Poem of the Year ( POY )

Contest is Over

• Contest was judged on January 4
• Rewards: Gold: 10000, Silver: 2500, Bronze: 1250, Honorable mention: 3 people
• Final notes:
  Happy New Year Poets!
  
  Last year was an incredible time for us here at the PO'contests, as we have met some great New Poets, and watched as old Friends join us each week....and we have watched as some Poets gave up on ever winning Gold.....how sad ~
  
  Well, let us make one thing clear.......you can only win, if you have the burning deisre to keep on trying ~
  
  So....first things first.......your Judges and I want to congratulate your Gold Winner for 2007!
  
  Sonja....please take a bow, as you not only penned the POY, but you earned a total of 399.95 points out of 400 points available!
  
  ....and your poem, *Exordium*, made it through 56 entries to make its' mark once again as one of the all time favorites here on AP, as your Trophys will testify!
  
  We want to thank you for sharing your talents, and your incredible ability to make a Poet stop and take a second look.....our thanks to you for making this POY contest a success ~
  
  Your Silver Winner, jamiedoring, also has a reason to celebrate!
  
  She earned a total of 393.95 points out of 400 and brought one of the most inventive Themes to the PO'contests......we thank you for your hard work and creative talents!
  
  Your Bronze Winner, cutiepie, has been a Very strong contender in the PO' contests, and she has given her best everytime she entered, showing us, that any Poet who has the deisre to win, shall do just that!
  
  Your HM's ARE in order:
  
  HM 1...Cupcrazy...392.55
  HM 2...Sonja...391.9
  HM 3...Cupcrazy...391.7
  
  These are incredible scores....so very close!
  
  OK.....before I bore all of you, we here at the PO' contests want to wish each and every one of you a Very Happy New Year, and the best of health and wealth throughout!
  
  I want to take just a moment to thank your Judges, Julie, Zach and Jim........without you, this would not be possible ~
  
  Julie....you are my Angel......you never gave up, and through so many times of sacrafice with your family, you were always by my side, even if it meant until weeeee hours into the mornings.....thank you dear ~
  
  Zach....when I met you, I knew right away you were going to be an asset to the PO' contests......I was not wrong......thanks Bubba for being here when I needed you ~
  
  Jim....I am sad to know you will not be joining us again as Judge ~
  
  I can see your love for Poetry and your desire to see the best earn its' spot as number one....I thank you for your time and efforts to find the best poetry offered on AP....thank you for all of your help and love for the written word ~
  
  On another note....I do know there have been some things said to a couple of Judges concerning opinions on scores.......and all I can say to that, is we are Poets first, and then we try to do our best when Reading, Reviewing, Critiquing and Scoring poems ~
  
  We do not claim to be professionals on the written word, but we do try to do our best with every single poem we encounter.....therefore, please hold your tongue if you desire to bad-mouth a Judge......we can only do our best ~
  
  OK....this is a new year, and the PO' contests are going to be making its' debut this afternoon with the first POW contest of 2008!
  
  Yup....donations are welcome, as your Gold Winner just emptied the PO' contest Banks...hehe ~
  
  You will notice a few changes in the Format of the Contest Page, so when you continue to suport the PO' contests with your talents, please make sure to ALWAYS read every word and Rule you come in contact with.....as there is a reason for everything posted on the contest page ~
  
  Finally, we want to thank Kevin, Owner of AllPoetry, for his support and Award of a ( 6 ) month Gold Membership to your Gold Winner for this POY contest, or credit to their existing account ~
  
  
  Thank you Kevin for standing behind these contests, and for the numerous Awards you have presented to other Poets in the past for their talent and contributions to the PO' contests ~
  
  Well, there you have it......we hope all of you will come back to join us again, and if there is anything any of you would like to offer in regards to what You would like to see in the PO' contests, we are open to any suggestions you may have ~
  
  Until we meet again Poets, this is your humble Bear, thanking you All for being a part of what I consider, one of the best Challenges on AP.....and by that, I mean having to impress me enough to make me want to come back every week and do it all over again,
  
  .....and remember,
  
  May Your Higher Power & the Power of Your Quill, Always Be Your Strength ~
  
  Bear
  
  
  ,~<::#############::
  
