Thanks to everyone who wrote a poem for this contest. We had entries posted on all three blogs containing the contest information, and many more were emailed directly to me. There were rhymed, free verse, Haiku and narrative poems; some were humorous and some were poignantly sad. Some taught a lesson, some recreated a memory, several recounted a frightening or heartbreaking experience, and others used similes and metaphors to express emotions, struggles, and loss. To all of you, my sincere thanks for sharing your creative spirits with us for this contest.
And now, special thanks to the four judges who volunteered their time, energy and talents to select the following winners:
$25.00 First Place ~ Laura Horsfell, Great Bend, KS
“JUDGMENT DAY”
There he sat, in his black robe.
There I stood, shaking like a leaf.
I didn’t want to be there
But knew I’d done wrong.
When his gavel hit the table,
The damage had been done.
One year of probation.
Life without fun.
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$15.00 Second Place ~ Vivian Kirkfield, Colorado Springs, CO
“FEARS OF THE INNER CHILD”
Childhood often invades adult life.
Fears laid down early create later strife.
Afraid of adventure and trying new things,
Mom constantly cautioned: Be careful! Life stings!
To conquer that panic is my fervent wish.
I’ve parasailed, skydived and swum with the fish.
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And a special “Educator, Thank You” award for a GED teacher in Junction City, KS who wrote this poem as an example for his students…and as a tribute to his wife’s nonexistent domestic skills. (But she’s a soldier at Ft. Riley, so none of us really cared that she can’t cook!)
To teacher Jesse Nicholas the judges present $10 so he can buy his own chicken dinner!
“Chicken”
You tried to make chicken
It did not come out finger licken
The children and I
Sat down and did cry
Because what was served
We did not deserve
Only to those
You wish to poison and die
To the King we did go
To secure a feast
My children and I
Were saved for the moment at least
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Author Jaye Manus is again graciously publishing the contest winners on her blog, http://jwmanus.wordpress.com You will learn some valuable writing and publishing information from Jaye, so be sure and visit her blog.
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Things I Want To Tell My Mother 