Some final notes before this contest closes. I will be judging this contest somewhat differently than the rest I have hosted in that I will not necessarily be awarding trophies to the best quality poems, but rather to the ones that speak more to the issue of Unity, and what unity can mean or entail for mankind. Hopefully this will not offend anyone if their poem is overlooked.
Rest assured, however, that there will be plenty of points to be given out, and I intend to give them in a generous manner. Not only do I have the original points of my own which had been earmarked for this contest, but several members, as listed below, have be very gracious in donating unsolicited points of their own as well.
Finally, this contest has exceeded my wildest expecations. Unity, peace, and brotherhood are a way of life for me, and having so many creative pieces entered into this contest warms my heart in showing that I am not alone in my beliefs! Peace, and thanks to all for entering!
A universal theology is impossible. Yet a universal experience is not only possible, it is happening. In the midst of such a diverse world, with its differing cultures, beliefs, perceptions and ways, it can often seem that we put too much emphasis on these differences. Indeed, these differences often impel us to commit horrendous acts against our fellow humans, mostly in defense of thoughts that see only these differences, rather than our commonalities.
What I hope to see in this contest are poems that transcend our differences, pointing us towards a world where unity prevails. Idealistic, certainly, yet who but the poet or philosopher to impart such wisdom on the masses.
Tell me about unity. What is it? How can our world achieve it? Should we strive for it, and if so, Why? Are our difference really that much of an obstacle to unity. After all, isn't it often only a matter of perception on means to the end? Deep down, don't most of us desire the same things? Can these desires be used as a springboard to finding a unified purpose, such as peace, ending world hunger, etc.?
Use whatever poetic style you like. Short, long, form, free verse, rhyme, whatever you choose. If you do choose to rhyme, make it good! I love rhyming poems, but only those that maintain their integrity.
Rules
Prewrites are now allowed. Only 2 entries per person, and only 1 pre-write per person.
Right. No rules, except be great! Commenting and appreciating other entrants is highly recommended and encouraged.
Prizes
1st Place: Gold Trophy and 400 Points.
2nd Place: Silver Trophy and 200 Points.
3rd Place: Bronze Trophy and 100 Points.
There may be some Honorable Mentions as well, depending on the quality of entrants. This will be determined solely by You!
Have Fun. I am not allowing pre-writes because I hope to see fresh pieces. I will close the contest after 40 entries or 1 week, whichever comes first. I reserve the right to change this as I see fit.
Peace
Update.
PeaceChain, a group here on AP, has graciously donated an additional 400 points for this contest. Therefore, there will be more points given out than originally stated. How they will be given out is undecided as of yet. Perhaps some bonus points to those poems that attain high degrees of originality and thought.
I would like to extend my thanks to PeaceChain for these points, and vow to distribute them in a manner befitting the groups purpose.
Additional Update: Antipodi, whom I assume is a memeber of the group PeaceChain, has also donated 200 points towards this contest. I renew my vow to dispense of these points in an appropriate manner.
A third member of PeaceChain, mina nagi, has donated 100 points for this contest.
And a fourth, cutie pie, has donated 200. Thus far, PeaceChain has donated a total of 900 points for this contest. None of these points were asked for, and were certainly not needed by me to host this contest. Yet each of these giving poets has taken it upon themselves to donate. I can only assume this is because of the nature of this contest, UNITY.
Thank you to all who have donated. This contest is taking on a life of its own, largely to such giving friends!!
*Here are the AP home pages of those who have donated points for this contest. If any of you are so compelled, dropping by their page to offer some thanks would be a nice gesture!
allpoetry.com/poets/cutiepie
allpoetry.com/poet/Antipodi
allpoetry.com/poets/Pari%20Ali
allpoetry.com/poets/mina%20nagi
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on January 31, 2006
- Rewards: Gold: 400
- Final notes: Tough contest to judge, and ultimately I chose the poems that spoke to what I feel unity entails. There are several poems in this contest that in themselves are outstanding, and perhaps even of a "higher" quality in structure and presentation. For me, this contest was about more than that, which is why I chose the poems I did for medals.
