“It seems really remarkable that the moment you leave America … you find not just America’s natural enemies, but America’s natural allies talking in language more critical than I, in my life, have ever heard about the United States,”
-Salman Rushdie
Love and War
I read and must admit to writing so many poems about love,
not that there is anything wrong with that,
but there is a war going on.
"The biggest regret is that we didn't stop 9/11. And then in the wake of 9/11, instead of redoubling what is our traditional export of hope and optimism we exported our fear and our anger. And presented a very intense and angry face to the world. I regret that a lot."
-Richard Armitage
There are certain realities that we need to face, the cost of the Iraq adventure is now projected at close to 1 trillion dollars, the issue of the erosion of civil liberties, America's standing in the world after our Iraq WMD claims proved false, Abu Gharib. Guantanamo Bay and the black sites in Eastern European countries. The US is developing a new nuclear arsenal meant for tactical use and spending as much on defense as all the other countries of the world combined. The US attorney general won't condemn torture and the administration is "rendering" captives to countries like Syria to be tortured. These are serious issues and I am wondering if they can find a voice here on AP.
US nuclear warheads: 10,455
Iraq nuclear warheads: 0
US tons of lethal chemical weapons (1997): 31,496
Iraq tons of lethal chemical weapons (1997): 0
"I think the war is going well, CNN doesn't always get it right, but it goes pretty well if you watch it on FOX (News Channel)
-Jerry Falwell
I don't care on which side of the political fence you fall, I'm not looking for simple political screeds. You needn't write about any of the topics listed specifically (although you could if you wished to) I just want poetry that responds to this reality, in whatever way you'd like to say it, but remember I want soul, humanity and actual poetry. Think Denise Levertov.
www.poemhunter.com/p/m/poem.asp?poet=6681&poem=36888
"You can support the troops but not the president"
-Tom Delay 1999
Rules are simple:
- I'm looking for free verse only
- Keep it around 40 lines or less
- Remember it's poetry
- Find something unique to say
- You don't have to write about the image or any of the quotes
that's it, good luck
"My answer is bring 'em on."
-George W. Bush
nationalpriorities.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=182
THIS CONTEST IS FOR POETRY ONLY, IF YOU POST A POLITICAL DIATRIBE IT
WILL BE REMOVED. YOU CAN EXPRESS ANY OPINION IN THE FORM OF POETRY
The Contest is for 1000 points
Second and third will be receiving points as well.
Contest closes June 5th so take your time and write something meaningful.
-Salman Rushdie
Love and War
I read and must admit to writing so many poems about love,
not that there is anything wrong with that,
but there is a war going on.
"The biggest regret is that we didn't stop 9/11. And then in the wake of 9/11, instead of redoubling what is our traditional export of hope and optimism we exported our fear and our anger. And presented a very intense and angry face to the world. I regret that a lot."
-Richard Armitage
There are certain realities that we need to face, the cost of the Iraq adventure is now projected at close to 1 trillion dollars, the issue of the erosion of civil liberties, America's standing in the world after our Iraq WMD claims proved false, Abu Gharib. Guantanamo Bay and the black sites in Eastern European countries. The US is developing a new nuclear arsenal meant for tactical use and spending as much on defense as all the other countries of the world combined. The US attorney general won't condemn torture and the administration is "rendering" captives to countries like Syria to be tortured. These are serious issues and I am wondering if they can find a voice here on AP.
US nuclear warheads: 10,455
Iraq nuclear warheads: 0
US tons of lethal chemical weapons (1997): 31,496
Iraq tons of lethal chemical weapons (1997): 0
"I think the war is going well, CNN doesn't always get it right, but it goes pretty well if you watch it on FOX (News Channel)
-Jerry Falwell
I don't care on which side of the political fence you fall, I'm not looking for simple political screeds. You needn't write about any of the topics listed specifically (although you could if you wished to) I just want poetry that responds to this reality, in whatever way you'd like to say it, but remember I want soul, humanity and actual poetry. Think Denise Levertov.
www.poemhunter.com/p/m/poem.asp?poet=6681&poem=36888
"You can support the troops but not the president"
-Tom Delay 1999
Rules are simple:
- I'm looking for free verse only
- Keep it around 40 lines or less
- Remember it's poetry
- Find something unique to say
- You don't have to write about the image or any of the quotes
that's it, good luck
"My answer is bring 'em on."
