, or Jon Snow here but winter is coming! (at least here in The UK), and some of my favourite poetry is written about this season, and it’s the spirit of winter I want us to capture and embody in this contest.

Back when I was a member on this site, I used to love hosting contests, as well as taking part. I also used to love critiquing poetry, not that I’m a master myself! It’s been a while, and I don’t know how much interest this will gather, so we’ll see.

* * *

I’d like you to write one of my favourite words...an elegy.

Bleak, I know, but if there’s a good turnout, I’ll be happy to host more contests with a little more humour and fun. I have plenty of ideas. ;)

Now, an elegy doesn’t have to necessarily mourn a person, or even talk about ‘death’ at all - it’s a poem of recollection, of lamenting, of being the most brooding, coffee sipping, window gazing poet you can be. Your poem, however, should:

1) In meaning, capture the ‘end’ of something. Elegies are usually melancholic, so I will take this into consideration.

2) Be no more than 75 words (that’s longer than you think)

3) Be submitted to me via private message by the final day of November.

4) Please, not be uploaded onto your accounts/profile before I announce the winner!

* * *

I promise to be completely impartial, but if you feel like bribery, I really love double chocolate cookies.

In all seriousness, I’m looking for strong imagery, fitting form, and careful word choice. There are some amazing poets here, and I’m sure you’re all capable!

The winner will receive a lifetime supply of carrots and mashed potato*, a personal sense of accomplishment, a nomination, and three critiques on poems of their choice.

Second place will receive a signed picture of my cat*, and two critiques.

Third place will receive a congratulations from the queen* and one critique.

All poems will receive a comment from me regardless of position. :)

TL:DR

Write a 75 word or less Elegy
PM me it by the end of the month.

*you may not actually receive these things.

Happy (or sad) writing!

I'm in

Yay!

Good man :)

Heck yes, this sounds awesome.
Also... how did you know I was craving a lifetime supply of mashed potatoes and carrots??

;)

Im in :-)

Yay!

Hahah, well if you’re craving them that much then you best get writing :P

Absolutely, grimly, forsakenly in

Count me in....I do love mashed potatoes and a picture signed by either the queen or your cat would be lovely...

I’m...dismally glad! I look forward to reading!

Hahah, Brenda, you have stiff competition from MA for the coveted prize of mashed potatoes :D

Well...I won't enter but...I am willing to hold a 'mashed potato' dance class to get you in the mood:) :)

An example...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtY-pQjvYWs

Haha! I might take you up on that!

You’ve still got a week left guys by the way. Keep writing :)

Do you want this written like a "traditional" elegy, in rhyming couplets? I've read plenty of elegies that rhyme but also, many that don't. Just curious!

Not necessarily no :) you can write in couplets if you want though!

Please don’t forget guys :D

Oh man! An elegy?! Oh man!
But why till now? Oh man
Now when my mind is stale
that now can’t tell a tale
Not long ago might have been good
for I was in a sadder mood
but i shall bid my farewell
And wish everyone who participates do well!

Still on it

This contest will end tomorrow evening :)

Thanks for your entry guys! Give me some time to select the winner. :)

Hi all! Thank you so much:

Larry
Darren
MA
Hellon
Brenda
Maple Tree

for all six entries :)

I know I’m supposed to say this, but I’m being completely genuine when I say it was really difficult judging this! So...

*drum roll*

In third place, and my cat’s choice is:

Isolated (Acrostic) by Hellon

Insomnia prevails
solitude, familiar as my faded housecoat
old and infirm now I ponder
lost youth. Reminiscing yesteryears
alone, watching the clock
tick tock...tick tock, I rock
endless hours stretch, days merging to nights
death?... a welcome solution perhaps...

——————

Hellon’s daydream-like style of punctuation and pensiveness coupled with a real human touch was notably effective in this poem about aging. I feel it’s an effective acrostic poem, that doesn’t feel forced, and allows the language to breathe.

——————

In second place, chosen by the queen herself is:

Mountain of My Youth by Larry Chamberlain

Clouds below roiled in waves like the truth -
convoluted, twisted, tricky faery gifts
like caged beasts beating on the cliffs
seeking escape from my prison of youth.

That ledge on Sunday dawns long ago
was altar for musings and misgiving
where rules were made for living
and futures flowed like the river below.

Choices were made, dreams for taking;
headed downstream - life’s grand quest
followed to seas beyond the southwest
yet clouds still roll by and hearts aching.