  No....I don't edit my comments....hehe ~
  
  
  Bears scores:
  
  F = Fresh
  PW = Pre-Write
  
  
  
  cricketjeff...( F )...96.2
  Emile...( F )...97.35
  zochit2me...( PW )...94.50
  RedWingSpirit...( F )...97.60
  Cupcrazy ( F )...99.25
  Cupcrazy...( PW )...100
  Sonja...( F )...100
  Sonja...( PW )...100
  aboomer...( F )...93.75
  aboomer...( PW )...98.75
  LadyDementia...( F )...96.75
  DrunkenRam...( F )...98.50
  cutiepie...( F )...97.80
  cutiepie...( PW )...98.95
  Michael A...( F )...99.75
  Karmel Kandy...( F )...97.80
  jamiedoring...( F )...99.50
  Driftwood...( F )...97.40
  grannyeri...( PW )...99.15
  Catauthor...( PW )...98.25
  
  
  Now for your other Judges scores..>>>>>
  
  
  
  
  trista
  9 hours ago Hi Bear,
  
  My scores:
  
  Your Whole World Dies
  by Emile
  96.75
  
  The World in a garden
  by cricketjeff
  97.30
  
  You Know Me
  by DrunkenRam
  97.65
  
  A Lesson Learnt
  by cutiepie
  98.45
  
  Waxing Lyrical
  by cutiepie
  98.15
  
  
  Home Sweet Home
  by Michael A. de Melo
  97.5
  
  in the face of serendipity
  by Karamel Kandy
  98
  
  Searching
  by zochit2me
  97.05
  
  Life’s Turmoils
  by RedwingSpirit
  96.45
  
  Black Beauty
  by Cupcrazy
  99.85
  
  Empty Nourishment
  by Cupcrazy
  99.75
  
  Sleeper’s circus
  by Sonja
  99.2
  
  Exordium
  by Sonja
  99.85
  
  Disemboweled
  by aboomer
  97.3
  
  Crushed Butterflies
  by aboomer
  98.15
  
  Tides of Reason
  by LadyDementia
  97.4
  
  Punctuated Lies
  by jamiedoring
  98.85
  
  The Distance of Bonds Unbreakable
  by Catauthor
  97.05
  
  Three Points of Freedom
  by Driftwood
  96.85
  
  I Will Always Remember Them
  by grannyeri
  98.5
  
  
  Final Notes:
  
  I am so amazed by the wonderful talents that were brought out in this, the “Poem of the Year” contest for 2007. As I sit here typing I can’t even begin to guess who our winners might end up being, but I am just as anxious to find out as I’m sure all of you are. I would suspect I’ve read thousands of poems in 2007...and I must say a few of the most powerful and breathtaking I will remember have been right here, in the last 24 hours. That makes me feel like our goal of finding and showcasing the best poets and the best poetry has been accomplished. (smiles)
  
  With that being said...
  Congratulations to all our winners!!!
  
  And to everyone...I hope each of you has a new year filled with love, happiness, and many “poetic moments”.
  
  Best wishes to all,
  ~Julie
  
  
  
  
  ChansonDuCoeur
  1 day ago Scores Now, Notes to Follow:
  
  
  Your Whole World Dies by Emile
  
  * grammar- 9.7
  * syntax/flow - 9.65
  * understandability - 9.9
  * uncommon theme - 10
  * overall impression - 9.7
  * effectiveness of title - 9.3
  * ability to hook reader- 9.6
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal- 9.7
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.45
  Total: 97
  
  
  The Journey Ends with a blink by zochit2me
  
  * grammar- 9.8
  * syntax/flow - 9.8
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 10
  * overall impression - 9.7
  * effectiveness of title - 9.2
  * ability to hook reader - 9.3
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal- 9.5
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.6
  Total: 96.9
  
  Searching by zochit2me
  
  * grammar - 9
  * syntax/flow - 9.6
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 9.1
  * overall impression - 9.4
  * effectiveness of title - 8.9
  * ability to hook reader - 9.5
  * ability to follow rules- 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 9.8
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.8
  Total: 95.1
  