-George W. Bush
nationalpriorities.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=182
THIS CONTEST IS FOR POETRY ONLY, IF YOU POST A POLITICAL DIATRIBE IT
WILL BE REMOVED. YOU CAN EXPRESS ANY OPINION IN THE FORM OF POETRY
The Contest is for 1000 points
Second and third will be receiving points as well.
Contest closes June 5th so take your time and write something meaningful.
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on June 6, 2006
- Rewards: Gold: 1000
- Final notes: I want to thank everyone who entered the contest for their participation, I didn't receive nearly the America bashing from the left or the chest pounding from the right that I expected. Instead I receive a lot of thoughtful and well crafted poems that cover the topic in new and unexpected ways. I looked for strong poetry, a humanity to the write, and uniqueness of the vantage point of the piece.
the winners are:
Gold: in the deluge—after dawn by AlmostMe
Silver: cradle by Slick Wadsworth
Bronze: Now by jantastic
Once again thanks for making this a wonderful contest and not another war...lol
One special note: I'd like to give a special thanks to Mary Cat for her contribution of points to the contest and her continued support, I can't thank her enough.
Entries [15]
1 - 15 of 15
-
I don't know much about political.
I only know they should serve the people.• Commented on by judge. -
Purpose of Few~• Commented on by judge.
-
• Commented on by judge.
-
I'm 14 years old
I live nowhereby Ariosto II. 21 lines, 8 comments, on May 23 11:19 PM 2006. In Society• Commented on by judge. -
There's broken glass in this carpet
It cuts like pencil to paper, and words are produced• Commented on by judge. -
Constantly repeating something,
Does not make it right.• Commented on by judge. -
Tower height minds fall gently on down,
with such pride and ambition• Commented on by judge. -
(One Nation Under Central Air Conditioning)
i pledge allegiance to the paraplegics• Commented on by judge. -
Mortar shells scream 'Impending disaster!',
as exploding bombs cut short childrens' laughter• Commented on by judge. -
How is it we always have to justify our existence,
By reinforcing the things that put us down.by D Edward Barnett 41 lines, 2 comments, on Jun 5 4:56 PM 2006. In Angst• Commented on by judge. -
The machine of freedom has turned on it's tracks
And has become a machine of war• Commented on by judge. -
The classic man's walk through the pretentious shadows
Seem to inhibit a following of desolation• Commented on by judge.
Silver trophy winner
Add a comment
Comments
-
Great contest idea.
-
Some facts I received in an email today I thought you might find interesting -
There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq in January.
In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in the month of January. That's just one American city, about as deadly as the entire war-torn country of Iraq.
When some claim that President Bush shouldn't have started this war, state the following:
a. FDR led us into World War II.
b. Germany never attacked us; Japan did.
From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost ... an average of 112,500 per year.
c. Truman finished that war and started one in Korea.
North Korea never attacked us..
From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost ... an average of 18,334 per year.
d. John F. Kennedy started the Vietnam conflict in 1962.
Vietnam never attacked us.
e. Johnson turned Vietnam into a quagmire.
From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost . . . an average of 5,800 per year.
f. Clinton went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent.
Bosnia never attacked us.
He was offered Osama bin Laden's head on a platter three times by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attacked us on multiple occasions.
g. In the years since terrorists attacked us , President Bush has liberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya, Iran, and, North Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who slaughtered 300,000 of his own people.
The Democrats are complaining about how long the war is taking.
But it took less time to take Iraq than it took Janet Reno to take the Branch Davidian compound. That was a 51-day operation..
We've been looking for evidence for chemical weapons in Iraq for less time than it took Hillary Clinton to find the Rose Law Firm billing records.
It took less time for the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard than it took Ted Kennedy to call the police after his Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick.
It took less time to take Iraq than it took to count the votes in Florida!!!!
Our Commander-In-Chief is doing a GREAT JOB! The Military morale is high! The biased media hopes we are too ignorant to realize the facts.
