October is breast cancer awareness month.
It has been a very long time since I have hosted a contest and this is a cause that I believe in. I would like this contest to have impact on raising awareness about Breast Cancer and the need to be checked.
I do understand that this is a difficult topic for many, women as well as men, but if diagnosed early, this form of cancer need not be a death sentence.
There is hope if it is caught early.
This means regular checkups and a heightened awareness.
Here are a few web sites that may help inform you.
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
http://www.breastcancerawareness.com/
http://www.breastcare.com/bcc/about_us.asp
http://www.ckwellnesscenter.org/
The Poet-Philosophers, songwriters of the fifties and sixties, I believe, shaped this nation’s course in a deeper, more profound, way than many realize. I believe we, as poets, can influence society’s course even today in this new millennium.
Would you let your voice be added, here, in this contest, to help raise the awareness of breast cancer ? Will you use your talent to speak for those who have passed on because of this cancer, be their voice? Would you help to raise awareness of this disease and, hopefully, save lives in the process? You have the ability to bring hope into lives with your words. That is an awesome thing.
I am old and yet sill naïve enough to believe, we can make a difference.
I would ask all poets, who would like to ( just a request, not a demand ), add a permission to print, for non-personal use, along with your name and city, whatever you feel comfortable with sharing as far as locale. I intend to submit all entries who do so, with author credit, to a Breast Care support group in Orange County California.
CONTENT:
I would like to see these entries as explorations and/or encouragements, there can be sadness and profound loss expressed as well as fears and hope. I will not be considering your backgrounds or artwork when judging but you may add them as you wish.
POINTS:
Gold, 500
Silver, 200
Bronze, 100
Hon. Men. 30 ea.
RULES:
1) Any style, any form. (Haiku if you think you can do the topic justice)
2) Pre-writes are welcome, if they fit the topic (and I know some of you have some)
3) No adult or erotica content and no vulgarity as this, I feel, would detract
from the topic. This contest is open and viewable to all ages, so please keep
that in mind and keep your entries 'clean'
4) Only two maximum per person.
5) Spell check as necessary (which also means no sTIckIE TyPE)
6) Anything disrespectful, otherwise demeaning or off the topic, will be
disqualified, Immediately.
7) Last but not least, (this is not a rule as much as a request) please, take the
time to stop and honor the other poet’s entries by commenting other poems that have been listed in this contest; and please, please, be sensitive when doing so.MISC.
This is NOT an anonymous contest, your screen names will be seen, and, yes prewrites are most welcome.This NOT a PIF contest.
There is no need to reserve a spot. There are no limits to the number of total entries. That said, the moment the contest closes, judging will be based on what I print out AT THAT TIME, so editing afterward, will not be considered.
Thank-you all for making this what I believe will be a memorable experience,
~r.
astralshepherdNOTE
Someone pointed out that it is not breast cancer awareness
month in the U.K. Yes, right now, October is breast cancer
month in the United States
But if this contest reaches someone,
touches a heart and saves a life, anywhere,
would that be such a bad thing?
Anyone, anywhere, is more than welcome to write for this contest.
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on October 23, 2007
- Rewards: Gold: 500, Silver: 200, Bronze: 100, Honorable mention: 25 people
- Final notes: When contests like this one are held, one would expect to find a breakpoint where good can be distinguished from great, where raw talent moves beyond the challenge to achieve poems of memorable stature. There are a few here which do that. Actually, there are more than a few.
I would measure what you have offered in this contest by Lives Impacted more than anything else. How well did the poems present the concept and idea. There was only one disqualified poem, for that I am deeply sorrowed, my part in it was not handled well but a corrected poem would have been welcomed. However, that author chose not to modify it…and it is a loss, I assure you, not to have that entry. I applaud all who entered and congratulate you for making this a truly memorable, difficult to judge, contest.
I offer, here, my blessings to you all :
May you all continue to grow in this craft we love and cherish; where we strive so hard to excel with each offering. May every poem you write stretch you, challenging your ideas and ideals. With every exploration may you find undiscovered realms of wonder and as William Wordsworth wrote, may you “fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. “
Blessings and best wishes,
~r.
Contest Winners
- Error: Unable to find finalist item 3523480, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
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- Error: Unable to find finalist item 3470124, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
- Error: Unable to find finalist item 3484462, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
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Touch the softness of my cheek
as the silence grows.by E A Collins 46 lines, 26 comments, on Jun 6 9:43 AM 2005. In Spiritual, Love, Hope
Honorable mention
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Permission to print elsewhere under this signature
(c)-2003 by A.Y.Studios-Artis-MFB-III productions- all rights reserved*
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by Touchof1der 22 lines, 14 comments, on Oct 5 3:16 PM 2007. In Personal, Thoughts Honorable mention
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- Error: Unable to find finalist item 3431988, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
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You are a silent monster
you are eating me inside• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove] -
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by Celticpoet 19 lines, 10 comments, on Oct 12 10:51 AM 2006. In Society, Nature, Hope Honorable mention
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A single tear drop fell a terrifying moment• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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I'm at the grocery store today,
waiting and waiting and waiting...• Commented on by judge. [remove] - Error: Unable to find finalist item 3484458, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
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one day you feel it-that deadly prominence rushed away to the doctor, haven't been seen sinceby foreverxnow 21 lines, 7 comments, on Oct 3 3:29 PM 2007. In Message, Inspirational Honorable mention
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Please check me often
as I may change just like that• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
My name is cancer
I am your enemyby CherryOnTop 10 lines, 12 comments, on Oct 17 11:45 PM 2007. In Pain, Sad, Thoughts, Inspirational, Personal, Life, Dark Honorable mention
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by Kappa Pyua 28 lines, 2 comments, on Oct 10 11:58 AM 2007. In Breast Cancer Awarness Honorable mention
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Silver trophy winner
Bronze trophy winner
Entries [28]
Add a comment
Comments
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You are right about this being a difficult contest to write for Richard. I just learned that my sister-in-law has advanced cancer of the colon. I already have one sister-in-law who lost a breast. Two weeks ago I learned my eldest brother has prostate cancer (both left and right sides), and my youngest sister has cancer of the bladder. It is indeed important that we recognize the signs and get our physicals once a year. Early detection may be the difference between life and death. Thank you for hosting this contest. My dad died of lung cancer, and it frightens me that it is all about me. I pray for those who suffer, survive, and for their families.