  The World in A Garden by cricketjeff
  
  * grammar- 9.9
  * syntax/flow - 9.8
  * understandability - 9.4
  * uncommon theme - 10
  * overall impression - 9.2
  * effectiveness of title - 9.4
  * ability to hook reader - 9
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 8.8
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.8
  Total: 95.3
  
  You Know Me by DrunkenRam
  
  * grammar- 9.7
  * syntax/flow - 9.8
  * understandability - 9.9
  * uncommon theme - 9.5
  * overall impression - 9.4
  * effectiveness of title - 9.2
  * ability to hook reader - 9.5
  * ability to follow rules- 10
  * presentation / visual appeal- 9.6
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.9
  Total: 96.5
  
  A Lesson Learnt by CutiePie (same score as before, as I have not noticed any edits)
  * grammar - 9.6
  * syntax/flow - 10
  * understandability - 9.85
  * uncommon theme - 10
  * overall impression - 9.95
  * effectiveness of title - 9.8
  * ability to hook reader - 10
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 10
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.9
  TOTAL: 99.1
  
  
  Waxing Lyrical by CutiePie
  
  * grammar - 9.8
  * syntax/flow - 9
  * understandability - 9.8
  * uncommon theme - 10
  * overall impression - 9.4
  * effectiveness of title - 9.8
  * ability to hook reader - 9.2
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal- 8.9
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.7
  Total: 95.6
  
  Home Sweet Home by Michael A. de Melo
  
  * grammar - 9.8
  * syntax/flow - 9.75
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 9.7
  * overall impression - 9.5
  * effectiveness of title - 9.2
  * ability to hook reader - 9.7
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 10
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.6
  Total: 97.25
  
  in the face of serendipity by Karamel Kandy
  
  * grammar - 9.4
  * syntax/flow - 9.4
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 9.8
  * overall impression - 9
  * effectiveness of title - 9.9
  * ability to hook reader - 9.2
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal- 9.1
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9
  Total: 94.8
  
  Life's Turmoils by RedwingSpirit
  
  * grammar - 9.8
  * syntax/flow - 9.4
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 10
  * overall impression - 10
  * effectiveness of title - 9.5
  * ability to hook reader- 10
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 9.5
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.3
  Total: 97.5
  
  Black Beauty by Cupcrazy
  
  * grammar - 9.8
  * syntax/flow - 10
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 10
  * overall impression - 10
  * effectiveness of title - 10
  * ability to hook reader - 10
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 10
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.8
  Total: 99.6
  
  Empty Nourishment by Cupcrazy (Same score as before)
  
  * grammar - 10
  * syntax/flow - 9.9
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 10
  * overall impression - 9.9
  * effectiveness of title - 10
  * ability to hook reader - 9.9
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 10
  * effective use of poetic devices - 10
  
  Total: 99.8
  
  Sleeper's Circus by Sonja
  
  * grammar- 10
  * syntax/flow - 10
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 10
  * overall impression - 10
  * effectiveness of title - 9.8
  * ability to hook reader - 10
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 10
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.9
  Total: 99.7
  
  Exordium by Sonja
  
  * grammar - 10
  * syntax/flow - 10
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 10
  * overall impression - 10
  * effectiveness of title - 10
  * ability to hook reader - 10
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 10
  * effective use of poetic devices - 10
  Total: 100
  
  Disembowled by aboomer
  
  * grammar- 9.8
  * syntax/flow - 9.7
  * understandability - 9.5
  * uncommon theme - 9.9
  * overall impression - 9.2
  * effectiveness of title - 9.1
  * ability to hook reader - 9.3
  * ability to follow rules - 9.0 (41 lines)
  * presentation / visual appeal - 9.4
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.6
  Total: 94.5
  
  Crushed Butterflies by aboomer
  
  * grammar - 9.8
  * syntax/flow - 9.6
  * understandability - 9.8
  * uncommon theme -9.9
  * overall impression - 9.7
  * effectiveness of title - 9.8
  * ability to hook reader - 9.4
  * ability to follow rules -10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 9.9
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.6
  Total: 97.5
  
  Tides of Reason by Lady Dementia
  
  * grammar - 9.7
  * syntax/flow - 9.9
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 9.9
  * overall impression - 9.5
  * effectiveness of title - 10
  * ability to hook reader - 10
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 9.55
  * effective use of poetic devices -9.75
  Total: 98.3
  