——————

Larry’s poem contained rich and striking imagery with an unobtrusive rhyming (ABBA) scheme. A wistful and curious piece that wasn’t burdening in its meaning, and fitting in its simplicity. The poem, lamenting the death of youth, was relatable but also rather poignant.

——————

Andddd

THE WINNER

Winner of coveted vegetables and mashed goodness is:

...

...

...

...

...

I never knew you until now // an elegy about suicide by Poet On The Piano

Nameless, touched
only by depression’s chill,
27 degrees Fahrenheit
shocked the spirit out of you;
the St. Joseph River
swallowed your chaos
without regret,
without properly chewing.

A stranger jumped in after,
as everyone prayed for
a life you can’t embrace.
What is there to breathe
when the brain
purposefully
withholds oxygen,
withholds dignity?

You now must fight
relentlessly
to be heard over
roaring thoughts
that drown out
your tremulous heartbeat;
everything has changed.

——————

A genuinely emotive poem, that is written with heart, craft and skill. Writing about suicide without allowing the poem to become overbearing and difficult to read is a big task. This poem is respectful but also gripping. The narrative, combined with concrete imagery and the last line is an almighty punch to the gut. An absolutely beautiful write, MA.

——————

I obviously did not want to place 6th, 5th and 4th as it’s a disservice to the poems submitted, but I will paste the poems and will repeat that this contest was NOT easy to judge. Thank you once more.

——————

Amazing Grace Whisper's
By Maple Tree

Wintry kaleidoscopes form prisms
within a mind filled with grief,
Innocence scatters crossed skeletal tree limbs
mating with snowflakes of all ethnicity.

Bedding of crystals bury a forgotten smile
as time strips her soul of dignity,
It's been a naked death;
dancing silhouettes upon frozen tears.

A raven pierces daggers of reality
into my soul, pecking upon tombstones
as icicle iris's watch out of desperation-
our unity becomes a silent ending
as the final snowflake falls.

—

Time passes by Brenda

I used to walk
these wooded trails
with ease...
Admiring the frost
that has painted
the few leaves still hanging about-
Feeling the sun
that filters it's way
to me on this late fall day...
-
Now, travelling these same trails
my head
down more, not looking ahead,
or about,
admiring the passing views...
Fearing miss stepping or slipping
on icy earth
cautious to the point
Losing the joy
these walks once held...
Age taking over

—-

My Childhood (an elegy) by Darren

I ponder
wasted years
willing time to flee
so I could be bigger

bigger shoes
better clothes
able to drink
date
smoke

scorching summers
of my past
discarded among nonsense
dreams crammed inside cranium
regurgitated

adulthood arrived
early, ironically
galloping like a Templar
bringing forth
deceit, debt, desperation
denial, deviling, desecration

my childhood deserted me
dying with ambition
as I mourn it's passing
I understand the beauty of youth
and the folly of the young.

——————

I will be hosting more contests in the future if you are interested! Comments will be placed on the uploaded poems, and signed images and vegetation sent via carrier pigeons!

congrats to the winners

Thanks to the prince for hosting.

WHAT?! I get the mashed potatoes?!! Excuse me while I throw out the carrots, I didn't come for those lol
I will take some gravy with it, please, and maybe another helping to share with Brenda because she's awesome ^_^

In all seriousness, thanks for hosting this, Danny. Looking forward to future contests!

Beautiful poems everyone, congratulations MA...hugs you

Thank you Danny for this very thought provoking contest.

This took me a little out of my comfort zone and I thank you for that Danny. I also, would not have liked to be a judge here...you are all winners IMO :) Thanks for hosting this...I enjoyed.

EDIT

Sorry...I forgot to thank your cat LOL!!!

The prize is not negotiable! You can share your mash with Brenda if you like though. Unfortunately your carrots have already been dispatched and will be with you in 7 working days!

You’re welcome! My cat also shared this sentiment by jumping on the kitchen table and knocking everything off :)

Congratulations all! Awesome writing all around. Mary Anne, thank you dear girl for wanting to share your mashed potatoes and carrots with me! We shall feast and dine to abandonment. Danny thank you for hosting such a thought provoking contest. Look forward to your next endeavor.

Wonderful contest, Danny!
MaryAnne gets two well deserved wins on this day (the weekly is the second).
All the poems are marvelously nostalgic.

Thank you for running this contest and please do run more!

That's the reason I do not take part in the contests. I know maryanne is going to win.

MA rocks!