Much Love Always ♥
Renee
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Renee, i am so sorry to hear this. what a traumatic time for you and your family. let your heart lead you on this contest thing dear one, and i will let the cancer support group know of your prayers.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to share this web site with everyone: http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2
All you have to do is go to the link, and click on the button to give a FREE donation to breast cancer research. The sponsors of the site recognize every time someone clicks on the button and they donate money towards research. It's a legitimate site, and it's something you can do every day to help.
My family has had two great aunts get breast cancer, one died from it because she wouldn't go see the doctor. The other lost one breast, but live a good life into her 80's. I'll do my best to come up with a poem for them, but like you said, it's hard to do, and do it justice. -
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thank you so much for sharing this link, i appreciate it.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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I will be working on something for this contest. This cause means a lot to me, from a personal standpoint and from watching others go through this. I have never had breast cancer or any cancer, but I have been scared to death for a year about it, so much so that I wouldn't go to the doctor because I didn't want to know. I recently learned that I have a fibrocystic disorder that manifests in cysts in my breast and causes other problems as well. Well, before I go off rambling on my merry little way. I am going to get started writing something for this wonderful contest. What a beautiful idea for an excellent cause. You are truly amazing Richard. Let me get to writing.
becca
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Becca,
here are two poems, very personal poems, while i cannot understand all of your fear, i have a better understanding than most males on the planet,
http://allpoetry.com/poem/3236746
and
http://allpoetry.com/poem/3259982
dearest, as dark and forboding as the unknown is, it is much worse if undiagnosed. you are so very special, please, dont put it off.
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Brave souls
I will certainly take some time to write for this cause. The rotten theif stole my Father and my Uncle. ( not the same person, case you needed to know).
Peace,
Ed -
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thank you, Ed, i appreciate your stopping by and look forward to seeing your entry.
blessings and best wishes,
~richard
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This is a wonderful contest. Your cause is admirable. I hope you get many entries.
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Thank you, Tarja, for the encouragement, I appreciate it. I hope you will find the time to enter the contest, as you said, it is an admirable cause and you never know who your words will reach.
Blessings and best wishes,
~richard
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Richard- "Thank you" for sending me this link. I also want to "Thank you" for being such an inspiration for such a cause. I have known cancer all to well in my life also. As you know my son has brain cancer and we have been enduring his condition with treatment for almost 2 years now, I will not go into how many people that I have taken care of have had some form, all different from the others. I will see what I can pen for this topic, if my heart doesn't flow, I hope you will understand but it is close to my heart.
Much Love and Many Blessings to you & yours~
~Joy -
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i hope you can find the inspiration to write for the cause, but i really do understand being overwhelmed with other issues, other needs to care for. listen to your heart, let it lead you to what and where...and thank you for the encouragement.
blessings and best wishes,
~richard
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Very personal subject, but it's true, this kind of cancer is not necessarily in remission... My own Gran was diagnosed last year with breast cancer, but they were able to remove the cancerous part. This is a wonderful contest to have, thank you.
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thank you so much for stopping by, i appreciate your taking the time to do so. maybe you could write for your Gran, i hope you do, your perspective would be a wonderful addition here. i noticed you are in SD...my wife and i live just north of Anaheim.
blessings and best wishes,
~richard
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This subject touches me deeply. One of my good friends is in recovery. She is like my other mother.. So i deffantly will be writing somthing ... Kelly
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Kelly, thank you for coming by and i do hope you can place a poem here for your friend. It helps, i think, when you know there are people who are pulling for you.
blessings and best wishes,
~richard
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Bravo!
Excellent choice of topic for a contest..the more people who can be made aware of this illness the better...I will be posting a suitable entry for this contest for sure!....Dan -
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Dan, it would be an honor to have your writing here, i look forward to your entry with anticipation.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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Permission to print my entry
Please feel free to use my poems relating to breast cancer awareness in any way you wish...Dan -
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Thank you, Dan, for the permission to use your poems, i appreciate the privilege.
~r.
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i was just diagnosed this week. This contest is heartening
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Thanks for the contest and the HM, it's a great thing you did here. La x
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Thank you kindly.
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Thanks
Thank you so very much Richard for the honorable mention in your contest. I appreciate it more than I can say. This was a beautiful contest. Congratulations to all the winners!
becca
Blessings to you all!!!!! -
~r, Thank you for hosting and my congratulations to everyone who entered this amazing event. God love and bless every single one of you. Joyce
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congratulations to all the winners and those who provided some excellent reading in this wonderful contest. Well done to all
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congratulations to the winners! This was far more than a contest, at least it was for me....thanks Richard.
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Thank you very much for the HM Many congratulations to the winner! A beautiful write and deserving the "Gold"..Thank you for the support throughout this contest and delighted to have been a part in it Bravo Astralshepherd for bringing to light this dreadful desease and highlighting the need to support others
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