  Punctuated Lies by Jamie Doring
  
  * grammar - 9.7
  * syntax/flow - 9.9
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 10
  * overall impression - 10
  * effectiveness of title - 10
  * ability to hook reader - 9.7
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 9.8
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.5
  Total: 98.6
  
  
  The Distance of Bonds Unbreakable by CatAuthor
  
  * grammar - 9.6
  * syntax/flow - 9.6
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 9.8
  * overall impression - 9.7
  * effectiveness of title - 10
  * ability to hook reader - 9.7
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 10
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.6
  Total: 98
  
  Three Points of Freedom by Driftwood
  
  * grammar - 9.9
  * syntax/flow- 10
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 9.9
  * overall impression - 9.9
  * effectiveness of title - 10
  * ability to hook reader - 9.8
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 10
  * effective use of poetic devices - 10
  Total: 99.5
  
  I Will Always Remember Them by GrannyEri
  
  * grammar - 9.9
  * syntax/flow - 9.9
  * understandability - 10
  * uncommon theme - 9.9
  * overall impression - 9.9
  * effectiveness of title - 9.8
  * ability to hook reader - 10
  * ability to follow rules - 10
  * presentation / visual appeal - 9.8
  * effective use of poetic devices - 9.9
  Total: 99.1
  
  ChansonDuCoeur
  1 day ago Closing Notes:
  
  
  I have not been judging these PO' contests as long as Bear and Julie, nor have I been a very active participant in them, until nearly the end of the year.
  
  I still remember my first entry to the PO' contests, called "Remember the Titanic" -- which has long been deleted, lol... and I can remember the critique I recieved, as well as the score.
  
  I remember the POW, where I had two of my entries deleted... one of them, Caesar Reincarnate, I spent a great deal of time writing, and I was so sure that that was going to make Bear smile.... well, you can go check his critique on that one, LMAO.
  
  But you know, if I remember correctly, the *third* poem I entered into that contest, "The Ink Runs Low" was my first poem to recieve a gold trophy in the PO' contests... and that made my heart soar.
  
  I'm saying all of this, because I know where you writers have been... We haven't made this easy for you, I know... remember that what we are giving away is more than a trophy, and more than an awesome number of points... We are giving away the title of Poem of the Year, with Bear's Golden Pawprint, which is worth more than ~anything~ I can think of, being a semi-regular to these contests.
  
  The poems that you brought in this time were amazing... I won't get toooo in depth, but I will say that out of all of the poems that made it through to be scored, very few of them had a score of below 95.
  
  Now who's making it hard for whom??
  
  :-)
  
  Thank you all, for this wonderful poetry ~
  
  Best Wishes for the new year,
  
  Zach P.~
  sending standing ovations
  from Whittier, California.
  
  
  If any of you want to get a hold of me for any reason at all, please contact me through my page addy listed on AP ~
  
  See you in the POW!
  
  
  
  
  Peace to you All,
  
  Bear ~
  
  

Contest Winners

1. Exordium

   POY gold trophy winner 2007

   by Sonja 52 lines, 75 comments, on Jul 4 1:05 AM 2007. In Love, Creative Imagination, Free style, POY
   Gold trophy winner

   • Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
2. Punctuated Lies

   Articulated brilliantly,
   a bitter disguise,

   by jamiedoring 62 lines, 67 comments, on Jan 1 12:48 PM. In infidelity, affair, personal
   Silver trophy winner

   • Commented on by judge. [remove]
3. A Lesson Learned

   ~~~~

   by cutiepie 21 lines, 35 comments, on Nov 17 6:03 PM 2007. In Personal, Sad
   Bronze trophy winner

   • Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
4. Sleeper’s circus

   ~oOo~

   by Sonja 27 lines, 17 comments, on Dec 31 3:05 AM 2007. In Imagination, Imagery, POY
   Honorable winner

   • Commented on by judge. [remove]

Entries [13]

• Searching

  /@\

  by zochit2me 53 lines, 31 comments, on Dec 16 11:52 AM 2007. In Contemporary, My own style, Life, Love, Thoughts, Personal

  • Commented on by judge. Prewrite
• The World in a garden.

  The whole world in miniature, crafted with skill,
  Driven by steam and the force of his will.

  by cricketjeff 25 lines, 51 comments, on Dec 30 5:52 PM 2007. In Life

  • Commented on by judge.
• Waxing Lyrical.