In my view, each poem entered here is a winner . Here are the ones that stood out the most.
Gold Trophy: Independece by ManojAnmol
Entries [15]
1 - 15 of 15-
Before we each respect all in the human race,
Will the human race have to have the same face.by Pari Ali 52 lines, 40 comments, on Apr 16 6:34 PM 2003. In Society, Contemporary
Silver trophy winner
• Commented on by judge. -
U.N.I.F.I.C.A.T.I.O.N• Commented on by judge.
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The act of breathing as a spiritual exercise has been practiced for centuries. Breathing means - we are alive.by Magickal Moon 17 lines, 9 comments, on Dec 31 11:38 PM 2005. In Spiritual• Commented on by judge.
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Drop the talk of all your foolish "multicuralism."
Quit the ceaseless hypocrisy of what you call "pluralism."• Commented on by judge. -
We cannot fend forever with
Our past misunderstood.• Commented on by judge. -
Thoughts on Kwan Yin• Commented on by judge.
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Do I see the struggle? What struggle?
The struggle goin on, all the blacks dyin, lyin with the corn• Commented on by judge. -
The Spider Weaves a Star
• Commented on by judge. -
UNity
is phoneyby fredhib 15 lines, 1 comment, on Jan 23 4:07 PM 2006. In Contemporary• Commented on by judge. -
• Commented on by judge.
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\God did not create this world in vain\• Commented on by judge.
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• Commented on by judge.
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Underneath the surface variation, lies the
human core with it's own complexity.• Commented on by judge.
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Comments
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why dont you open it to prewrites, this is a very god contest and should get good entries but there are some good thoughts already out there and if you open it to prewrites they will be able to sound their voice here and join in with all others.
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You know I need to write for this one.
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Yes, you do!
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Perhaps I will, Pari. Let me mull it over for a while and see what my inspiration says. Thanks for the input.
peace
doug
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I am now allowing pre-writes, Pari.
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Thanks watuwant I have told my group peace chain about it will send them one more im in a day or so.
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Outstanding! And I've always intended to apply to that group, yet keep getting distracted. Perhaps this will inspire me to do so. Peace is my favorite topic, and life purpose!
peace
doug
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hello this is pari again I would like peacechain to sponsor a special prize in points for your contest... if you are agreeable... ofcourse we cannot offer any trophies... but if there is an outstanding entry than I wouldlike to give a points prize from us.
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Goodness, Pari, what an honor and privalege to bestow points from PeaceChain! Certainly they are welcome, and will be given away in a manner befitting their source!
peace
doug
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Oh my dear friend. This seems to be a contest that will inspire myself and many others. I look forward to reading all the entries!
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Great Idea
Read The Struggle.. Even if the poem doesn't win I want the meaning to get put out there. To me poetry isn't about the words, its about the meaning and the message that is sent out. You want people to learn and grown from it. This contest is a nice contest. Thanks for posting it. -
Many thanks to your supporters whose generosity have made this a very desirable contest to win.
An intriguing topic and one I am sure that will have many different views.
Best wishes with the contest.
Sammy -
Hello there, Great contest you have up here.
I gave it a shoot not sure my entry you will
like or is what you was wanting. But I tried
with it hope its okay. Sherry~
Edited on Jan 23, 2:36 because ''. -
a few hours left only I see, wish this had more entries...
