Guilt. We all know that it feels like. Everyone has felt guilty over something, at some point of their existence. In many ways, guilt can be seen as the bane of mankind, as we project our guilt outward as a defense mechanism, rather than accept responsibility over our own actions.
At times it seems that our society is on one gigantic guilt trip. We love sex, yet are taught by religion that it is 'dirty,' and not to be used by us for personal gratification. Masturbation? Forget about it, as we are told that this very personal experience is 'wrong,' thereby ensuring that guilt accompanies each act of self love.
How about money? This root of all evil carries it's own baggage cart full of guilt. If we earn a lot of money doing something we love, we feel guilty. Yet if we 'work hard' at something we hate, the money earned is more palatable because of the 'price paid' to earn it. As if money in and of itself is unworthy of our attention. Yet how many of us hate money? Very few...
Guilt. What I would like in this contest are some introspective looks into this emotion. Is it good? Bad? Both? Neither? Does it serve a higher purpose for our psyche, or is it more of a hindrance?
You tell me. Any form of poem is acceptable for this contest, although if you use rhyme, it better be good, and unforced. The determination of what is 'good' or 'bad' rhyme is mine to make, since it is my contest.
Prizes:
1st Place: 400 Points and Gold Trophy.
2nd Place: 200 Points and Silver Trophy.
3rd Place: 100 Points and Bronze Trophy.
There may be honorable mentions, depending on the quality of entries. If I do give HM's, they will receive an applause and 25 points.
Rules:
None, really. I am not a fan of rules, so do what you will. You need not comment on any of my poems or on any of the other entries. However, if the final choice for trophies is a tough choice, those who have commented on more of their fellow contestants will win the trophies. Commenting is not a requirement, but in my view it is a consideration that offers respect and homage to our fellow poets. Which ultimately comes back to us as well.
This contest will end on November 8th or after 50 entries, whichever comes first. Pre-writes are allowed and only TWO entries per person, maximum. Any other questions, IM me and I will respond. I will comment on each entry, using diplomacy as my main method of critique. All poetry has merit, whether I like it or not. If any of the entrants would like an actual critique of their poem by me, by all means let me know and I will give it. Otherwise, I humbly thank all for entering and leave their creations to them.
Have Fun!
UPDATE
Okay, thank you all for the outstanding entries. I am in the process of what is termed judging and will have this done by Friday at the latest. In the meantime, I am surprised and pleased that so many of you felt inspired to enter! Thank you all.
At times it seems that our society is on one gigantic guilt trip. We love sex, yet are taught by religion that it is 'dirty,' and not to be used by us for personal gratification. Masturbation? Forget about it, as we are told that this very personal experience is 'wrong,' thereby ensuring that guilt accompanies each act of self love.
How about money? This root of all evil carries it's own baggage cart full of guilt. If we earn a lot of money doing something we love, we feel guilty. Yet if we 'work hard' at something we hate, the money earned is more palatable because of the 'price paid' to earn it. As if money in and of itself is unworthy of our attention. Yet how many of us hate money? Very few...
Guilt. What I would like in this contest are some introspective looks into this emotion. Is it good? Bad? Both? Neither? Does it serve a higher purpose for our psyche, or is it more of a hindrance?
You tell me. Any form of poem is acceptable for this contest, although if you use rhyme, it better be good, and unforced. The determination of what is 'good' or 'bad' rhyme is mine to make, since it is my contest.
Prizes:
1st Place: 400 Points and Gold Trophy.
2nd Place: 200 Points and Silver Trophy.
3rd Place: 100 Points and Bronze Trophy.
There may be honorable mentions, depending on the quality of entries. If I do give HM's, they will receive an applause and 25 points.
Rules:
None, really. I am not a fan of rules, so do what you will. You need not comment on any of my poems or on any of the other entries. However, if the final choice for trophies is a tough choice, those who have commented on more of their fellow contestants will win the trophies. Commenting is not a requirement, but in my view it is a consideration that offers respect and homage to our fellow poets. Which ultimately comes back to us as well.
This contest will end on November 8th or after 50 entries, whichever comes first. Pre-writes are allowed and only TWO entries per person, maximum. Any other questions, IM me and I will respond. I will comment on each entry, using diplomacy as my main method of critique. All poetry has merit, whether I like it or not. If any of the entrants would like an actual critique of their poem by me, by all means let me know and I will give it. Otherwise, I humbly thank all for entering and leave their creations to them.