  ~~~

  by cutiepie 27 lines, 10 comments, on Dec 31 12:08 PM 2007. In Personal, Thoughts

  • Commented on by judge.
• Home Sweet Home

  The house of human emotion is comprised of many a room.

  by Michael A. de Melo 39 lines, 11 comments, on Dec 31 6:40 PM 2007. In Hope, Poetry, Contest

  • Commented on by judge.
• in the face of serendipity

  ~

  by Namita 50 lines, 32 comments, on Dec 31 8:00 AM 2007

  • Commented on by judge.
• Crushed Butterflies

  
  
  

  by aboomer 45 lines, 52 comments, on Jun 15 6:23 AM 2007. In life, society, thoughts, sad, personal, Atzheimers, nursing homes, POY contest

  • Commented on by judge. Prewrite
• Tides Of Reason

  by LadyDementia 29 lines, 14 comments, on Dec 31 9:06 AM 2007. In Contest

  • Commented on by judge.
• The Distance of Bonds Unbreakable

  by Catauthor 33 lines, 15 comments, on Jul 1 6:13 PM 2007

  • Commented on by judge. Prewrite
• I Will Always Remember Them

  I watched them play yesterday
  on the beaches of Normandy;

  by grannyeri 26 lines, 40 comments, on Nov 11 11:14 AM 2007. In Personal, Thoughts, Hope, Life, Other, Remembrance

  • Commented on by judge. Prewrite

Comments

• right now

  Adding your comment:
• 
  brightredtulips
  December 30, 2007
  Edit | Reply
  so do we enter a prewrite and then a new one separately but one right after the other?
• • 
    Arkbear
    December 30, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    Correct........

    First, pick out your Pre-Write which you want to enter......place it in the back of your mind ~
    
    Second, write a Fresh poem,......enter it,......then go get your Pre-Write and enter it at the same time ~
    
    
    
    Bear ~
• 
  Cupcrazy
  December 30, 2007
  Edit | Reply
  A new Poem, you're killing me Bear, lol, I am brain dead after last round lol
• 
  islekine
  January 2
  Edit | Reply

  Best wishes to everyone in the contest!

  Happy, healthy, prosperous New Year to all!
  Write on and on and on!
  Pray for *PEACE ON EARTH*
  Julie aka Islekine
• 
  Cynthia
  January 3
  Edit | Reply
  I thought we were supposed to enter two poems into the same box.
• 
  Catauthor
  January 4
  Edit | Reply

  Thank you so, so much...

  To Bear and all of the judges for their hard work in scoring so many poems, and in enforcing rules and debating grammer, and the so much more that they all do for these contests.
  I feel so pleased to have been able to have such wonderful poets judge my work, and to have competed against my splendid fellow writers.
  Congratulations to all of the poets who placed in the POY!
  I hope that you all have a great new year!
  
  ~Kaitlin
• • 
    Arkbear
    January 5
    Edit | Reply

    Hi Kaitlin ~

    Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and support for your Fellow Poet....it brings a smile to my face when I see such love for the written word and for Friends ~
    
    Because of Poets like you, our job is a place we love to come to every day and every week....please don't be a stranger!
    
    Have a wonderful weekend and may God bless you always,
    
    Bear ~
• 
  zochit2me
  January 4
  Edit | Reply
  Thank you Bear for hosting these contests and for doing your best to score and judge to the best of your ability.
  I do think you guys put wayyyyyyy too much emphasis on punctuation use in poetry for these contest though. I think freedom of expression in whatever way you chose should be left to the poet as an individual statement of themselves. I for one am one who does no use a lot of punctuation when penning my poetry and therefore think I get underscored in these contest for it. The poem that was removed of mine " The journey ends with a blink" was one of my most cherished poems that I have written in quiet some time and yet because of the lay out and lack of punctuation I feel it was overlooked. Don't get me wrong, it was given good scores and yet it was still removed. I am afraid I am just not understanding the concept of the whole thing. It all actually comes down to what the judges like and what actually appeals to them and not talent in my humble opinion. I am in no way slamming the PO contest so please don't take it that way, I just think they are a bit bias. Afterall I know when I run contest, I know what I like and that is usually who wins. So before all of this is taken out of context, let me just say I thank you for your contests and the inspiration they have brought to me to pen "my heart" out and congratulations to everyone who entered as well as won.
  I am often humbled by talent on this site and that makes me stop to think many times over...
  
  
  to all
  and may God bless each and everyone of you.
  