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doug... you sneaky lil thang... running a contest without telling me? i'll get you my pretty.. and your big dog too... ehhehe... i was just watching cnn and saw a story of an iraqui couple that had lost all four children in a sandstorm... and were sponsored by an american businesman to come to america... the husband had lost a leg and an american company donated a prosthesis and physical therapy... they had a baby here, who is an american citizen by birth right, but their visa has expired... for the very first time, i felt terrible that they couldn't stay here in america where they had obviously found some peace and started a new life... i think that the language barrier makes it difficult for me to understand them and their culture, but the tears straming from their eyes as they described watching their children die was universal and intensely sad.... they held hands and comforted each other and i felt like shit (pardon) for being prejudice towards 'anyone'... unity... i've been thinking more along those lines for a couple of years, but today, this one show, has helped me see that we're all so much the same
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I am somewhat surprised by the small amount of entries myself, Pari. Perhaps I'll extend it a few days, and promote it some more.
peace
doug
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There is still plenty of time for you to get those creative juices flowing, Michele! I'm thinking of extending the contest as well. In fact, I am going to do so.
That is a touching story about the Iraqi family. Strange world we live in, and strange country too, forcing them to leave.
peace
doug
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awww, i'd love to enter doug, but i'm going in for surgery in the morning and i'll be in the hosp for 4 days ... i'm loggin' off to start my internet withdrawl in a couple minutes, so good luck in your contest and wish me luck in my chop shop
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Great subject for a contest. So thought provoking and challenging. Having to look within and see from a different perspective is difficult to do. But the more that do the better off we will be I am sure.
Being able to amicably disagree is so key to everything. Because people are never going to always see eye to eye, but being able to respect someone's thoughts and views is possible even though you disagree.
Good luck with your contest! It looks as though you have many entries already. I might come back and try my hand at it.
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I think that this is a wonderful way to unite the poets here into thinking as a group to conquer the obvious objective of peace and unity amoung all. Thanks for having such a wonderful and uplifting contest. I will enter soon but don't intend to win, I am only entering for the chance to hopefully bring light to the subject of "unity within differences." Thanks again. ~val~
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I think "unity" is something that everyone should consider. It doesn't matter what ethinic group we each belong to, or what our cultural backgrounds are. If infact we could unify internationally on some grand scale, possible we could be the example for future generations. I have a few days. I would like to ponder the subject and write some that hopefully encourages the masses. Thanks for the heads up Pari.
Much Love,
Renee
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i am going to try to write something for this. i don't know if i can or not. i think it is a good idea though. it is a good way to make us think.
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Oh I am so glad you have such a response to this contest. In itself that is testiment to the Unity you've ask us to write about!
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I see that there are finally more entries into this I have had thoughts run through my mind...however so far have not been able to put them into words
. I do wish you a very succesful contest ( it is such a worthwhile one )
reenie
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Have some applause, you hoster of such thought-provoking contests, you.
You richly deserve it. Now...what to write, what to write? Hmmm....
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Great contest, my Friend! Some excellent entries here... I have not read them all, but the one's I have read are unbelievable. Great job on picking the winners they are awesome! Congrats to all of them!!
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Congratulations to all the winners... thank you Doug for the points... this was an excelent contest...
mina
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This was an interesting contest and I appreciated the detailed explanation of how this contest was judged. I enjoyed participating in a challenged that is both thought provoking and relevant. Thank you for awarding points to all of the participants. Congratulations to the trophy winners and to those who sponsored and judged this contest.
Good work! -
Thanks dear for the Gold.
Honestly, this poem is very close to my heart and I am very happy to get GOLD for UNITY. I SHALL CHERISH THIS TROPHY.
CONGRATS TO OTHER WINNERS AND BEST WISHES TO ALL.
Let us all sing songs of UNITY irrespective of cast,creed and religion and spread the philosophy of universal brotherhood with the tune " tare naare na tatum tatum"
Good luck to all.
ManojAnmol
Edited on Jan 31, 9:58 p.m. because ''. -
Thank you Doug for the points. Congratulations to the winners.
Sherry~ -
I am sorry for not commenting before, thanks for the trophy but you well know that I did not submit poems to this for the trophy this subject is very close to my heart and I am so glad that you decided to hold this contest, the points rewarded me will in turn be used well. I commend everyone who wrote for this worthwhile contest and you for holding it and being a fair judge and great contest host. Hope you will hold many other such meaningful contests in the future.
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