Have Fun!
UPDATE
Okay, thank you all for the outstanding entries. I am in the process of what is termed judging and will have this done by Friday at the latest. In the meantime, I am surprised and pleased that so many of you felt inspired to enter! Thank you all.
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on November 10, 2005
- Rewards: Gold: 400
- Final notes: Okay, I was highly impressed both by the quantity of entries to this contest and also the quality of many of them. Each poem entered, by itself, has given me great pleasure to read. This pleasure is why I write poetry, and read it, as the music in our souls comes out in so many unique and interesting ways.
The only disappointmen I felt is that so few of you who entered took the time to comment on other entries. Certainly, this was not a requirement. I did mention that if it came down to a close call in the judging, then whomever had commented the most would receive a nudge in my internal voting. If this had been my only requirment, I would not have felt inclined to give out any trophies. But this disappointment is mine, and mine alone, as such expectations are internal and cannot be projected unto any one else. Next time, perhaps I will make commenting a requirement, as much as I loathe rules in poetry.
Okay, on to judging.
Gold Trophy: Throbbing Parts by more5600
Entries [12]
1 - 12 of 12-
As the sheet releases downward
revealing faceless identities• Commented on by judge. -
The rain fell like the drops of false affection that morning
but were distastefully sugar-coated with desire• Commented on by judge. -
A man once said to me
\• Commented on by judge. -
my head hangs limply
forcing gaze upon my boots• Commented on by judge. -
YOU'LL ALWAYS LOSE TO IT....YOUR CONCIENCE!!!!• Commented on by judge.
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Only you wash the guilt away
And mine sinks through my skinby Bought With Blood 36 lines, 1 comment, on Nov 7 6:07 PM 2005. In Dark• Commented on by judge. -
He stood upright,
tears tumbled down,• Commented on by judge. -
Guilt
Consuming your soulby think of me x 14 lines, 3 comments, on Nov 8 10:03 AM 2005. In Other• Commented on by judge. -
Keep me happy when I am sad,
Give me light when all is dark,• Commented on by judge. -
Cut the flesh,
keep it in the freezer so it stays fresh.• Commented on by judge.
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Comments
1 - 13 of 13-
I'll see what comes to mind. I will have to ponder this topic. It is a great contest idea!
TW -
Oooooooh.. Very good contest!!! One that I have peeled open in myself and can poke at in others! I will put this thought in my heart and We will see what happens.
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Hmm, this is a very intersting contest. I will have to see what my mind can come up with for this contest. Have fun and I hope all goes well with your contest!
Jess -
Wow, by looking at the speed of entries into this contest... I'm thinking perhaps you're going to max the 50 before November 8th
If I can get my foot high enough to kick myself in the back of the head and jog my brain... then I'll attempt this one and try my hardest to deny myself the gratification of rhymes
Then I won't feel guilty if my poem grates your nerves anyway... since it wouldn't be intentional Justs kidding.
I like the idea of this contest.
s nad best wishes... ~genielassie~
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Get 'er done! And I do love rhymes, but have a preference for good ones is all.
peace
doug
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guilt is a too destructive force to give it more words that the one it has
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This is a wonderful contest with a very worthy topic. I hope it doesn't make me look at myself too much I can't wait to read all of the entries. I'm not sure there is a right or wrong, just alot different perspectives.
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guilt, guilt...wonderful guilt
i've been workin' on a few poems about this very subject. i will see what or if i can finish one
anyhoo...excellent idea
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I've entered 3 poems about guilt:
war guilt
catholic sin guilt
political guilt
All 3 are deadly serious, I'm afraid.
Although I shall be pleased if you laugh.
Best wishes from guilty Edna -
i hesitated to enter, because as a rule i write rhymes, so i would appreciate your critique, as this is a genre i am very uncomfortable with and i could use the growth, ty, and ty for the contest and the opportunity to step outside my box
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Thank you s... genielassie
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Thanks for the honorable mention Wat! Great choices for the gold, silver and bronze in this one too!
Jo -
thank you so much for the silver. I entered and thn had an author show up for four days, so i am one of the guilty ones. I typically comment on everyone I can in a contest I enter. All were so good. You had quite the number to go through. congratulations, all!
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