  
• • 
    Arkbear
    January 5
    Edit | Reply

    Thank you zochit2me ~

    I do agree with some things you have said.....and your Judges and I are working on correcting some of our downfalls ~
    
    We really appreciate your input and concerns for the PO' contests ~
    
    Please stay near, as we would like to get to know you and your talents better ~
    
    Have a great weekend,
    
    Bear ~
    
    
• 
  Jim Berkheiser
  January 4
  Edit | Reply
  Bear, fellow judges, winners and all entrants -
  
  Thank you for contributing to a great contest. I'm a tough judge, maybe the toughest, but I handed out some high scores that were well deserved. Isn't it better to get by a curmudgeon like me and know I won't say something nice just to make you feel good than to just hear, "Oh, I really like that."?
  
  Anyway, keep writing and keep reading.
  
  Jim
• • 
    Arkbear
    January 5
    Edit | Reply

    Hi Jim ~

    Yes, you are a tough Judge, but this is what the PO' contests need........and your passion for the written word is also noticed.....and this is why Julie and I called upon you to be a part of this wonderful job we have ~
    
    If you ever change your mind, please do not hesitate to drop by and see if we have a spot open for your presence as Judge....and friend ~
    
    Have a great day
    
    Bear ~
• 
  Sonja
  January 5
  Edit | Reply
  Thank you for this great honor to chose my poem Exordium for the Poem of the year. Also, thank you for another trophy in the same contest, HM for my poem Sleeper's circus. To win only one was a dream, but to win too... (now Jim will say - omg, she and her ellipses, lol, but I like them)
  First, thanks to Arkbear's idea to start this PO contests. Many thanks to Kevin, the Allpoetry site owner, who supported this idea. And what to say about all judges during the last period? They have done their job the most possible way. It wasn't easy to choose the best between so many great poets. All of us have been touched to the core, our work have been dissected to pieces. It wasn't always easy to read about our own mistakes.
  I am still confused and out of speech. Well, I must to admit that I entered my poems to this contest, like everyone, to see how my work could be rated. Did I expect to win? No. I had my own favorites in this contest.
  Do I think that my poem is really the best on this site? I don't know. I am not so overweening. I think this site is like a great mine. Whenever one thinks that the best gem came out to the light, there are always much more layers waiting to be explored. Each gem has its own shapes and shine.
  I must to say thank you to all other poets from this site who ever read my poetry. Some of them become my great friends and ap family. Due to their understanding for my mistakes, (because English is not my first language, because of my whole life struggles with dyslexia and dygraphia, all my life making a mess with words and characters orders)I am still here. I never gave up only for my good will and pertinacity, and of course because of spell checker. Thanks to all of you for your kind suggestions. Because all of you I became a better poet.
  I am so excited that possible you will find some mistakes in this message too.
  10000 points is a lot of points. For my future support to PO contests I am giving you 5000 pts.
  Thanks once again and Happy New Year to all Allpoetry members.
  ~Sonja~
• • 
    Arkbear
    January 5
    Edit | Reply

    Hi Sonja ~

    I am not surprised by your generosity in donating 5000 points back to the PO' contests.....I can tell from your smile and voice that you are as passionate about this job which we have as Poets....to keep spilling ink and striving to pen great work!
    
    Our main goal is to find poetry that sparks ideas, brings out emotions, lifts spirits, entices us to read work twice, three times!
    
    You have accomplished this several times over here in the PO' contests, and it is such a pleasure to be the one who Hosts a contest for Poets such as yourself to join us and bring talents which other fellow writers need to see ~
    
    You are an inspiration to so many....I shall never take your friendship for granted ~
    
    This is going to be a great year for so many, and with your new book coming out in April, I can see your blessing have already begun ~
    
    
    
    You are most highly respected as a Poet and Writer, and it's a pleasure to call you, Friend ~
    
    I shall get you your receipt as soon as I answer alllll of these IM's .....and then I'll get you added to the *Sponsoring Poets* list!
    
    Be well and God bless you,
    
    Bear ~
• 
  cutiepie
  January 5
  Edit | Reply
  Many, many congratulations Sonja for this outstanding win. You must be delighted and to Jamiedoring for landing the Silver For myself, the Bronze is such an achievement in such wonderful company. Poets share, which is what brought me to this contest in the first place...they share their knowledge ie, im's discretly sent, pointing out errors..support in reading all material entered. I know I have made many friends during this years contests supplied by Mr.Arkbear and his devoted judges. Thank you is a small token of my gratitude, but is given with love.
• • 
    Arkbear
    January 5
    Edit | Reply

    Hi cutie!

    I am overwhelmed at all the touching coments left this morning ~
    
    I have gained a lot of respect for so many Poets who have supported the PO' contests.....as it is not always easy to come back week after week to have someone disect your work as we do ~
    
    The POY was actually easy on ya...hehe.......as we wanted to see what you had learned during the past year......and without dissapoitment, you brought your best and earned your way to the Top ( 3 ) places, and did so because of your passion and desire to win and pen the best ~
    
    You are a wonderful example of what it takes to succeed in life......................just keep on a truckin!
    
    God bless you dear,
    
    Bear ~
• 
  thelordreigns
  January 5
  Edit | Reply
  Congratulations dearest Bear on reaching the end of the 2007 PO Contests year.
  
  You have done a marvelous thing for AP with these fine contests. I know you have put your heart and soul into this work and I truly appreciate all you have done. I know you have not been alone (that would have been impossible) but you have been the wind beneath the wings of these contests.
  
  The very best to you and all the dear poets and judges in these contests.
  
  I hope to be able to write more in 2008. The end of 2007 was quite hectic for me.
  
  Love and hugs always - jo
• • 
    Arkbear
    January 5
    Edit | Reply

    Hi Jo ~

    Your words are very touching I must say ~
    
    I am only a vessel which I ask God to use to bring a smile and hope to Writers.........as I could not do it without his help ~
    
    I do have the best group of Friends here at AP......and I ask God that they never stop spilling their magical and blessed ink......for my sake if anything else ~
    
    May the good Lord bless you this fine day,
    
    Bear ~
    
    
    
    
• 
  jamiedoring
  January 5
  Edit | Reply

  Thank you ! !

  Wow! I wish I had half of the eloquent words as all of these other people…such wonderful writers, and then me…such a goof ball. I am so honored to have even placed, much less win silver. I am fairly new to AP, I have never really had an outlet to share my writing or hear feedback or comments like this….its addictive and fun and an outlet that I apparently needed much more than I had ever realized. Thank you so much to the judges, the reason I entered, knowing honesty is what I will get….(proved by the removal of my pre-write by Arkbear who said everything that I know to be true, lol). Thanks to anyone who has and ever will comment. Also, the other entries….WOW…My goodness what wonderful poetry. My non-AP life has prevented me from doing all the commenting I would like to…but I will be back, there are so many here that are worthy of being read and then read again. Soooooo……Thank you! Thank you! ((also, I have no idea at all how to donate points, I would really like to, I have never done a contest and I have a load…but how? Help!))
  
  ~ Have a wonderful day ~
  Jamie
  
• • 
    Arkbear
    January 5
    Edit | Reply

    Hi Jamie!

    You are one Poet I want to keep an eye on
    
    I think you have snuck into the PO' contests and given us all a delightful surprise by your talents ~
    
    We do hope you shall be joining us as often as possible.....and as far as dontaing points to help sponsor the PO' contests.....OH yeah!!!!......I shall help you out when you are ready!
    
    Because of Sponsoring Poets like you, the PO' contests remain Alive & Debt Free!
    
    Chat soon,
    
    Bear ~
    
    

by Arkbear

with Jim Berkheiser, Rosewood Angel, trista

On Dec 30 4:03 PM 2007

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Categories: Big points, Contest, Creative, Emotions, Feelings, Imagery, Life, Memories, Spiritual, Thoughts, Add one

quickie, invite only, critical, lotsa fun, nature, word bank

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