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Verse Poetry - Form or Metered

The theme of this contest is Verse Poetry, meaning that the entries should either fit a known genre of form poetry (sonnet, villanelle, blank verse, ect.) or show consciousness of rhyme and/or meter.


Note that when I say "form" I am not referring to acrostics or poems whose words are situated to make a shape. I am using form in its orthodox sense; if it has a rhyme scheme and/or metrical structure, it has "form".

These are your rules:

 

  • no extensive swearing
  • no erotica
  • no holiday-themed poetry

I want fresh material; I will not be allowing pre-writes at any point.
Before this contest ends, I may invite a couple other poets to help me judge your submissions. If I do, I will place their names and a brief description of their credentials below.

  

Pertaining to my personal experience with verse poetry,  I am a published poet and a 2008 Pushcart Nominee. Several years ago I taught a Scansion class here on AP and I'm currently pursuing a degree in English at the University of South Alabama.
 
The only personal advice that I will give is this: it is vital that we don't compromise style and message for the sake of making a rhyme or fulfilling a foot count. In other words, never force it. If it means you have to recast something or cut out a stanza, it's worth it.

Contest is Over

  • Contest was judged on December 27, 2008
  • Rewards: Gold: 500
  • Final notes:
    I want to thank everyone who submitted a poem for this contest. As a whole, the quality of your entries was impressive, and it made judging this remarkably difficult.

    I did my best to be objective in my reviews. If you found my criticism in any way offensive, let me know so we can discuss it. Keep in mind that I am one opinion - if my comments aren't profitable to you, then they're probably not worth mulling over.

    I wanted to make a few post-contest shout-outs: "It Didn't Rain Again Today", "Sonnet In Time" and "Critical Acclaim" were runner-ups on my finalist sheet. Beyond those, there were several poems that I really liked including "Censure of Approval", "The City" and "Smiling Inside".

    I chose "Liebestod" as winner because I thought the poet married subject, style and creativity masterfully within the confines of a form that makes it incredibly difficult to achieve.

Contest Winners

  1. Liebestod
    I hear you whisper, “Love is fleeting,”
    between each desperate breath you take.
    by BlueNote27 25 lines, 1 comment, on Dec 23 2:57 PM 2008. In love, villanelle, contest
    Gold trophy winner
    • Commented on by judge. [remove]
  2. At the Confluence, On a Windy Day
    by florida marlin 14 lines, 10 comments, on Dec 13 12:57 PM 2008. In Thoughts, Nature, Life
    Silver trophy winner
    • Commented on by judge. [remove]

Entries [17]

1 - 17 of 17

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Comments

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  • Frodofan silver member
    December 12, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    There should be more contests like this. Bookmarking.


  • Matt Holck
    December 13, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    In other words, never force it. If it means you have to recast something or cut out a stanza, it's worth it.

    I'm trying to piece an epic together
    some parts are forced through
    like water pushes its way down the hill
    of a man finds his way when there is no path


  • Matt Holck
    December 13, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    I am not referring to acrostics

    I first read acoustic

    and thought "oh no, not again"

  • ecrivain01
    December 24, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    If I get ...

    to feeling better, I might write something for this. I'll have a lot of time free on Christmas Day so I probably will give it a shot.

    Happy Holidays.


  • Mythtress
    December 27, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Very good. Thanks for running a good contest Corey, and congratulations to the winners. Thank you for the shout out.

    Blessings,
    Myth

1 - 5 of 5