But Wait . . . There's more!
JOHN GLENN (ON THE SENATE FLOOR)
Mon, 26 Jan 2004 11:13
Some people still don't understand why military personnel do what they do for a living. This exchange between Senators John Glenn and Senator Howard Metzenbaum is worth reading. Not only is it a pretty impressive impromptu speech, but it's also a good example of one man's explanation of why men and women in the armed services do what they do for a living.
This IS a typical, though sad, example of what some who have never served think of the military.
Senator Metzenbaum (speaking to Senator Glenn):
"How can you run for Senate when you've never held a real job?"
Senator Glenn (D-Ohio):
"I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I served through two wars. I flew 149 missions. My plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire on 12 different occasions. I was in the space program. It wasn't my checkbook, Howard; it was my life on the line. It was not a nine-to-five job, where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank."
"I ask you to go with me, as I went the other day, to a veteran's hospital and look those men with their mangled bodies in the eye, and tell THEM they didn't hold a job!
You go with me to the Space Program at NASA and go, as I have gone, to the widows and Orphans of Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee and you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their DADS didn't hold a job.
You go with me on Memorial Day and you stand in Arlington National Cemetery, where I have more friends buried than I'd like to remember, and you watch those waving flags.
You stand there, and you think about this nation, and you tell ME that those people didn't have a job?
What about you?"
For those who don't remember . . . During W.W.II, Howard Metzenbaum was an attorney representing the Communist Party in the USA. Now he's a Senator!
-
I don't have to listen to Rush tomorrow thanks Mark...lol
-
39 killed in Iraq in January...thay's why you loose the world's empathy; 30,000+ dead iraqis and ten of thousands wounded hardly rate as a footnote in America's media...and sadly ,it seems, in the minds of many of it's citizens.
-
The vast majority of Iraqi's killed have been by insurgents. i.e., their own people. The civilians our forces have killed accidentally were a result of a cowardly enemy who won't stand and fight and who hides among them. We beat the Nazi's by bombing civilian populations intentionally to destroy their ground support and morale. Our current operation is surgical. We could have lost very few of our soldiers if we would have just carpet bombed them from a distance with no regard to civilians.
We were camped above Osama Bin Laden's tent community two years before 9/11 but we didn't attack because our soldiers saw a swing set and realized there were children there. But do you ever hear anyone - our enemies or Democrats - saying anything positive about our military for letting a terrorist get away to spare a few children's lives? No way.
We send our men through sniper-ridden alleys to pull the terrorists out from behind civilian women's dresses, and lose thousands of men in the process, and nobody ever praises the U.S. military for being careful not to kill civilians. Nothing but complaints and whining from people who don't know how to win a war.
An insurgency wouldn't have had a chance to develop if we would have destroyed the countries that sponsor terrorism and harbor terrorists. Seems to me Bush gets screwed no matter what he does. Who can blame him for not caring what anyone says?
-
I couldn't agree more on what you have presented if only more people could see things in this perspective, some great facts you have presented here....have a great day, Ken IBT
-
Thanks, Ken. So much seems self-evident to me. It's almost cartoon level good and evil. I just don't share the proctologist's view of America that so many seem to these days. Sad times, my friend.
Take care,
Mark -
Thanks for this Mark. My ex son in law has done his tour, as has the young man who is the father of my grandchild due in October. In fact he is in Korea now and will not see my daughter until the baby comes. Both these young men are 24 and risking their lives for OUR freedom!
-
You are very welcome Mark It does seem only the bad comes out during these times, not some of the really good things that have taken place.......though this is the media that totally distorts the real stories and blows things way out of proportion, have a great day, Ken IBT
-
I want poetry that addresses these issues, I don't care on which side of the political fence you fall, but I'm not looking for simple political screeds, I want soul, humanity, poetry.
-
I have, like a bazillion pre-writes, but am bookmarking for another wordslinger piece.lol.
Peace -
Al,
Great idea. It would be interesting to see poets go deeply into the truth of their feelings, rather just exercise their minds on the thread. I would be interested in reading real poetry that expressed ALL points of view because how else will we collectively discover the truth? Truth in never in the polarities of dark or light, it is always somewhere in a new gray spectrum, in the multiple languages and voice, in the personal stories, that become the blend of all else.
