I have noticed that the definition of love varies greatly from person to person. My personal view of love is simple: it is selfless, timeless, and unconditional. I believe that if you truly love a person - you will never stop loving them, you will love them regardless of their faults or trespasses against you, and you would be willing to risk your life for them without a second's hesitation. Now this is obviously very different from just being "in love", and can apply to children, parents, and very close friends, as well as partners.
Many people assume when reading my poetry (because it is so dark) that I know nothing of love, that I don't believe in love, and/or I have never loved. This is not true at all! I have loved greatly. I still love all four romantic loves I have had (not in love with all four anymore, but would still give my life for them). I love my family and friends with a fierce loyalty - I would never turn my back on anyone who needed me. I'm also very forgiving, very thoughtful and generous, and (believe it or not) optimistic in life - always searching for the good in every person I meet. I truly believe that there is not only beauty, but also a good heart, in every person.
For those of you who know me even fairly well - this may come as quite a suprise - because it does not show in my poetry or stories at all. I lean toward the tragic, darker side of literature. I am literally unable to express any of these wonderful things poetically.
That is my reason for this contest. I want to write about love. I want to write about the amazing beauty I see in people everywhere. I just need a little help - a little inspiration and a shove in the right direction.
So, write about love for me. Pour your poetic hearts out. Tell me what it means to you, why you believe in it, how it has changed your life, and/or how it survives against all odds.
Rules: I'm giving very few rules, as I feel you should be free to openly express yourself on this topic.
1. No chat lingo or sTiCkY cApS, please.
2. While no one is perfect (least of all myself), I frown upon terribly incorrect grammar and spelling. Use spellcheck!
3. No erotica this time. Not that I have anything against erotica (believe me, I'm all for it) - but I want to see the emotional side of love, NOT the physical side. Unless you are absolutely positive you can convince me that making love is the ultimate expression of love (I'm warning you - it's not easy!)
4. I reserve the right to DQ any poems not following these rules.
Requests:
* Please be original.
* Use metaphors! I LOVE metaphors!
* Make it call out to my heart. :) I have one, I really do.
* I prefer freshly written poems - so I'm going to refrain from allowing pre-writes at this time. If it gets closer to judging time and there are few entries, I will consider allowing pre-writes (but they better be worth my time!)
Note: picture taken by my husband at Cherry Grove, SC fireworks celebration for July 4th, 2007.
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on November 13, 2007
- Rewards: Gold: 600, Silver: 300, Bronze: 100, Honorable mention: 3 people
- Final notes: Thank you so much to everyone who entered! I thought every poem was wonderful in its own way, and each poet gave me their own unique and beautiful take on love. I was definitely both impressed and insipired by all of your entries.
The winning poems displayed creativity, originality, and expert use of the English language including correct grammar and spelling.
The winning entrants also had words, phrases, and images that remained with me as I read all the entries.
Thank you all again!!! I hope you will all enter my contests again in the future, as you were all a joy to read!
Contest Winners
- Error: Unable to find finalist item 3601152, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
- Error: Unable to find finalist item 3590922, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
-
Love is the grandest thing,
Through turmoil’s and griefby PassionsPromise 63 lines, 17 comments, on Nov 11 11:26 PM 2007. In love, pop the .....
Honorable mention
• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
Never can any darkness
Keep me from your side.by Zachary Reiner 60 lines, 2 comments, on Nov 5 1:56 PM 2007. In Love, Dark, Life Honorable mention
• Commented on by judge. [remove] - Error: Unable to find finalist item 3562218, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
Bronze trophy winner
Entries [13]
-
YOU ARE MY FLOWER IN HELL, DEFYING ALL REASON. YOU ARE MY LIGHT IN THE DARK, SHOWING ME THE WAY.by Hypocritical Oath 8 lines, 4 comments, on Oct 31 10:20 AM 2007• Commented on by judge.
-
Love is a wall
unexpected and crashing down• Commented on by judge. -
Please, never forget me.by harajukuprincess 16 lines, 1 comment, on Nov 12 12:26 PM 2007• Commented on by judge.
-
When you smile at me I see true beauty• Commented on by judge.
Add a comment
Comments
-
I think love manages to leave you when a bullet flies by your head lol
-
-
lol...
Hmm...
I'm assuming there's a story behind this?
Otherise, I'd have to say... it didn't leave me at that moment, in fact it intensified.
But that's just me... I'm obviously screwed up!!!!
I'd love to know more about the story behind this comment!!!!
-
-
wellp
can we free form? does it have to rhym? cause..well lately i've been free form/rhyming...and i like it a lot...it's not my orignal style but i think you'd like it too.
lemme know, i'd love to enter -
Oh yes, I'm definitely in this one. I'm getting to work on it right away. Love is, well, let's just say Love is (for right now). Beautiful contest.
becca
-
Greetings once again
I'm honored that you invited me to take part, and I hope I can give you something at LEAST as good as my entry in your previous contest. -
Love?
True love is giving in to absolute devotion and self-sacrifice in the face of full knowledge of the degree of hurt that such would cause. To love is to have been broken, and to love again just as wholely, in completely destroying the walls that protect us from hurt by keeping us from loving unconditionally. Love is absolute vulnerability. The acceptance of a short period of happiness for a life-time of heartache for each lover loved, accumulating hurt and forcing yourself past it to wear such an unusual strength as a badge of honor even while most would call you weak for succumbing to the same foe again and again again. -
Just notice your beautiful contest.
Great Idea....Bookmarked!!!!!!
Beeeeeeeeee backkkkkkkk Sweettttttttttttt! -
Allie,
Please tell your husband, that the photo he took is great
I've tried to catch firework displays and I look at my photos thinking....
What the heck are these...a blurry mess
~Deletes pics~
~tells everyone my batteries died and could not take photos~whistles~
~stupid~
~spare myself the Embarrassment~
Have fun with your contest
-
-
LOL
I'll be sure to tell him. He actually has prettier pics of fireworks - but this one was heart-shaped and I thought that was sooo cool!
I can't get pictures to turn out right either. I get so frustrated and he says "baby, it's not a competition!"
Imagine being with someone who does everything perfectly.... lol
-
-
Thanks for the inspiring contest. I am glad you found my poem worthy of a trophy!
-
thanks for the silver! congrats to all who placed and thanks for the inspiration! great contest!
-
Allie,
Wonderful Contest!
I know that this one must have been very hard to judge! However, you did a surperb job!
All the entries were so great.
Congrads to all the winners!
Take care,
Many blessings,
David
PS: EVERYONE...KEEP WRITING
Adding your comment:
