"From: beardedbruce - PM
Date: 24 May 04 - 03:10 PM

btw, I would argue that the answer to the title of this thread is impossible to determine. Is the "best" poet the one with the "best" poem, the most skilled, the most productive, with the widest variety of topics, or the most popular? Perhaps it should be just "Mudcat Poem Contest".

I will stake out the love sonnet as my strong point- as for the rest, there are those here that may very well be more skillfull, or more inspired than I am. I do not think that makes them better, or worse poets than I am- just different. My Haiku are weak, and not sufficiently focused; my limericks are lame. "




"Poets, much like songwriters, singers, and other performers, seek out an audience. There is feedback, which can help to improve the performer, and raise his/her skill level. If nothing else, the performer, by hearing others, can see what CAN be done. By your standards, much of the music I hear, at open sings, workshops, and getaways would be done privately, with no audience. I, for one would not want that.

As for judging, I think I have expressed myself. I feel that CONSTRUCTIVE critism is worthwhile- my only concern is that some will use this forum to tear down without showing what might be built up. "



                Kisses are,
                 but may be classified,
                 according to intent.
                A kiss
                Upon the forehead
                 is to seal devotion:
                A light touch on eyelids
                 indicates a hope for peaceful dreams:
                On a cheek
                 shows family affection.

                A kiss upon the lips
                 has several meanings:
                One, a gentle brush of lips,
                 offers concern,
                The other, a striving of the teeth and tongues,
                 shows willingness and desire.

                To kiss the ears, the neck, or chin
                Might be to seek for trust, or just to taste the skin.

                A kiss upon the curve of breast,
                 investigation:
                That upon the nipple often a plea,
                 or hunger for attention.

                The kiss upon the stomach, back or arms
                 is to arouse sensation.

                A kiss on back of hand,
                 a greeting, or a subtle offer:
                Upon the palm, a gift of heart,
                 to be tightly held, or quickly released.

                The kissing of the fingers, or the toes,
                 shows a desire to please,
                 or to be guided onward.

                The touch of lips to thighs, and variations,
                 are preludes and will not
                 be treated in this note.

                This is a partial catalog of meaning:
                Next week, we will discuss techniques.

                                                        23/2/81