Thank you for hosting a corner for the voices of war and peace during such complicated times in our collective history on this planet.
-
I have plenty of political ideas, but don't feel worth a damn most of the time. It's hard to write that way. I'll see if I can come up with something.
-
This is an excellent contest, right up in my alleys. Will surely come up with something.
D -
this is an excellent presentation of a contest- an excellent contest idea
Mary -
'American Military Deaths in Iraq
Total In Combat
Since war began: 2454
Since 5/1/2003: 2317
Official Estimated
Total Wounded: 17648 18000-48100
-
-
i look forward, as always, to reading good poetry ... this subject is way beyond my capabilities, experience or imagination (although i have an opinion) ... good luck with the contest .... >>> GINA
-
Is Beat an acceptable form?
-
Certainly.
-
-
Such a relevant topic you have here, Al. Although I'm not American and the war in Iraq doesn't influence me directly or personally, I do know a little of what's going on. I may not have the info or the passion to write about this topic, but I do have an opinion: there are no good wars...Both my parents were in politics....so I know a little... I wish you luck with this contest and will read some of the entries.
~ Nicolette
-
I tried to make this more than just an American contest, in fact I think we need to hear voices other than American. If you have opinions on any of this feel free to join in, it can be about any topic regarding our world's situation. If not sit back and enjoy the reads, but I want to extend this invitation to all those who are not Americans, we need to hear from you.
-
Thanks for the link. I think I recently wrote my first War poem last week or so.
However, anything with the Muse is possible.
I'll definitely be checking in to see what people have to say though. For me, artistically, it is mostly about how "we" and I mean "Man" keep repeating the same sad stories over and over again. What really is the difference between any Wars in any country in any History? It is about Power, Greed and Killing.
Anyway, good contest idea. Hope you get some thought-provoking entries that reach beyond the surface and into the undiscovered.
Lisa
-
Must agree with Mary Cat's comment- the presentation of this contest is excellent. That is now two poems for me to think about while I am away 'working'
over the weekend. I am sure Nik will be inspired by this one too.
-
Thank you for a very worthy contest!!! I hope this contest will provoke thoughts and emotions about WHY the world views the U.S. the way it does. I know it will generate writes on how we feel about the rest of the world. I will enter, but it may be a day or two. I will be putting some serious thought behind this one.
-
Thanks for the link. I tread carefully when making commentary about a country other than my own, around here, at least. I've found even friends to take offense. So I'll watch with interest, but I don't dare enter.
Have fun, though.
-
Totally understood.
Al -
Burning House looked at phallic symbol in picture, coupled with the shoe and rose, and thought this was going to be a very memorable "Make an Erotica Poem about the Old Woman in the Shoe Contest." Then Burning House saw that Ed and Edna Sweetlove contributed, and was sure that had to be the theme. Where did the politics comes from, Burning House wonders -- that was a curve ball that Burning House didn't foresee. Indeed, what politics does an hyped-up, erotic source of Fables possess? Burning House thinks the Old Woman in the Shoe probably was a Democrat, because she had a bunch of kids and no doubt would be accused of being a welfare mother by some in the Administration. Also, shoes are a safe source of energy, and that means less oil imports, so yes, old woman in the shoe has been pegged as very anti-Fox News, and pro-60 Minutes...
Anyway, whether erotica or politics, Burning House applauds contests designed to bring fables to reality. Usually, in Washington, it's all fable, all the time... -
as it's already been said.. the presentation of this contest is fantastic..
war is one of those things that creeps into my writing often, in one way or another.. it seems it is as much a part of us, as its counterpart..born in the same brothel..
thank you very much for the link.. -
Wow. How did I miss this one? I've been living in Germany during and since 9/11. I really feel nuts when I go home. I started out trying to talk about how people outside America view this and almost feel like I can't even tackle it anymore.
-
What is it good for...
Did I send my kudos yet for this one? -
I'll definitely try to get to this contest, it's a fantastic topic idea.
