What is a metaphor? In some sense every word is a metaphor for something else, imagination is a boundless sea. Shakespeare wrote "All the world is a stage..."*
A basic metaphor might be one where the author intends something and expects the reader to receive that thought.. so I have chosen one of the best examples that I have seen of metaphor from one of the great poets, and an immense personal influence, Langston Hughes:
Dreams
by Langston Hughes
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow."
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/10392-Langston-Hughes-Dreams
and this is the theme of this quick contest, a simple metaphor extended to a further message; one that the writer might intend rather than something a reader might find...or even invent.
In "Dreams" the metaphors have wonderful depth, are communicative [on many levels], and extended:
"...Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly."
"...Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
Fifteen entrants,
twelve lines or more or less, 's ok;
Judging will look to writer's ability to craft a basic or simple metaphor, extend it and give depth and meaning to the verses.
Contest will close when filled, feel free to reserve and write later, I will try to judge within a few hours after closing.
Thanks to Old Poetry for the use of "Dreams", by Langston Hughes.
*All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances; — (William Shakespeare, As You Like It, 2/7)
A basic metaphor might be one where the author intends something and expects the reader to receive that thought.. so I have chosen one of the best examples that I have seen of metaphor from one of the great poets, and an immense personal influence, Langston Hughes:
Dreams
by Langston Hughes
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow."
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/10392-Langston-Hughes-Dreams
and this is the theme of this quick contest, a simple metaphor extended to a further message; one that the writer might intend rather than something a reader might find...or even invent.
In "Dreams" the metaphors have wonderful depth, are communicative [on many levels], and extended:
"...Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly."
"...Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
Fifteen entrants,
twelve lines or more or less, 's ok;
Judging will look to writer's ability to craft a basic or simple metaphor, extend it and give depth and meaning to the verses.
Contest will close when filled, feel free to reserve and write later, I will try to judge within a few hours after closing.
Thanks to Old Poetry for the use of "Dreams", by Langston Hughes.
*All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances; — (William Shakespeare, As You Like It, 2/7)
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on May 5, 2008
- Rewards: Gold: 700, Silver: 300, Bronze: 200, Honorable mention: 7 people
- Final notes:
The contest Langston Hughes -quick contest is over and judged. As I indicated I wanted to reward the writers who used a basic metaphor, as in the poem "Dreams" by Langston Hughes, as a result the judging did not simply pick the judges favored artistic selections; but looked to the use of basic or express metaphor. So there were more Emerald awards than usual to reward some truly outstanding poems using imagery and other ideas.
My selections are as follows:
at the park with my mother - Gold
This was a slightly subtle phrasing of the opening metaphor but all the more powerful for it; and a message of importance to us all, who will someday care for, be, or certainly see the effects of aging, the profound effects of aging…excellent work here.
Dreams of Eagerness – Silver
a journey and the night, such food for thoughtful metaphor, so very well done and extended, the power of bold statements about the human condition done in a few small simple words…so very well done.
Conflagration – Bronze
embers , a wonderful basic metaphor here and it shows how powerful the message dcan be from the use of theses simple words, like the Hughes poem; big ideas in simple phrases.
The Wind - Emerald
a good use of the basic metaphor form, well done.
Langston Hughes Channelled Paris - Emerald
a wonderful poem, one of my favorites here, so revealing of the man and his times and the voice here is strong and insightful, knowledgeable. Excellent work.
Facing Time- Emerald
a marvel here of succinct but deeply evocative writing about the concept of time, and some profound meanings given forth, to establish the all important idea to cherish the possibilities of our moments…wonderful poetry here.
If Wind Could Whisper~ Emerald
soft and so very romantic, a wonderful wistful quality to the imagery; so expressive an exceptional writing style here.
Mourning Understanding- Emerald
very powerful words a very determined voice; strength and depth of feelings so well done here.
Inside the White - Emerald
Wonderful imagery and style here, an elegant writing with depth in the omagery and a very appealing voice, so very well done.
Dreamer of Dreams - Emerald
There was a lot to commend this poem its style, its strong statement ablout values and human behavior… well done.
Until next contest which will be another in the series of great Latin writers... please be safe and well...PK
Contest Winners
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• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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The early cloudless sky
beckons with anticipation• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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Love is a wind
that cannot be seen• Commented on by judge. [remove] - Error: Unable to find finalist item 4184123, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
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• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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• Commented on by judge. [remove]
- Error: Unable to find finalist item 4175609, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
Gold trophy winner
Silver trophy winner
Bronze trophy winner
Honorable mention
Entries [15]
1 - 15 of 15
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Your eyes searched for me I can't see you in my dreams anymore• Commented on by judge.
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They are the beating of life.
A lost dream, a broken heart.• Commented on by judge. -
A poem rises in the depths of my mindby HasiWick 8 lines, 2 comments, on May 2 3:31 AM 2008• Commented on by judge.
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• Commented on by judge.
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Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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I've always LOVED that poem by Hughes - and I have a poetry book by him. Great to see you promoting so many wonderful poets, PK
~ Nicolette
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If i could i would, maybe I can and will...
You have excellent choices of contests prompts!
If I find a metaphor to soft skin I'll be joining this contest of yours
v -
TY for a great contest and for HM...The poem was so very inspiring...
Congrats to all !
Lynda
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congrats to all the winners
...and PK...thanks so much for the inspiration & the gold
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To
all the winners congrats, and PK once again thank you for a fine contest. Frans
Ps
I enjoyed your poem too! -
Thanks, guy, for hosting another great contest. YOu had so many wonderful writes inspired by this one! Well done.
ten
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Thank you for another inspirational contest. Although I have discovered Hughes in the past I appreciated looking at his words again. Thank you for the bronze trophy and congratulations to the other contestants. Your contests always inspire us to dig a little deeper. Peace, Liz
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Thank you ever so much for the Honorable Mention in this challenge dear poet.
Congrats to all the winners here!
Much Love Always ♥
Renee
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