-Pepper- -
I really suck at writing these types of poems but you have several great entries! Good luck with the contest.
-
I removed my poem, I realize I am too consevative for this contest, thank you
-
I would call it uneducated.
-
How splendid to see a competition on a political theme... Unfortunately, although much of my poetry IS - at least subtextually - political, I have nothing that fits here - it is all either rhymed, a pre-write, or well outside the US context...
-
yes, well, outside the U.S. context. That is what I would expect a poem to be, coming out of Europe, and all the better.
-
Applaud what?
If this contest were about a free expression of the facts, or even free poetic "Renderings", I would applaud and enter. But it would be obvious even to a socialist that this is nothing of the sort. You've sounded the horn of high-minded concern for liberty while restricting the contest to only the types of poetry that you prefer. I should think that any "Poetic" airing of opinions concerning our country should be (Wait for it) FREE.
Thank You.
EH -
Cool
I can't come up with anything but a BBQ for the squeeling pigs of hypocrisy. Not just talking about the White House either, that is a fat side of bacon but the opposition has an apple in it's mouth. This is a great idea for a contest, you will get some mind blowing writes. Good luck with the judging. -
You might think that but you would be wrong. The topic is open to any point of view, but limited to free verse. It is a free verse contest, like a haiku contest or sonnet contest, you see anyone can hold a contest and set the guidelines as they see fit. If you don't think your poetry would fit in this contest simply find another to enter. Your comment "it would be obvious even to a socialist" seems completely nonsensical.
-
I've written so many poems on this subject. The better ones are already here, but maybe this one will do.
Edited on Jun 05, 10:04 p.m. because ''. -
wow..
thank you so very very much.. for the trophy, but more for the contest.. that seeded the idea.
reading through these entries.. has left me with many thoughts.. some that I'm sure - will linger.
Congratulations to everyone who placed, and to all who let their voices write.
-
thanks for hosting...
-
a wonderful contest Al, congrats to these thought-provoking poems and the most talented poets that wrote them!
-
gracias...
-
had i known you believed the left "america bashes" then i would have probably been less likely to donate points-
-
It was a reference to the "blame american first" accusation the right usually throws at us... what i meant was the contest didn't draw out the irresponsible left or right, hardly any extremists. I''m a far left liberal and proud of it and I know the left doesn't bash america, we have too many legitimate arguments to make.
Edited on Jun 06, 4:10 p.m. because ''. -
They hate us for our freedom and other myths
allpoetry.com/Poem/1971497
allpoetry.com/Poem/1919192
allpoetry.com/Poem/1754588
allpoetry.com/Poem/1701253
storywrite.com/story/show/33123
allpoetry.com/Poem/1523538
allpoetry.com/Poem/1459938
allpoetry.com/Poem/1448881
allpoetry.com/Poem/1396240
allpoetry.com/Poem/1037774
allpoetry.com/Poem/1033168
allpoetry.com/Poem/932178
allpoetry.com/Poem/889029
allpoetry.com/Poem/888439
allpoetry.com/Poem/868201
allpoetry.com/Poem/856515
allpoetry.com/Column/854040
allpoetry.com/poem/851264
allpoetry.com/Poem/836829
allpoetry.com/Poem/802312
allpoetry.com/Poem/788807
allpoetry.com/Poem/764002
allpoetry.com/Poem/761110
allpoetry.com/Poem/761102
allpoetry.com/Poem/747333
allpoetry.com/Poem/736340
allpoetry.com/Poem/716988
allpoetry.com/Poem/706504
allpoetry.com/Poem/702602
allpoetry.com/Poem/697507
allpoetry.com/Poem/697423
allpoetry.com/poem/627905
allpoetry.com/Poem/597621
allpoetry.com/Poem/595996
allpoetry.com/Poem/572269
allpoetry.com/Poem/550264
allpoetry.com/Poem/548764
allpoetry.com/Poem/444405
allpoetry.com/Poem/383206
If you are interested
David
PS good comp
-
thanks AJ......congratulations to the hororalble winners.....had fun writing mine.......
Malabu -
Very much enjoyed reading your three top choices. Lisa
-
great choices .... some wonderful /difficult reading ...
Adding your comment:
