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BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest
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Subject: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Blackcatter Date: 24 May 04 - 12:24 PM OK, the idea is: If you're a poet - post your poems here. At some point, we might chose an (un)official Poet Laureate of the Mudcat. No rules unless someone can think of some. I'd suggest that this is for non-songs,but hey - it's the Mudcat - make up your own flippin' rules. And since I consider myself a junior Mudcatter (albeit one who's been here for nearly 5 years) I hope the Elders will eventually help to figure out how to judge the contest. Let the poetry slam begin! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 24 May 04 - 12:25 PM Blackcatter: Have you looked at the material already gathered in the Mudcatter POetry Corner thread? A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Blackcatter Date: 24 May 04 - 12:26 PM Yes - just thought a thread like this might be interesting. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 24 May 04 - 12:30 PM Where is this Mudcat Poetry Corner? I tried putting it into "search" but nothing came up. Am I doing something wrong?..xx..e |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 24 May 04 - 12:30 PM Okay then. Consider all the material on the above thread as entries. Except those posts which are not poems, and those posts posted by those who are not actually poets (so we stay within the guidelines of this thread). Hmmmm... A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 24 May 04 - 12:34 PM Amos, help me out here, where IS THE MUDCAT POETRY CORNER?..xx..e |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 24 May 04 - 12:35 PM Whoops! It's just been refreshed up on the top Forum...thank you!..xx..e |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 24 May 04 - 12:37 PM Sorry. I though I had made a link above but I goofed it: Mudcat Poetry Corner (http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=56732&messages=152) A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 24 May 04 - 12:39 PM Thanks Amos, now to find time to read all 154 postings, not including all the goodies left by bearded bruce (and freda, among others) over on the Someone has to be the Last thread! Blackcatter, what have you done??..xx..e |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 24 May 04 - 12:41 PM Sorry, 153. I have to do all my postings now, because I won't have time from now on ;-D |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 24 May 04 - 12:44 PM Ya know, Shakespeare wrote 154 Sonnets.... Just procrastinating now that I've seen how many poems I'm going to be reading... ..xx..e |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 24 May 04 - 01:01 PM And logically, probably _some_ of those sonnets were better than some of the poems on the Mudcat... A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 01:14 PM Ellenploy: I have 913 sonnets so far... 38 ballads, and a few hundred other poems. No plays, though... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 24 May 04 - 01:15 PM I have no interest in being Poet Laureate of The Mudcat Cafe. I have already been named "Poet Lariat of Mississippi" by His Majesty Khing khandu of Mississippi and that is such an honor that being Poet Laureate of The Mudcat Cafe pales into nothingness by comparison. It's sorta like comparing a hangnail with being hit in the head with a sixteen-pound sledge hammer. What that comparison has to do with the subject of this thread, I have no idea, but at least it doesn't have anything to do with cat farts. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 24 May 04 - 01:18 PM BWL: I don't think you are eligible, mate, so no worries!! :>) A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 01:24 PM Ballad of Gems (3) Would I had means to give muse bright Tokens of my desire: Diamonds to sparkle from the light That all of dreams inspire. I would send pearls, as smooth as dream, To rest upon her skin. Not quite a kiss to heart redeem, But touch to hopes begin. She feeds my dreams with her replies: My dreams would to muse send Emeralds, jealous of her eyes, To lesser beauties lend. Her lips arouse passions: I'd choose To give a gem of heat: Ruby, to blush beside my muse, And brighter fires meet. I cannot dreams of muse deny: I wish that I could give Sapphires to look as stars in sky That muse midst heaven live. I offer muse my heart, and hands To ease all of her aches. Not that she any gift demands, But for desires' sakes. 12 June 2003 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 01:52 PM Triolet III I do not love you for your beauty, though You are more beautiful than I can say With words and from this distance. But, to show I do not love you for your beauty, though I love you, is beyond my verse. You know How much I care: Shall I at distance stay? I do not love you for your beauty, though You are more beautiful than I can say. 2/5/81 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 01:52 PM I wish I was your seatbelt around your hips, to hold you, safe, from sudden stops. I'd keep you within my arms until, depressed, I release. 1/7/80 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 01:53 PM Ingestion of a Toxic Substance I swallow lines, chewing words into letters. I choke on a comma, and vomit out a poem. 29/3/78 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 01:58 PM To My Coy Penpal Had I but stamps enough, and wit, This coyness, woman, were not shit. I would perhaps then wish to write And of my simple dreams make light. You in your books might seek to find Some gem-like phrase; I'd let my mind Wander to subtle quotes. I'd try To find some verse to virtue ply; And you could, if you wish, require An epic poem to light your fire. This High Poetic love would grow, Stanza by stanza, to skill show. A hundred lines should serve to lend A likeness of your face; I'd send Two hundred to adore each tit, And thousands more, to show my wit. An ode to least to every part: Perhaps a sonnet for your heart. For, woman, you deserve no less, Nor would I shorter verses bless. But at my pen I often see The cost of postage's rising fee: And all I'll send will be one page - A verse or two to set a stage For fond farewells. You will alone Seek out the verse, now cold as stone, That I once thought. Then worms shall taste The letters Post has often raced. Your green-inked words will turn to dust; And into scrapbooks, all my lust. A poem's a fine and fancy thing, But does not quite reveal love's sting. Now therefore, while the chance remains To meet again without the pains, And while our letters can still find Each of us without other binds, Now let us think that we might play With more than words, at least today: Rather than wait until the years Have chewed us up with all our fears, Let us now risk an evening's time Without the bother of this rhyme, And see if what we each desire Might match, and thus our pens retire. Thus though we cannot make our mail Show thought, yet we can souls empale. 27/2/78 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 02:04 PM Cinquain X My love, I still can smell Strawberry scented hair Even after you have left me To dream. 13 April 77 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 02:06 PM VILLANNELLE I do not have the heart to this love lend, For what would be a moment: not, to fade, For even you, my distant green-eyed friend. I am too set upon my ways to bend, Even to save my soul. I am afraid I do not have the heart to this love lend. There is something wrong, that I must defend The reasons I am so, my dreams unplayed, For even you, my distant green-eyed friend. When we first met, then I did not intend To sink so deep into your eyes of jade: I do not have the heart to this love lend. I do not now desire to this love rend To shreds of dream, but will not soul abrade For even you, my distant green-eyed friend. The time is past that you might comprehend, But I must still try, as then, to persuade: I do not have the heart to this love lend For even you, my distant green-eyed friend. BALLADE 1 Feb 77 This iced, bitter night finds me Alone, with but my books to sate Desire. Yet now, amid debris Of shattered dreams, no words sedate These saddened thoughts, to educate My mind to this, this silken blow. What brought me to this present state? My love, why do you haunt me so? I look out at the world, and see Only the clouds; no stars await My vision: No moon, to agree, Or to with inner thoughts debate, Is in my heaven. Is this fate, To only lonely sorrow show? Are visions what I must create? My love, why do you haunt me so? You are now far too far to be Even a shadow of that state That lured me to you. Yet my plea Is but attempt to supplicate That shadow in my mind. How great The power your eyes hold: The glow. In memory controls my fate. My love, why do you haunt me so? I do not know long I'll wait Before I'll understand and know, The cause of my sorrow, of late. My love, why do you haunt me so? RONDEAU The moon is full tonight, but I can Can feel no warmth. Some poets ply These images, but I am far Too tied in my own thoughts to mar My misery with dreams. To cry Out for lost love, or even sigh, Is much expected, but eyes dry Are safer when, to my soul char, The moon is full. This evening my thoughts are awry, As are my dreams - I now rely On what reality would bar From even vision. Will this scar Last forever? Yet, to my eye The moon is full. 2 Feb 77 ODE III Do not think that you've lost my love, Since I've not seen you for a year: I love you still, though the time past Has claimed its toll of me, and of My dreams. But I must make it clear, My love, that, though this love will last, I do not think that I could see your eyes And not, from the past year, know my heart cries. I dream about you, love, too much To think about you clearly, or To realize just how dead these dreams Became in daylight's glare. Could such Mists last the night? Would such a store Of memory survive Life's schemes? E'en dreams are not enough to quench the fire Of my desire, or even words inspire. Let me dream on, though: Dreams remain Long after Hope has turned to ash. Rather the corpse of that past joy Than nothing. I should best disdain The thought of seeing you, to gash My wound so, but with such I toy. If I should see you, though and touch your lips, How long before that moment, too, would slip? 13 March 77 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 02:08 PM I died last Saturday: Words pierced my soul at five-forty-two: My heart stopped beating; voice ceased. I slipped into a stupor and then into death. By nine-twenty -eight rigor mortis had set in. 28 June 76 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 02:09 PM Son coeur est un luth suspendu; Sitot qu'n le touch il resonne. De Beranger And you have touched my heart, dear Star; your glow Enough to light the gloom that I once knew, Your smile within your sparkling eyes, they show Reason enough for these words. I have few Reasons, now, to speak of my thoughts. Yet you Have freed my words, given me hope, and so I think of you and hope that you will find Reason to think of me, within your mind. Perhaps I love you: how can one be sure Of that? Would this image of you remain Before me, if your touch were not the cure That I have sought, to help to ease the pain Of past emotions? How can I refrain From thoughts as these? Without, my dreams are poor. I do not mean to ask, nor would I say That you should feel towards me the self-same way. Yet if you did find thoughts as these could mean More than mere words, my joy would know no end. To hold you in my arms remains a dream: Do such dreams harm my cause? Do they offend, These honest thoughts I write? Will you then send Some answer to these questions? Would I seem To ask too much for that? My heart controls My pen: Yet your words would my thoughts console. How can I tell you how I feel, tonight, With you so far? I could prize our friendship No bit more if you were within my sight: Yet perhaps I could then let these words slip, And show my thoughts. Now, only the bare tip Of my dreams show. Is that concealment right? Can these lines bare my soul? I think not, yet I would not this small chance ever forget. 16/8/76 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 02:10 PM I cannot feel another's thoughts, unless they're dopplered down away from blue from green from yellow, down to deeper, weaker lambdas. I only feel the longer wavelengths of emotion; deep in the red, where warmth leaks out of radiation, 6220 angstroms, or so, and more. I see only what rushes away. 1/3/76 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 24 May 04 - 02:13 PM Do you get points for volubility? A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 02:15 PM Any other forms required to qualify? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,tang the orangutan Date: 24 May 04 - 02:22 PM Fleas black hopping biting sucking my blood itching my skull picking them from my head popping them in my mouth providing me with sustenance cleaning my red haired bride eating her lovely blood fattened fleas a supper fit for kings tang the orangutan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: George Papavgeris Date: 24 May 04 - 02:24 PM Blimey - that's serious stuff! But anyway, here's one poem what I wrote. It's at least topical, being related to the 2004 Olympics in Athens: Athens 2004 George Papavgeris, July 2001 The Greeks are known far and wide as people that are full of pride And also given to good wine, as well as food and groping; But now all that we will forego, for in 2000 and 4 To people from around the world our doors we will throw open. The Olympics are for everyone, all races, creeds and nations come, Bolivians, Germans, Russian, French, Indians and Esthonians. We're open-minded and fair, all nations this event may share Although we hope no-one will dare invite the Macedonians. We know that some athletes take drugs as pills and syrups, even jabs And they will try all sorts of tricks to enhance their own performance, But Greeks will have no need of that, our boys will train and give up fags (NB "cigarettes" in the UK!) And we'll sing our lads to victory, we won't depend on hormones. So our National Anthem for to sing, to make the Olympic Stadium ring, You might well see us practicing with yodels and with gargles; Don't worry, it's not another anti- -NATO demonstration, but You might be excused for thinking that we lost our Elgin Marbles. Now, in the Marathon you know, we were the first there, long ago, Anyone else who thinks to take the gold, is just myopic. The Bounty of Marathon is ours, Maltesers, Galaxy and Mars; Our boys won't Flake, we'll also take all Yorkies, Twix and Topics. As for the rest of the events, we'll not be greedy, we are gents, We 'll have plenty of chance to show our calibre as losers. Our lads will eat and drink the night away, and all will fear the sight Of our weightlifting team led at the head by Demis Roussos. To the occasion we will rise, though it's true that we're disorganised And it's well known that we have had problems with preparations; Our brand new airport's now complete, but try our bus queues in the heat, And our famous taxi drivers' speed will give you palpitations. It's true that we have more church bells than guest rooms in our few hotels, Though that's not counting the ones we rent out by the hour; Our hospitality's well known, our home will simply be your home; That's if you have the dollars, or you're in for a cold shower. It's true that in the midday sun the Olympic Stadium is no fun And Athens air in summertime can be full of pollution. But me and some good friends of mine discussed this over a case of wine And we have come up with a smart and elegant solution: We'll make a deal with all airlines to fill up all returning flights To take the Greeks to cooler climes, where summer is no bother, And we will leave the Athens sun to all the tourists – do have fun, Just leave the keys under the mat and tell us when it's over. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 02:29 PM I will NOT repeat my Sonnet Redouble here.... ( send cash donations of thanks to the FSGW Getaway) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Nigel Parsons Date: 24 May 04 - 02:36 PM A Haiku: Martians came to Earth In Merc'ry powered rockets Fuelled from Hg Wells! A Limerick: Bill Shatner wrote all of "Tek War", So he claims, although I'm not too sure. Reviews I've seen posted Suggest it was 'ghosted' But watch out for that damn libel law! Nigel |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 02:41 PM Good Haiku! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Peace Date: 24 May 04 - 02:46 PM Hep? Yep! Dope? Nope! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 02:48 PM Monometers Itty Bitty Pretty Kitty. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 02:49 PM Dimeters To dream, to touch, To seek too much: To ask for more Than words call for. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce 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. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: freda underhill Date: 24 May 04 - 03:11 PM I nominate Micca. his poetry is brilliant. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,tang the orangutan Date: 24 May 04 - 03:23 PM On Contemplation of Sex in the Jungle She sits there licking fleas and lice From the reddish brown hair of my thigh Her black face chomping the insects Swallowing She gets up, her lips smacking With the tastiness of her feast I toss her down and jump aboard Thrusting myself inside her As she screams and sighs and moans Animal lust ripping through our organs With each wild thrust And then I am done. TTO |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Dave the Gnome Date: 24 May 04 - 03:27 PM I tried to write a poem to the Mudcat, a good verse but everything I writted just got worse and worse I tried to mention music and of politics very little but someone took my ode over and because they couldn't make it rhyme they started to go on and on about Iran and Bush and Blair and then someone said that guests have got to go and that Hull was rubbish and there was a plot to assisinate Max and Joe was power mad and the Mudcat was terirble and... Arrrgggghhhh! Cheers DtG |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 24 May 04 - 03:32 PM Mercury from Hg Wells?? That is ATROCIOUS!!!!! A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 24 May 04 - 03:57 PM Actually, I don't know if there's anyway to make an adjudication; there is an awful lot of stuff out there that might pass structurally but be of little value cognitively, to use the term loosely, and even more stuff out there that might have some sort of cultural value cognitively while being a ocmplete mess structurally. Even unstructured poetry has rules, sometimes explicit and sometimes tacit. There is a discipline to it that gets trampled in the rush to print (believe me, I have been there). All this makes it really hard to pass judgement anonymously and harder to do so overtly. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 03:58 PM hmmm... we get oil from oil wells, water from water wells, treacle from treacle wells..... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 24 May 04 - 04:07 PM And ink from ink wells, and mercury from Hg Wells, exactly. But if that is the level of aesthetic sensibility we're gonna be about, the thread is misnamed... A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 04:12 PM ok, how about "Mudcat's Beast Poet Contest"? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 24 May 04 - 04:33 PM LOL!! A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 24 May 04 - 04:41 PM btw, what do we get from ne'er-do-wells? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Donuel Date: 24 May 04 - 04:50 PM What ever gets done or created are in the cracks of my life the little spaces in between the waves of epiphany and anguish. Someplace where a root can take hold or seedling sprout. Conceiving a child finding a treasure thinking the master piece being lucky beyond my measure. These things are from a space so small as to be another dimension. That is where I live. Against the grain of spacetime and in between everything else I am told is important. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Micca Date: 24 May 04 - 06:18 PM For those who have ever been "divorced" SHIPS THAT PASS In the night that has lasted years the ships we are pass The ripples you make shift and change my life create adjustments corrections of course and having rocked the boat they pass At dawn on the empty sea I watch the sun rise. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,tang the orangutan Date: 24 May 04 - 07:12 PM The Unscratchable Itch White and brown lice Black blood soaked fleas Hold arms together and dance They dance in the jungle Of hairs upon my back Where my long lanky arms Cannot reachI yearn to reach out to them Scratch them from my body Toss them into my gaping maw And chew, protien from their crunchy flesh But alas I cannot reach I cannot reach them as I itch Driving me mad with irritation As I rub my back against the tree Rubbing myself bloody Stroking myself raw. tang the orangutan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amergin Date: 24 May 04 - 07:16 PM Here Take My Heart Here take my heart Cold and empty as it is Because you are not beside me Gracing me with your glowing smile Your hand grasped in mine Shining eyes moist with your love Here take my heart Filled with the pain and hurt Of our seperation Parted by endless miles Of roving ocean But parted only in body Here take my heart And clasp it gently in your arms For it is yours To do with it what you will Smash it, shatter it, break it Caress it, love it, treasure it Here take my heart Scarred by past hurts Made beautiful by your love Alone, Here take my heart For you have my soul And soon my life as well Just as it should be Forever. nt |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Peace Date: 24 May 04 - 07:25 PM Helluva lotta good poets around the 'cat. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Bill D Date: 24 May 04 - 07:40 PM The Chicken Tree "This is the chicken tree, Where the chickens like to be." Bill D- age 6 my first poem |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST Date: 24 May 04 - 07:45 PM Roses are red Violets are blue Harlowpoet Is better than any of you Sorry chaps |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Bill D Date: 24 May 04 - 07:46 PM Herons. Sunset. Withered Aster. Premonitions of disaster. Dark clouds racing. Anguished moon, Trying not to rise too soon. Last geese flying. Leafless tree. Again, November has to be. Bill D -- age 17 or so ...so, now it is obvious why I went into Philosophy and woodworking. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Blackcatter Date: 24 May 04 - 08:32 PM I didn't know exactly why I started this thread but I left if for 7 ours and we've had 54 posts and tons of poetry. That's a good enough reason for me. Like much of what I do - the thread is an exploration and an experimentation - I chose the title to be provocative, considering I was think of the topic of it being a search for a poet laureate - a concept that may have little to do with the "best" poet or poetry. Like those laureats of the U.S. and England - the Laureat of the Mudcat may be called upon to compose works for official occasions So while you keep the poetry coming how about a discussion of what a poet laureate is or means. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Jack the Sailor Date: 24 May 04 - 10:29 PM Mudcat's Best Poet Contest Quality in poems can be so elusive Some are succinct and some effusive Adjudication would be inconclusive And the losers may become abusive Pardon me if I seem intrusive The idea is as practical as a Crazy Glue sieve |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ebbie Date: 24 May 04 - 10:49 PM 'crazy glue sieve'- Marvelous! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amergin Date: 24 May 04 - 11:33 PM I think it should be Tang the Orangutan...pure genius to write about such things like eating lice and fleas... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Thomas the Rhymer Date: 24 May 04 - 11:45 PM All who have posted here in prose or in verse Are winners by virtue of talents disclosed But please do not choose of a better nor worse Appreciate each as a vision reposed On a cloud o'er a patchwork of fences high That keep out the kept out for reasonings dim But clouds suspend skylines with horizons to try All you who see new lands I wait for your whim Eager am I to delight in subjectives Confusing them not with tyrant's objectives ttr |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Jack the Sailor Date: 25 May 04 - 12:07 AM A Mudcat Poet Laureate? Cause he talks about the fleas he e't I like his poems a lot but I think... not |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: dianavan Date: 25 May 04 - 12:22 AM Do you accept angry poems with a political statement? Something tells me if I want to be a winner, I have to write about love or nature or something beautiful. I'm looking through some of my old stuff to see if there is anything appropriate for this thread. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Metchosin Date: 25 May 04 - 12:38 AM As a Canadian Inuit poet explained to the Danish explorer Rasmussen over a hundred years ago, "Songs are thoughts, sung out when people are moved by great forces, and ordinary speech no longer suffices". And so it is for good poetry, that which "begins as a lump in the throat, a sense of wrong, a homesickness, a lovesickness" and is written for human - not academic - consumption. It is a rare talent that can make the subject "glow like coloured glass in a black and white world", as was Al Purdy's stated aim. copyright: Rosella Melanson, First published in the New Brunswick Telegraph Journal April 2001. That said: Why the hell should poetry be turned into some sort of contest? Seems to me some people could turn taking a shit into a competition....good grief! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 25 May 04 - 12:49 AM Smartly put, Mets. Making a poetry contest is an interesting but self-contradictory impulse. I.e., true poetry does not contest, and that which contests is surely one step short of true poetry. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Metchosin Date: 25 May 04 - 01:15 AM my apologies for being a bit harsh, but lately my exasperation over a lot of things in this world is sometimes hard to contain. It seems a shame to me that some gems from the tenderist of egos would not see the light of day if poetry was to be viewed as a contest. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,tang the orangutan Date: 25 May 04 - 01:27 AM Ode To Lice White and brown Crawling on many legs In the reddish brown jungle Of my body hair Communing with the fleas Creating itches everywhere Food for my empty belly You crawl around me Hiding amongst the mats Of my soft long hair Sucking my blood Feeding your young As I hunt for you To eat you A vicious circle. TTO |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Blackcatter Date: 25 May 04 - 01:45 AM Metchosin, Fair enough - My intention was to do some exploring and I chose the title to the thread. I am fully aware that: 1) I could be wrong. 2) I'm probably wrong. 3) People will tell my i'm wrong. 4) They could be wrong. 5) The Mudcat community will decide what's wrong and right. 6) Whether I'm right or wrong - at least there's more poetry on the Mudcat today than yesterday and that's a GOOD THING! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Metchosin Date: 25 May 04 - 01:50 AM yes, it is. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amergin Date: 25 May 04 - 01:51 AM Especially with such talents as Tang the Orangutan in full bloom. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Blackcatter Date: 25 May 04 - 02:23 AM A bloomin' orangutan? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 25 May 04 - 04:04 AM "I wish I was your seatbelt"... Beardedbruce, I adored this one! Then again, I have a better sense of humour than a sense of great poetry, I'm afraid. Still rootin' for ya..xx..e |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 08:06 AM Thanks. Not sure I would be a good PL, as I write when the Muse strikes me. Might be hard for me to fulfill the duties of writing, say, a verse to MOAB. NOT that it is not worthy of verse, just that I would not be inspired. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 08:19 AM Metchosin: I agree. Tang : You have that form pretty much under control- but can you write any other? GUEST : "Date: 24 May 04 - 07:45 PM Roses are red Violets are blue Harlowpoet Is better than any of you: PLEASE! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 08:33 AM dianavan: ALL poems are acceptable. I will attempt to only make comments on their poetic structure, not comment. A good critic does not have to agree with the content of a poem to like it, and see where it works. I have posted some sonnets with content that I am sure that people do not agree with. That is fine: I ask only that verse be judged by its quality, not by opinions of content. As for Tang, if he has heart-felt feelings about fleas, he should write about them. Poetry should reflect the thoughts, desires, and dreams of the poet.... Sonnet 24/01/02 DCL A sonnet is a frozen tear, a kiss, Preserved in fourteen lines. It is a pearl Of layered thought, a gem too bright to miss When set on page: One blossom, to unfurl To perfect flower. As amber, sealed soul In timeless tomb, it can show time long past, Or hold this instant in it's grasp. The whole Of heart upon one single page, to last Beyond even our dreams, it seems a sip, Distilled to essence. Refined within mind, Lines sing sweet song, and rhymes in patterns slip, To weave image that leaves mere vision blind. A single chord, to resound in one's heart: Echo of past that might our future start. Each form has it's own focus- but poetry is something expressed in the best way that the poet can find within him/herself. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 08:38 AM sorry, hit return before proofing... I will attempt to only make comments on their poetic structure, not on the content. Any judgements will be on how well you say something, not what you say. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 08:46 AM Sonnet 30/01/03 DCCLXXXIV Hope lost, and vision blind, I seek for end To my desire. Why do I dream, in dark And silence? I don't know reason to send All to this absence, where soul leaves no mark. I long for past, when words would have smile earned, Though memories offer dust: How can I think That I would rest, to have her feelings learned? What hope had I to ever two hearts link? I fear this future, without touch or sight, Too cold to allow rest. I'll not regret Past hopes, though perhaps know I have no right To dream illusions real, when we've not met. Yet, though I cannot dreams, nor feelings, share, Soul smiles, knowing that heart will always care. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 08:47 AM Sonnet 24/01/03 DCCLXXXII I weep, but my tears freeze: I hear them break, Shattered to dust. What can I do, to mourn All I have lost? Ashes and sackcloth make Small change in my attire, and all is torn. What flowers might I bring, to past dream's grave? It does not matter: Just clay is at hand. All blows away- I cannot even save Memories from chill wind, nor frost withstand. Winter has truly come: My heart feels chill, Beyond the touch of fire. Hope has no place Of refuge, nor can desires linger still: Only despair alone can season face. Numb with the cold, fingers struggle to write: In truth, the color of death may be white. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 08:51 AM onnet 10/03/02 DCLXVI The stars were hidden by clouds, and the rains Fell in an endless stream. Detail hidden By those curtains, the dark shadows deepen, Emptiness filling all, yet all remains. Mirrors in these pools lie shattered, and show No light, or image. Each drop scattered sight, Hiding even darkness in the wet night. From sky, to ground, to sea, the waters flow: A cycle, to reign over all. And down From heaven, to wash clean both air and stream.. The darkness still remains, as in some dream: How could I hope that night would sorrows drown? The sun peeked out, and rainbow formed with day, The water flowing rapidly away. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 25 May 04 - 09:06 AM Well, and fine -- but why judge the thing at all, then? Structure is the silent skeleton, but the best structure does little to disguise or improve meretricious insight, over-dependance on clichés, or jejeune emotive content. In both these threads (this one and the earlier Poetry Corner) there has been plenty of all three, as well as havoc in form. Tell ya what -- I submit that coaching those who wish it would be a fine service, done privately. Public judging of amateur productions is a form of reciprocal sadism. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Blackcatter Date: 25 May 04 - 09:15 AM I'm not saying you're wrong Amos - because to some extent I agree, but note that if we were to eliminate the public judging of poetry (and by extrapolation, song lyrics) a great deal of what happens above the line here would be gone. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 09:27 AM Amos: All true, BUT... 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. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 25 May 04 - 09:53 AM Well, foine, boys, fill yourselves up and enjoy. I have seen lots of quantity, and it doesn't goose me worth a shit 90% of the time. So I had best butt out. I have seen two poems on this site by Lonesome EJ that are a whole lap beyond any others that have been posted. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amergin Date: 25 May 04 - 09:56 AM Come on, amos...we know that you're a closet McGonagall fan.... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 25 May 04 - 11:19 AM Ah, that explains a great deal, Amergin. Amazing what a little artful slander can do to a communication line. So now I understand, given that I am a fan of such stuff as McGonagall dreams up I have to live out the karma, even though it is based on fiction, by perusing shlock? Dear Gawd, maybe its even true!! :>)) A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 11:25 AM No-one MAKES you read this stuff.... We are all here by our own choice. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 11:40 AM Sonnet 22/04/01 DXLI Perhaps I ask that you give, not my verse. But whispers, that my heart can turn, enfold Within my mind, and place on page: A terse Few words might feed my dreams and heart. As cold As lonely nights, the silence in my dreams Should have no place in Spring, but I can hear No soft words to show vision. Though time seems To pass, I live in Past, with no one near. I do not ask that you give heart, but share Some part of dreams, and desires: I might find The visions that I seek. You need not care, Though I might hope to know more of your mind. I search for muse: Are you the one I seek? Can I hope that your words will visions speak? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 25 May 04 - 11:41 AM Oh, no bb...don't you see? It's a karmic force! How can I escape it? Maybe by writing shallow poems in fine form until I have burned off my karmic debt. Obviously I have spent lifetimes committing sins against shlock, and must repay the Great Wheel for the error of resisting the inevitable, ineluctyable, overwhelming average of illusions. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 11:43 AM Ellenpoly: here you are... Sonnet 09/05/01 DXLVIII I read your words, and my dreams try to feel The coolness of soft silk, and warmth of skin: I would reach out, and with sweet kisses seal My heart, that I might heart's desire win. As soft, and subtle scented as a rose, But without thorns, you pull me to your soul. I touch, with lips and tongue, yet hope heart knows How much these dreams can of my hopes take toll. I reach to touch you, but words do not hold The softness of your lips, nor feel of hair. How can I taste skin, or let fingers fold With yours, when only written words we share? Would you, then, drive me crazy with desire When distance and some years prevent love's fire? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 11:49 AM Amos: I will have to leave your karmic debt to you. Sturgeon's Revelation: 90% of everything is crud. This leaves 10%. BUT 90% of that 10% is crud. This leaves 1%. BUT 90% of that 1% is crud. ad infinitum... But to quote from Firesign Theater: "Why, this is a bag of shit! " "But it's really GREAT shit." |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,amergin Date: 25 May 04 - 12:30 PM LOL @ Amos! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 12:51 PM Life is like a vintage wine in cask, Waiting to be opened, a pleasant task. And yet, if long has passed, it may have soured. "Life is like a cracker; step on it and it flours." |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 12:53 PM A second cousin, descended from the great: So common, jostled, jumbled in a crowd of others. A glimpse of light, and then isolation in the dark ( with others, but alone.). Again, a flash of light, and someone else. His despair deepens. At last, separated from the rest in a burst of flame, silent, but for a hiss of burnt desires, he dies. Such joy in death. The life of a match. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 12:55 PM TRANSLATION A fire, extinquished. Only a pile of ashes remain, Where once a flame lived. You have, my friend, changed that enormous pine giver of summer-shade Into a mound of dust. It was so tall, higher than roof or tower; If I could fold it up it would not fit into the garret chest nor elsewhere. You see what now remains of that: this dust. I am so small, so thin: What dust remains after I die? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 25 May 04 - 12:57 PM BB: I will have to leave your karmic debt to you. Well sure...but there's no sense pretending it is some magnaminious choice on your part!! :>)) A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 01:04 PM Sorry if it came out that way. I did not mean to imply that. I have my own karmic burden to live with: EACH of us need to deal with our own. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 25 May 04 - 01:38 PM Ah...thanks...I didn't think you really meant to imply that, but there's a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that makes me want to tease ya. Sorry. I am glad to hear that each of us need to deal with our own karma. I was afraid there was a judging panel out there somewhere!! *bg* A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 01:47 PM I am afraid of that, too... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,Shlio Date: 25 May 04 - 05:03 PM Dreamin' I dreamed a castle in the sky With stained-glass windows and turrets high. Where rooms were all silver, and furniture gold, Filled with laughter from jesters and stories of old. Then I learned flesh is frail and all must die, That laughter is hard and too many cry, That gold must be toiled for but is often too little, And those who dreamt castles hide in homes and grow bitter. I still dream a castle in the sky With gaping windows and broken turrets high. Where rooms are bare and echo the tunes From a lonely soul among the ruins. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 25 May 04 - 05:07 PM I am going to go home now, and let someone else have post 100.... I could fill to it with sonnets, but I will take pity on you all. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Blackcatter Date: 25 May 04 - 08:48 PM I'll take the assist. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 26 May 04 - 10:14 AM Well, if no-one else will... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 26 May 04 - 11:18 AM Dear Beardedbruce, ......sigh..... ..xx..e |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 26 May 04 - 12:40 PM GUEST,Shlio: little/bitter and tunes/ruins are not the best of rhymes. Irregular line length, as well. But I like the 1st/last stanza progression. Not bad imagery at all. Perhaps you can work on the structure a little? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 26 May 04 - 12:53 PM Ellenpoly: Searching for the proper reply.... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 26 May 04 - 02:07 PM Sonnet 18/05/01 DLI Shall I send her a poem, with passion's power, To tell of dreams, and hope? What might bring smile To lips, and twinkle to her eyes? What style Of verse might I use, to give muse her hour? How can I capture sunset in my words, And send it as a gift? Can the night breeze Be heard in my soft whispers? Shall I seize The full moon, to light smile? Might I tempt birds To follow her, and offer song? I hold No magic, to command the stars: I send But words, though I may seek to her heart bend. How can I hope by words to hope enfold? Half of my heart may be forever dead, Yet how can I leave emotion unsaid? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 26 May 04 - 02:18 PM A good start... A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 26 May 04 - 02:22 PM be careful, I might post again... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 26 May 04 - 03:25 PM Sorry -- that's just blackmail, the shoddiest form of persuasion. I don't buy it. Especially in connection with something presuming to call itself poetry. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 26 May 04 - 03:32 PM I was being humorous... sorry. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 26 May 04 - 03:37 PM Oh, I am sorry. I missed it. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST Date: 26 May 04 - 03:47 PM feet baking on the summer sidewalks stomping down the baking concrete ignoring glistening diamonds of broken glass rage pressed into his back the weight of cold iron pricking his skin veins inflating, face reddening as the screams sit silent in his throat banging against the barriers of his will blood splattering drying in the sun painting his footprints with each steps as he treads on with no destination ambling, mindless in his anger of his surroundings, of his direction fixated on the kernel of events playing back in his mind as he stalks on his destructive path nt |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Kim C Date: 26 May 04 - 04:08 PM Ode on the Death of a Favorite Kitchen Appliance. O! George Foreman grill, how I shall miss thee! If thou wert human, I might have kissed thee, For preparing my meals most nearly grease-free, My chicken, my burgers, and sausage, most especially. Thou hast been my companion these last few years, Thy praises I've sung to all of my peers I've told everyone both far and near, How much I loved thee, my grill so dear. But I've plugged in the plug, and thy light doesn't light, I cannot revive thee, try as I might. O! Curse this horrible, terrible blight – Lamentable day! Inconsolable night! Dear George Foreman grill, how I shall miss thee! If thou wert human, I might have kissed thee. But I refuse to be daunted so easily – One trip to Target will surely replace thee. Summer 2003 (Mama bought me a new one for my birthday.) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Kim C Date: 26 May 04 - 04:11 PM The Virtues of Pie. Pie are square, a noble man Once cleverly opined – But I don't see how that can be As pies always look round to me. Behold the cobbler! Bubbly and hot, Baking in its juice – Usually made in a pan that's square Or otherwise retangulaire. Pie are round, cornbread are square, Or so I've heard it said; Although, cornbread may oft be found To have been baked in a pan that's round. Pie are square! Still they insist, And so on til infinity. So round or square, what e'er your choice, Let us now the humble pie rejoice. Summer 2003 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Stilly River Sage Date: 26 May 04 - 04:21 PM Amos, I see what you mean. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Peace Date: 27 May 04 - 12:02 AM |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Peace Date: 27 May 04 - 12:03 AM SRS--I foud yours to be a little busy. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Peace Date: 27 May 04 - 12:04 AM Also, in case anyone's looking for this, here: n . |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST Date: 27 May 04 - 05:19 PM I racked my brains, I banged my head, To think of a poem for this thread. I have to say it does confuse me,So I'm going now all, Please excuse me! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 28 May 04 - 03:23 PM another for Ellenpoly... Sonnet 20/05/01 DLVI Might I sit by creek, under the willow, And watch evening fall? Would you sit beside Me, with arm around you? Heart is pillow That I offer, that you might hopes confide. Shall we collect salad on walk in wood, Or sweet scented branches to rest upon? Should I let my touch linger, when we should Be headed home? My dreams are hanging on. Can I look in your eyes by candlelight, And hold you in my arms? Can I place kiss On base of neck, and behind ears? What might You allow me: What might you take amiss? I seek to reach heart through my words: I fall Into my dreams, yet I wait for your call. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,tang the orangutan Date: 28 May 04 - 03:48 PM a moment in the jungle rain pouring down dripping through the leaves pounding among the brances my wives huddled together hair wet damp and smelly fleas hiding for fear of drowning in the stomping rain hot and wet stumbling in the deepening mud waiting for the sun to poke its yellow arms through the quilt of green tang the orangutan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 28 May 04 - 04:58 PM BB: What is it you have against the common articles, exactly? I find that dropping them out makes the flow of the poem sound like a stilted translation from a Scandinavian language. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: TheBigPinkLad Date: 28 May 04 - 05:19 PM Poetic licence? Amos, please adjudicate and announce a winner. Quick. Please. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 28 May 04 - 05:41 PM Although I work in VA, I do not live here, nor make a living writing poetry- so I was never required to get a Poetic License. Yes, the State of Virginia does require one.... I write verse as I am inspired to write it- If you don't like my style, feel free to not read it. Or make comments. Or tell me what a stupid person I must be for having a different view of some topic than you might. Whatever. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Blackcatter Date: 28 May 04 - 06:46 PM That's telling them! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 28 May 04 - 06:57 PM I don't recall telling you you were stupid. I certainly don't think so. But I think your poetry is only as good as it communicates. The point where your preferences reduce your communication is the point where it is no longer art, but self indulgence. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Joe_F Date: 28 May 04 - 07:20 PM We whom fear and chance deprive of dependents to deprave must take our consolation prize in foul but charitable praise of precious peers who will connive at comfort in a naked knave, whose laugh affirms what sense denies, whose love is death to yeas and nays. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 28 May 04 - 07:26 PM Art vs Self-Indulgence- Now THAT is a topic for a thread!!!!! My target audience seems to like what I write: therefore, it is successful. I do not ask for more than that. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Pogo Date: 28 May 04 - 09:56 PM *sighs too* lovely poems all ...er...I'm sure the ourangatangs and other greater apes will vote for Tang's...seeing as how they...uhm speak so movingly to them...of...eating fleas? *cough* " Oh Mamie minded Momma Till one day in Singapore A sailor-man from Turkenstan Came knocking at the door " Wish it was original. But as I like to say...How high browse thou, brown cow? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: LadyJean Date: 29 May 04 - 01:47 AM Before the first light of the morning I wrapped myself against the cold. Then I set out, early, walking, and met Orion on the road. Frosty bright before the sunrise. Silent world awaiting dawn. At my shoulder, on the hillside, Stood a hunter made of suns. That was inspired by an early morning trip to a porta potty. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 30 May 04 - 12:11 AM onnet 21/05/04 CMXIII Might I have feather from an angel's wing, To be a quill to write of heart's desires? Might I have laughter that brings touch of spring, Or smile to give the sight that hope inspires? I ask for token that you care for one Not near enough to try to touch your heart. I need a focus for my thoughts, a sun To light my dreams and show the path to art. Might I find future in the thought of eyes That look into my soul? How shall I seek To hold what so far beyond my reach lies? How can I hope to of my desires speak? Are you the one that all of my dreams hold? Should my arms hope to such a dream enfold? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: freda underhill Date: 30 May 04 - 06:32 AM beautiful, Lady Jean, beautiful. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: freda underhill Date: 30 May 04 - 06:39 AM As this is a Contest, to post here is to invite comparison, criticism. And i think the people who come and have a look, and post poetry or comment, are by nature people who are interested in poetry. Poetry is a very personal thing, as any art form is. Any criticism is tough, but that doen't mean it may not be relevant. When Boswell asked Dr Johnson, Then, Sir, what is poetry? the doctor answered, Why, Sir, it is much easier to say what it is not. We all know what light is, but it is not easy to tell what it is. freda |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 30 May 04 - 06:48 AM "As this is a Contest, to post here is to invite comparison, criticism. And i think the people who come and have a look, and post poetry or comment, are by nature people who are interested in poetry." True. but the terms of judging have never been discussed- By acclaimation, or what? "Poetry is a very personal thing, as any art form is. Any criticism is tough, but that doen't mean it may not be relevant." see my post of 25 May 04 - 09:27 AM |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: freda underhill Date: 30 May 04 - 06:54 AM well, like any art form, i think when technique overtakes theme, there's a problem. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 30 May 04 - 06:57 AM AH Amos Amos Amos! Sorry you don't enjoy beardedbruce's poetry. Fortunately, I enjoy it enough for the both of us! And like a true groupie, beardedbruce, I'm now checking all the threads where I think you might be posting them. I stated before that I have little to attest to being able to pick the best poet but only that I continue to enjoy what I've read. I can appreciate Orang's very original poems, but they certainly don't make me sigh...and I do like sighing..xx..e |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 30 May 04 - 06:57 AM Ah, but theme without technique is as much a problem. my post of 25 May 04 - 08:33 AM ... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 30 May 04 - 07:00 AM Ellenpoly- I put a link to a site in a thread, with some number of my sonnets, and all my ballads. Have fun, when you find it... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 30 May 04 - 07:13 AM ok, probably best not to bring that thread back to the top... Ellenpoly: site with some of BeardedBruce's poems |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 31 May 04 - 05:38 AM Well thank you so much, beardedbruce! Nice website, by the by..xx..e |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 31 May 04 - 07:35 AM Well, I think so... 8-{E But my muse is about 7 sonnets behind in updating the site- too much work. Seems like a common complaint these days: Those with jobs do the work of several people, and lots of unemployment. I would think that there might be a way to correct that... Ellenpoly: Coming to the Getaway? Perhaps I would write you a sonnet or two... Poetry is Only the Evolution of Thoughts, Reading , in these words Your own. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 31 May 04 - 09:14 AM BB: I got confused between you and Rebecca -- is she an alter-identity of yours, or another person altogether? A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 31 May 04 - 09:26 AM another person- my present muse... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 31 May 04 - 09:39 AM Well, that allays my fears on one topic, anyway. By the way, BB, there are a number of free poetry contests being touted at the links at the bottom of this thread. Why not choose a couple of stellar examples of your mellifluous maunderings to send in? A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 31 May 04 - 09:49 AM Some I have. But they don't like love poetry much. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 31 May 04 - 10:26 AM Ah. I wonder why. Too subjective for their taste? Or maybe they feel its been done to death, I guess, like in that Monkees song. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 31 May 04 - 10:37 AM Beardedbruce, the Getaway will have to do without me. I'm not planning any trips to the US until they throw me out of the UK. I guess you're just stuck with writing on this website, or your own, and I'm stuck with being your long-distance groupie!..xx..e |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 31 May 04 - 01:24 PM Ah well... 8-{E |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 02 Jun 04 - 05:26 PM Hey! This thread needs more than a week. Something like this requires a consesus- I have this starnge feeling that there might be those out there who feel my qualifications are not adaquate. Besides, Tang needs to give us more examples |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 02 Jun 04 - 05:49 PM Well, so far you have won on the issue of sheer volume. I wouldn't vote for any best poet amongst those entering here, though. For one thing, the real quality poets in these parts are people like PeterT and Lonesome EJ who aren't around beating on their own drums. For another thing, I personally find the notion of a "best poet contest" meretricious and untruthful, and would prefer to see the idea put away. It serves no real purpose and provides no real answer. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 02 Jun 04 - 07:05 PM Hey, I should get some points for overall skill- I have demonstrated far more lyrical forms than anyone else here. But as I said, there were never any criteria defined. I did suggest we change the name to "Mudcat Beast Poet Contest" |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: 42 Date: 02 Jun 04 - 07:15 PM Foreign Land There's a black eyed bum in the box office queue clothes hung to dry on the Globe. He's haranguing the furred and bejewelled As they wait for a moment to spend A month of meals on an afternoon's delight. I sit on the fence; and I sing to myself And I watch as the city flows by. There's a bench in the parkette guarding the cache Of the haunted and homeless tonight. She's sixteen, crouched outside the Starbucks, world in the hat at her feet. She's waiting for an angel to pass by and save her Praying for an angel to pass by and save her. I sit in the car, I sing to myself ... wait for the coffees to come. There's a box in the alley guarding the cache Of the battered and bruised, The haunted and homeless. If I don't see her, she's not really there. Get a job! Get a life! Give me a break! I've got my own crosses to bear. Are there no prisons? No shelters? No homes? If I don't see her, she's not really there. There's a busload of babbling tourists: tickets and cameras in hand. Their photos reflect what they choose to see. The truth is a foreign land. I lean on this post. I sing to myself. And I smoke as the city screams by. The lost and the lonely The battered and bruised The haunted and homeless Are calling on Jesus. But no angels walk Queen Street tonight. I've been here for a while I know for a fact. There're no angels on Queen Street tonight. They've been here for a while ...they know for a fact There're no angels No angels No angels No angels. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 02 Jun 04 - 07:27 PM btw, as a dead white mail I should be a shoe-in... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST Date: 02 Jun 04 - 08:51 PM Hey, I should get some points for overall skill- I have demonstrated far more lyrical forms than anyone else here. But as I said, there were never any criteria defined. There is lyrical and there is sing song. (Ironic that a "song" would be regarded as a negative on a music site). |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,Just Curious Date: 02 Jun 04 - 09:22 PM So, Amos, you believe that everyone who has posted in this thread are just mediocre poets? Bearded Bruce, knowing how to write in various poetic forms and knowing how to write poetry are two different things. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 02 Jun 04 - 09:48 PM Good poem, 42. I didn't say that I thought everyone posting on this thread was mediocre. I commend Bearded Bruce for exploring the traditional forms of poetry and for exercising some of the discipline needed to use them; my only reservation being that he sometimes forces the scansion by dropping out ordinary articles to the detriment of his meaning. The will to practice technique is commendable. I agree it is worth points, for sure! as for a "best poet" contest, I do not think this is the place to hold such a judgment. By their nature, folkies tend to be poetical to greater or lesser degree and I think it is far more important to build a site where that perspective can be exercised without the hindrance of worrying about competing with others. The Mudcat Poetry Corner thread as an example allows free entry of any poem you want to share. The minute you propose to name one as better than another, you engage a whole different set of vectors and things can very easily get quite unpleasant and full of egos clashing in the wings. Not worth it, in my opinion. Of course, if Blackcatter, who threw this cat among the pigeons in the first place, wants to run a contest, and announce the rules and criteria and how many entries per participant and who shall be the judge (and why he/she is qualified to do the judging), why that's his call, and I just hope he doesn't get stoned by the end of the show!! Another "win-win" example is the Song Challenge Threads, where virtual prizes are handed out in a generous and delightFUL big-hearted way and everyone who enters gets acknowledged for their best lines and gets an imaginary Cow Chip prize to take home and put on their mantle. But notice that in that most gracious of games, the Most Gracious Gaelic Goddess also cares enough about her poets and bards to make sure that no-one loses. In my humble opinion there is something purely divine about inventing a game where no-one loses. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 03 Jun 04 - 04:16 AM From another thread by another person...but should it be applied here as well?? "Anybody who WANTS to be a politician should automatically be barred from doing so, as it shows they're just in it for the power - we should have to haul somebody into the job, kicking and screaming." ..xx..e (PS- Still voting for BB. And I think a Cowpat is a fine reward.) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 03 Jun 04 - 05:53 AM Amos: Once again, we are in agreement. I am not sure what this means- one of the Universal Truths that need to be in my "Armed Nudest" thread? GUEST,Just Curious - "Bearded Bruce, knowing how to write in various poetic forms and knowing how to write poetry are two different things." I certainly agree, and presume the quality of my work will be judged as well. I do feel that it is important to know the structured forms, just as I think that someone who performs using an instrument ought to know how to play it. I was merely demonstrating that I had a basic competance in the mechanics of poetry- A mastery of the tools of one's creative efforts is required. Guest: Lesson in basic poetry. There are two classical "types" of poetry: Lyrical, and Epic. Lyrical was originally accompanied by the lyre, and Epic was chanted, or recited unaccompanied. I write Lyrical poetry. The quality of it is for the reader to determine. But please try to learn what I am attempting before you judge whether I have succeeded. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 03 Jun 04 - 09:56 AM And here I thought BB was just another pretty verse..xx..e |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Stilly River Sage Date: 03 Jun 04 - 10:05 AM I notice the guest above didn't accuse you of being too modest about your poetry. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 03 Jun 04 - 10:08 AM Far verse than some... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 03 Jun 04 - 10:11 AM find sonnet 915 yet? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 03 Jun 04 - 10:17 AM Stilly River Sage : "I notice the guest above didn't accuse you of being too modest about your poetry." Nope. I am sorry if competence scares you so much you feel the need to attack it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 03 Jun 04 - 10:40 AM Now now...go to a political thread if you want to mud sling, please. Got something nasty to say here? At least make it rhyme..xx..e |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 03 Jun 04 - 10:49 AM Ummm....BB...I am pretty sure that is not the case with SRS and it is most adventuroius of you to hazard such a far fetched explanation. It is more likely that she was some off put by some other characteristic less appealing than simple competence, such as, oh, egoism, maybe, or narcissism, or exagerrated assertions of a literary nature. I don't know. But I am pretty sure it is not the usually fresh odor of competence!! A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 03 Jun 04 - 11:01 AM egotism perhaps, hardly narcissism. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 03 Jun 04 - 11:30 AM Well, never mind, never mind. They are yours, part of your life, yours forever, for better or for verse. Having a poetic spark of any kind is not an easy cross; you keep thinking you could come up with Blake, with a little luck. Or, worse, convince yourself you already have! The only choiceis to deaden the whole thing down and get all sober (which to my mind is the wrong solution, by far!) or to keep messing with it, the way a blacksmith's hammer messes with iron and fire, in the hopes of acquiring genuine poetic voice. The difference between the "forms of poetry well executed by high-school students" and real Blake is the genuineness of the poetic voice. Frost, Warren (pere and fille), Shakespeare, the mad Songbird of Amherst, somber Eliot, wild-eyed Dylan Thomas, they all have or had it in irrefutable and irresistible degree -- but after how much prior trial? How did it form and evolve? I have seen, here, only glimmers of a really well-formed poetic voice, and occasional twinklings of the kind of craft that carries the poetic voice truthfully and seamlessly. I haven't seen any sign of uniform success in either craft or voice. But that doesn't mean anything. I am not a qualified judge, merely a citizen. As a citizen, my advice is "Keep pluggin'". That's my two bits for the day. A A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 03 Jun 04 - 11:42 AM I think that the decision as to success might have to await future generations. As I have stated, the people I write my verse to/about seem to like it. Should we apply the same standards to song, and performance? I KNOW I cannot sing as well as some others- but perhaps I enjoy the attempt, anyway. I have been studying the sonnet form for over a quarter century. I have not claimed that mine are the best: But some are better than about 80% of those I have found over the years: There are a lot of really bad sonnets out there. If you don't like them, feel free not to read them. I never read them out loud ( though I have handed copies to people- they can choose to not read them) How many singers or performers are so considerate? I have to listen to them, if I am in the room. So, SRS, stop bitching about my efforts and show us what you are capable of. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 03 Jun 04 - 11:47 AM Studying the sonnet form is well and good and I agree whole heartedly there are a lot of bad sonnets out there! But let us not confuse the form of a poem with the impact or insight it might have to offer. The burning question to me about poetry is not how to construct a sonnet form, or some other form. I think that is pretty easy to do. The burning question is how does any poem get made magical? Not many make it. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 03 Jun 04 - 11:50 AM Agreed. So you feel no one should try? And no one should be allowed to play an instrument or sing who is not "star" quality, too? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 03 Jun 04 - 11:52 AM Subject: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Blackcatter - PM Date: 24 May 04 - 12:24 PM OK, the idea is: If you're a poet - post your poems here |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Stilly River Sage Date: 03 Jun 04 - 11:53 AM Beardedbruce, So the modesty remarks really hits home? If you think your poetry is so good, don't wait for future generations to discover it. Send it out for publication and let peer review and editors determine what is good enough for publication. Sending it to a list and telling us how great you are is simply the sound of one hand clapping. The difference between you and me is that I don't sent out my indifferent poetry. I, frankly, prefer to write to the other side of the page. The prose I have published is carefully crafted and polished, then goes through peer review, goes through a final editing, before it is published. I know it works for others because if it didn't it wouldn't get published. Pull up your socks, Beardedbruce, and see what the world has to say about your sonnets. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 03 Jun 04 - 11:54 AM Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce - PM Date: 25 May 04 - 08:33 AM dianavan: ALL poems are acceptable. I will attempt to only make comments on their poetic structure, not comment. A good critic does not have to agree with the content of a poem to like it, and see where it works. I have posted some sonnets with content that I am sure that people do not agree with. That is fine: I ask only that verse be judged by its quality, not by opinions of content. As for Tang, if he has heart-felt feelings about fleas, he should write about them. Poetry should reflect the thoughts, desires, and dreams of the poet.... Sonnet 24/01/02 DCL A sonnet is a frozen tear, a kiss, Preserved in fourteen lines. It is a pearl Of layered thought, a gem too bright to miss When set on page: One blossom, to unfurl To perfect flower. As amber, sealed soul In timeless tomb, it can show time long past, Or hold this instant in it's grasp. The whole Of heart upon one single page, to last Beyond even our dreams, it seems a sip, Distilled to essence. Refined within mind, Lines sing sweet song, and rhymes in patterns slip, To weave image that leaves mere vision blind. A single chord, to resound in one's heart: Echo of past that might our future start. Each form has it's own focus- but poetry is something expressed in the best way that the poet can find within him/herself. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 03 Jun 04 - 11:59 AM SRS, And some of mine HAS been published. But the present climate in Literary magazines does not favor the sonnet form. And that is what I enjoy writing. And I have to presume you will never sing nor play an instrument in public unless you have a recording contract. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Stilly River Sage Date: 03 Jun 04 - 12:05 PM You do presume a great deal. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 03 Jun 04 - 12:10 PM Oh, BB, don't get silly. By all means write more, and share them with those who can offer you good feedback, and build your voice. But don't pose as an expert just because you can memorize the symbols for an ababcdcdee rhyme scheme or use big words like dactyl. It doesn't wash. Your statement "I ask only that verse be judged by its quality, not by opinions of content" is revelatory, because it indicates that you believe the quality of a poem can be gauged by its structural compliance with the prescribed form, ignoring its content. I find that unbelievable. However, it is not my business to tell you what to believe, so feel free. My own sense of it is that hubris is a major disease among some poets and those of us who want to become poets, because poetic sparks are so blinding sometimes. Notice I include myself in the "wannabe" (or perhaps the "becoming") half. To me calling oneself a poet isa a glib and easy thing to do, but becoming one is not easy. Finding humility is not easy for big important folks like us, I know. But I submit that we should perhaps undertake the effort to see what we can learn from it. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Stilly River Sage Date: 03 Jun 04 - 12:55 PM Bruce, don't assume that because some were published and some weren't that the climate wasn't right for the non-published ones. Perhaps the poems simply weren't right. Compare these sets of poems and try to see what worked in the former and not in the later. Learn by making this comparison. You might want to look into the story of how T.S. Eliot wrote "The Waste Land" and what Ezra Pound did when he edited it. Annotated texts are good for this kind of examination. Love Eliot or hate him, there's a lot to learn about poetry from this kind of examination. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Stilly River Sage Date: 03 Jun 04 - 01:01 PM Sorry--I seem to have visited the department of redundancy department this morning. . . |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 03 Jun 04 - 01:11 PM Borrowed from Past Mastery department: And I then: "Someone frames upon the keys That exquisite nocturne, with which we explain The night and moonshine; music which we seize To body forth our own vacuity." She then: "Does this refer to me?" "Oh no, it is I who am inane." "You, madam, are the eternal humorist, The eternal enemy of the absolute, Giving our vagrant moods the slightest twist! With your air indifferent and imperious At a stroke our mad poetics to confute--" And--"Are we then so serious?" ...:>) A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 03 Jun 04 - 01:30 PM (Sorry -- the baove is an excerpt from TS Eliot which struck me as germane.) A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,Take the hint Date: 03 Jun 04 - 01:55 PM It's Overt, hoarse It's Clumsy, coarse. A quietus For this thread or A bullet through The head. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 03 Jun 04 - 01:59 PM SRS Actually, I was only presuming that you were willing to live under the same rules you place on others. It seems I am wrong. When they are sent back with the note that "we don't accept sonnets" it is hard to believe that it was the poem itself that was the problem. And note my copy of the first post to this thread- it is an open invitation to submit poems. I would think you might be open-minded enough to let people post here even when you do not agree with their politics. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 03 Jun 04 - 02:13 PM BB: Now, kids, lets chill summat, huh?? I betcha most editors would not reject a sonnet if you didn't tell them it was a sonnet. :>)) A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 03 Jun 04 - 02:17 PM So, the editors are ignorant as well as bigoted? This is such a high recommendation... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 03 Jun 04 - 02:25 PM (Sorry, BB -- I was being funny. ) A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Stilly River Sage Date: 03 Jun 04 - 02:36 PM Bruce, you continue to assume a lot that is beyond your ken. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: 42 Date: 03 Jun 04 - 06:23 PM no comment j |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Stilly River Sage Date: 03 Jun 04 - 06:39 PM That's a comment! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 04 Jun 04 - 04:38 AM " Your statement "I ask only that verse be judged by its quality, not by opinions of content" is revelatory, because it indicates that you believe the quality of a poem can be gauged by its structural compliance with the prescribed form, ignoring its content. I find that unbelievable." Please note "by opinions of content" . I do not feel the content can be ignored, just that one need not agree with the intent of the poem to be able to judge it. "Bruce, you continue to assume a lot that is beyond your ken" is this egotism I sense? "Pull up your socks, Beardedbruce, and see what the world has to say about your sonnets." I sort of thought that this thread might do some of that- it seems I must be mistaken. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 04 Jun 04 - 04:40 AM Oy |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Ellenpoly Date: 04 Jun 04 - 04:41 AM ...as in vey |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Stilly River Sage Date: 04 Jun 04 - 11:41 AM he's fallen and he can't get up. . . |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 04 Jun 04 - 12:41 PM BB: I think this forum is hardly the site to submit your sonnets for judgement on poetical merit. What you will get here is an acknowledgement of sentiment, and general encouragement or not, but most of the people on this forum do not puruse the details of poetry and how it grows, despite having highly poetical natures -- that's why they are folksingers, man!! :>) Of course, YMMV. one need not agree with the intent of the poem to be able to judge it. I dunno about agreeing, but the impact of a poem is very much dependent on its content. Content that is heavyhanded or obvious or overly self-referential will fall short. In poetry as in folksinging, navelgazing sentimentality is a temptation much to be avoided -- even when it is rigorously executed in terms of meter. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,William McGonagall Date: 04 Jun 04 - 01:29 PM BEAUTIFUL EDINBURGH by William McGonagall Beautiful city of Edinburgh, most wonderful to be seen, With your ancient palace of Holyrood and Queen's Park Green, And your big, magnificent, elegant New College, Where people from all nations can be taught knowledge. The New College of Edinburgh is certainly very grand Which I consider to be an honour to fair Scotland, Because it's the biggest in the world, without any doubt, And is most beautiful in the inside as well as out. And the Castle is wonderful to look upon, Which has withstood many angry tempests in years bygone; And the rock it's built upon is rugged and lovely to be seen When the shrubberies surrounding it are blown full green. Morningside is lovely and charming to be seen; The gardens there are rich with flowers and shrubberies green And sweet scented perfumes fill the air, Emanating from the sweet flowers and beautiful plants there. And as for Braidhill, it's a very romantic spot, But a fine place to visit when the weather is hot; There the air is nice and cool, which will help to drive away sorrow When ye view from its summit the beautiful city of Edinburgh. And as for the statues, they are very grand- They cannot be surpassed in any foreign land; And the scenery is attractive and fascinating to the eye, And arrests the attention of tourists as they pass by. Lord Melville's Monument is most elegant to be seen, Which is situated in St. Andrew's Square, amongst shrubberies green, Which seems most gorgeous to the eye, Because it is towering so very high. The Prince Albert Consort Statue looks very grand, Especially the granite blocks whereon it doth stand, Which is admired by all tourists as they pass by, Because the big granite blocks seem magnificent to the eye. Princes Street West End Garden Is fascinating to be seen, With its beautiful big trees and shrubberies green, And its magnificent water fountain in the valley below Helps to drive away from the tourist all care and woe. The Castle Hotel is elegant and grand, And students visit it from every foreign land, And the students of Edinburgh often call there To rest and have luncheon, at a very cheap fare. Queen Street Garden seems charming to the eye, And a great boon it is to the tenantry near by, As they walk along the grand gravel walks near there, Amongst the big trees and shrubberies, and inhale pure air. Then, all ye tourists, be advised by me, Beautiful Edinburgh ye ought to go and see. It's the only city I know of where ye can wile away the time By viewing its lovely scenery and statues fine. Magnificent city of Edinburgh, I must conclude my muse, But to write in praise of thee I cannot refuse. I will tell the world boldly without dismay You have the biggest college in the world at the present day. Of all the cities in the world, Edinburgh for me; For no matter where I look, some lovely spot I see; And for picturesque scenery unrivalled you do stand. Therefore I pronounce you to be the Pride of Fair Scotland. (Shrubberies, glorious shrubberies! Just can't get enough of them.) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,William McGonagall Date: 04 Jun 04 - 01:29 PM Wonderful Blessings! I've at last met my poetical equal! Such energy and charm, such quaint grandeur on this thread! BEAUTIFUL EDINBURGH by William McGonagall Beautiful city of Edinburgh, most wonderful to be seen, With your ancient palace of Holyrood and Queen's Park Green, And your big, magnificent, elegant New College, Where people from all nations can be taught knowledge. The New College of Edinburgh is certainly very grand Which I consider to be an honour to fair Scotland, Because it's the biggest in the world, without any doubt, And is most beautiful in the inside as well as out. And the Castle is wonderful to look upon, Which has withstood many angry tempests in years bygone; And the rock it's built upon is rugged and lovely to be seen When the shrubberies surrounding it are blown full green. Morningside is lovely and charming to be seen; The gardens there are rich with flowers and shrubberies green And sweet scented perfumes fill the air, Emanating from the sweet flowers and beautiful plants there. And as for Braidhill, it's a very romantic spot, But a fine place to visit when the weather is hot; There the air is nice and cool, which will help to drive away sorrow When ye view from its summit the beautiful city of Edinburgh. And as for the statues, they are very grand- They cannot be surpassed in any foreign land; And the scenery is attractive and fascinating to the eye, And arrests the attention of tourists as they pass by. Lord Melville's Monument is most elegant to be seen, Which is situated in St. Andrew's Square, amongst shrubberies green, Which seems most gorgeous to the eye, Because it is towering so very high. The Prince Albert Consort Statue looks very grand, Especially the granite blocks whereon it doth stand, Which is admired by all tourists as they pass by, Because the big granite blocks seem magnificent to the eye. Princes Street West End Garden Is fascinating to be seen, With its beautiful big trees and shrubberies green, And its magnificent water fountain in the valley below Helps to drive away from the tourist all care and woe. The Castle Hotel is elegant and grand, And students visit it from every foreign land, And the students of Edinburgh often call there To rest and have luncheon, at a very cheap fare. Queen Street Garden seems charming to the eye, And a great boon it is to the tenantry near by, As they walk along the grand gravel walks near there, Amongst the big trees and shrubberies, and inhale pure air. Then, all ye tourists, be advised by me, Beautiful Edinburgh ye ought to go and see. It's the only city I know of where ye can wile away the time By viewing its lovely scenery and statues fine. Magnificent city of Edinburgh, I must conclude my muse, But to write in praise of thee I cannot refuse. I will tell the world boldly without dismay You have the biggest college in the world at the present day. Of all the cities in the world, Edinburgh for me; For no matter where I look, some lovely spot I see; And for picturesque scenery unrivalled you do stand. Therefore I pronounce you to be the Pride of Fair Scotland. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,William again Date: 04 Jun 04 - 01:32 PM Mr. Joe Clone, please remove the first iteration of my poem, I wish to leave my remarks intact as they appear in the second. Thankee very much. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 04 Jun 04 - 02:16 PM I would like to submit this poem for consideration by Blackcatter (who is the owner of this contest, n'est-ce pas?) even though it is not my own but by the famous Scot, McGonagle. It is in honor of England's most grandiose monarch-type person: Sound drums and trumpets, far and near! And Let all Queen Victoria's subjects loudly cheer! And show by their actions that they revere, Because she's served them faithfully fifty long year! All hail to the Empress of India and Great Britain's Queen! Long may she live happy and serene! And as this is now her Jubilee year, I hope her subjects will show their loyalty without fear. Therefore let all her subjects rejoice and sing, Until they make the welkin ring; And let young and old on this her Jubilee be glad, And cry, "Long Live our Queen!" and don't be sad. She has been a good Queen, which no one dare gainsay, And I hope God will protect her for many a day; May He enable her a few more years to reign, And let all her lieges say - Amen! Let all hatred towards her be thrown aside All o'er dominions broad and wide; And let all her subjects bear in mind, By God kings and queens are put in trust o'er mankind. Therefore rejoice and be glad on her Jubilee day, And try and make the heart of our Queen feel gay; Oh! try and make her happy in country and town, And not with Shakespeare say, "uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." And as this is her first Jubilee year, And will be her last, I rather fear: Therefore, sound drums and trumpets cheerfully, Until the echoes are heard o'er land and sea. And let the innocent voices of the children at home or abroad Ascend with cheerful shouts to the throne of God; And sing aloud, "God Save our Gracious Queen!" Because a good and charitable Sovereign she has been. Therefore, ye sons of great Britain, come join with me, And welcome in our noble Queen's Jubilee; Because she has been a faithful Queen, ye must confess, There hasn't been her equal since the days of Queen Bess. Therefore let all her lieges shout and cheer, "God Save our Gracious Queen!" for many a year; let such be the cry in the peasant's cot, the hall, With stentorian voices, as loud as they can bawl. And let bonfires be kindled on every hill And let her subjects dance around them at their freewill; And try to drive dull care away By singing and rejoicing on the Queen's Jubilee day. May God protect her for many a day, At home or abroad when she's far away; Long may she be spared o'er her subjects to reign, And let each and all with one voice say - Amen! Victoria is a good Queen, which all her subjects know, And for that may God protect her from every foe; May He be as a hedge around her, as He's been all along. And let her live and die in peace - is the end of my song I especially love that vibrant image of Queen Victoria surrounded by the Hedge of God, don't you?? A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 04 Jun 04 - 02:55 PM When I have fears that I may cease to be Before my pen has glean'd my teeming brain, Before high-piled books, in charactery, Hold like rich garners the full ripen'd grain; When I behold, upon the night's starr'd face, Huge cloudy symbols of a high romance, And think that I may never live to trace Their shadows, with the magic hand of chance; And when I feel, fair creature of an hour, That I shall never look upon thee more, Never have relish in the fairy power Of unreflecting love;-then on the shore Of the wide world I stand alone, and think Till love and fame to nothingness do sink. not one of mine... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 04 Jun 04 - 02:58 PM a caudated sonnet... Abou ben Adam Abou ben Adam (may his tribe increase!) awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, And saw, within the moonlight of his room, Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom, an angel, writing in a book of of gold. Exceeding peace had made Ben Adam bold, And to the Prescence in the room he said: "What writest thou?" The vision raised its head, And, with a look made of all sweet accord, Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord." "And is mine one?"said Abou, "Nay, not so," Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low, But cheerily still, and said, "I pray thee, then, Write me as one who loves his fellow men." The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night It came again, with a great awakening light, And showed the names whom love of God had blest, And lo! Ben adam's name led all the rest. - Leigh Hunt |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 04 Jun 04 - 03:05 PM A Sonnet A Sonnet is a moment's monument,- Memorial from the Soul's eternity To one dead, deathless hour. Look that it be, Whether for lustral rite or dire portent, Of its own arduous fullness reverent: Carve it in ivory or in ebony, As Day or Night may rule; and let Time see Its flowering crest impearl'd and orient. A Sonnet is a coin: its face reveals The soul, - its converse, to what power 't is due: - Whether for tribute to the august appeals Of Life, or dower in Love's high retinue, It serve; or, 'mid the dark wharf's cavernous breath, In Charon's palm it pay the toll to Death. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 04 Jun 04 - 03:07 PM so what about this one..... by Dante Gabriel Rossetti ( 1828-1882) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 04 Jun 04 - 03:09 PM It was an odd noise that I heard, this night: Not quite a scream, but far more than a gasp, From moonless darkness, with no stars in sight. What is this coldness, that my insides clasp? Why do I weaken, hearing sound so far Only the echo reaches ear, yet mind Is twisted from intent? How can I bar Gate of imagination to wyrd bind? I fall, boneless with fright, and sweat breaks out; Bowels turn to water with despair. I weep, To lose all. I moan, but cannot give shout To more than whimper, nor my reason keep. She passes, and I live! Yet dare not rise For fear of seeing Death within her eyes. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 04 Jun 04 - 03:11 PM When I Have Fears that I May Cease to Be is by the 19th c. British poet, John Keats The House of Life: The Sonnet is by Dante Gabriel Rossetti . A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 04 Jun 04 - 03:35 PM true... nothing by McGonagle, though... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,amergin Date: 04 Jun 04 - 03:41 PM that second to last poem was the best one you posted, BB... what ever happened to just enjoying poetry and songs and stories instead of analysing them to death? it takes the enjoyment away ...and more importantly the magic. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,TANESHIA WILLIAMS Date: 04 Jun 04 - 07:13 PM DRUNK FRIENDS AND REACTIONS! YOUR FRIEND IS IN THE BAR GETTING DRUNK, KNOWING HE HAS A 2 PACK BEER IN HIS TRUNK.YOU SAY COME ON I WANT TO GO!HE SAYS NO!NO! I HAVE ONLY HAVE 2 TEQUILA SHOTS TO GO, YOU SAY "FINE GIVE ME THE KEYS TO THE CAR I'LL GO! HE SAYS "OKAY COME ON,YOU SAID"I'LL DRIVE YOU'RE DRUNK HE SAYS T'M NOT DRUNK I JUST TIRED. YOU SAYS "GIVE ME THE KEYS I'LL DRIVE. HE SAYA NO!NO! GIVE ME THE KEYS IT'S MY CAR I ONLY HAD 5 DRINKS AT THE BAR.YOU'RE BOYH PUTTING ON SEATBELTS. HE CRANKS UP THE CAR AND SPEEDS NEXT THING YOU KNOW YOU NEED HELP INDEED THE AMBULANCE SAYS "STAT HUMBLE HE'S IN THE HOSPITAL WITH LOT OF GIFTS THAT'S BASKETS NEXT THING YOU KNOW YOU PUTTING FLOWERS ON HIS CASKET EVERYONE CRYING AND GETTING IN THE CAR THAT'S HOW QUICK YOU DIE FROM GETTING DRUNK IN A BAR. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST Date: 04 Jun 04 - 07:27 PM |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Donuel Date: 05 Jun 04 - 12:10 AM he said the lights are bootiful watching nature nate flinching at the watchimigoo and how that thing is Great glimming all the flatchers skipping way across laughing at eeyoos pobbing when its not asking what is that gee I just don't know he says I knew that waaa its time to go you know its just not fair here we go a buzzin without and full of care. .............................. First kill all the children And the Pharoh said, "kill all their male children" "Let it be written let it be done." A wailing was soon to come. And the shadow Mic Od spoke, "kill all their leaders" "Let it be planned, let it be done." John, Robert, Malcom, Medger and Martin are gone. They claim that lone gunmen and media were to blame. "Let those who sing against us be done." And another ounce of lead silenced a generation. And the President said "silence news and air waves" Neither rightious or right they conquered their headless foe. For the next 35 years the void became full. We could silence their rush generation, but for whom would the bell toll? The front men are just puppets, as everybody knows. The complex is safe from lead. Years ago it was said We can teach the true blues and reds. or if that doesn't work we can remove the chicken from its head. ............. Giving what they need He's only two so when he asks for Mox, I give him chocolate milk and he is pleased. She's only 16 so when she says "My mom has no clue". I protect her fantasy. He is only twenty two so when he asks for peace I tell him there's no such thing. Now he seeks the golden fleece. George says give war a chance. He disregards the lives. They are to old to learn. Unless we kill their wives. ............................... Last night John Lennon, Bob Marley, Jimmy Hendrix and Bob Dylan jammed together in my dream. This is what they said: 300 years ago Arabs sold the slaves. Africa divided white man reaped da gold. W is a traitor a rich man we are told. Whats he done for people? They're lied to, killed and sold. Brother against brother Is what the Man counts on When we're all together All his power's gone Love your child and free em To reap what they can sow If you want your freedom Its all in what you know They say Raggea's done Hip Hop thinks it flows fulla hate and short on fun The singers come and go Gangsta rappers boast still none outrun the gun Our songs are sung by ghosts like ice out in the sun US rules, Africa fades Half of Cape town now dies of Aids buried in da ground. AIDS slaves in their graves Don't know who put them down. Don't know who made the virus Don't know who wears the crown Hands that move against you to put you on a slab invents a brand new flu deep within a lab You've got to tell your neighbor There is a message we must send... Brother against brother Is what the Man counts on When we are together All his power's gone Freedom needs compassion not jail for smokin herb When freedom is rationed Your life becomes absurd We are not the infidel We are not the enemy We are just the people We all want to be free. __________________________ don hakman c.2002 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 11 Jun 04 - 06:07 PM bringing this to the top, since I have been told that the only reason I am on is because of this thread... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST, Poetry lover Date: 11 Jun 04 - 06:12 PM That's just plain cruel. I thought we were safe from this nightmare of a thread. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Blackcatter Date: 11 Jun 04 - 06:20 PM Take a pill, PL. You can igore it like most of us do on the thread we don't like. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST, PL Date: 11 Jun 04 - 06:38 PM Hey, it's labelled 'Mudcat's Best Poetry Contest.' That's a prosecutable misnomer. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 11 Jun 04 - 07:01 PM As a whole, this thread was better asleep indefinitely. Most of what is in it is neither Best nor Poetry. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 11 Jun 04 - 07:10 PM Amos, Who made you capable of that decision? either post poetry, or shut up. A Dark Corona What vision can I hold, when dreams are dark And chill creeps into soul? How can I see If future offers reason, or might be Enough to some image of hope lend spark? Yet, shall I think that past would not leave mark Upon a weary soul? Will darkness hide The scars of heart that to dead dreams are tied? Can any shroud cover a wound so stark? My soul in silence dwells: I hear no muse To offer song, nor to receive my heart. What passions might I hold, when heart is bound In cold and silent tomb? Can hope refuse To fade, when all is grim? How can dream start When only shadows in the night are found? When only shadows in the night are found To fill my dreams, how can I hope to know A reason to go on? Desire might show Image to heart, but silence has heart bound To dark despair: All of delight is ground Into the dust. Yet, should I try to light My dreams, when hope brings me such pain? How right To think of muse, when no replies resound? Should I care for the past? It matters more Than I might say: My muse remains a part Of soul. I cannot longing for muse end. I do not dare forget her, or ignore All that was never said: Dream offered art Far more than I might in my verses send. Far more than I might in my verses send, I give concern. I worry still, but fear Heart cannot hope to hold past muse as dear As I desire: Regrets darken hope's end. I wake to find no dawn; Pale stars pretend To light cold night, but vision cannot tell Between gray thought, and black. Will my mind dwell On loss, or hope to future hopes defend? I care, but cannot alter fact: My dreams Have little value to my muse. I seek What will not be, that desires might not fade. It matters not: The desire I held seems Beyond all thought. I cannot make muse speak: No power I control can passions aid. No power I control can passions aid. To hold to muse: Heart seeks for voice in vain Without bright dreams. How can I hope obtain From silence? Yet, can my desire be made To change, or bend? Shall I think that heart paid Such price for transience? I cannot bear That it is for illusion that I care: How can I heart's desire for phantoms trade? Ghosts fill the darkness: Memories now dead, But free to roam my dreams. I do not fear What was: Future alone frightens heart's night. I cannot forget what past words I've said, Nor regret one concern, or wish, or tear: Why can I not find muse to bring dream light? Why can I not find muse to bring dream light And end this silence? Do I ask for more Than might be wise? Did I some god ignore, That Heaven withholds what could make heart right? What crime condemns me, that I cared? How might I earn reprieve, or pardon? I regret Only those words unsaid, that I have let All hope depart, by not holding muse tight. All passions pass, but I do not seek grave For my desires: I prize even the tears The memory of smile recalls to mind. Yet, memory alone does not dream save From bitter night. Should I look to spend years Waiting for end, with all my visions blind? Waiting for end with all my visions blind, Echoes remain, to fill the empty hours With illusion of life. Does past hold powers To control dreams and thought, or with hope bind Dark night to all desires? Can I not find Some path for future muse to alter fate? What might my heart resolve, that hope would wait In silence? Do echoes of muse remind? The chill seeps in my bones: I ache, to try To move my heart from past. Nothing remains, But I am loathe to leave this tear-filled grave. When shall I forsake dreams, and know hopes die? How can heart binding burst? Let these tear stains Be all that I recall, and all dreams save. Be all that I recall, and all dreams save From dark concern: I cannot ask for less, Nor more. I can only concern confess, That muse matters to heart. Is silence brave, To keep me blind? Had muse one reason gave I'd accept fate, but in silence I hear Only the absence: Hope does not appear, And all attempts to know have left me knave. I wish muse only well, but wish she'd say Some word of what transpired: Must I believe That all past conversations were but lark? I cannot forget past, nor future sway, But present gives me only cause to grieve: What vision can I hold, when dreams are dark? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 11 Jun 04 - 07:39 PM Well since you asked the question, BB, my ability is kind of self-generated, just like yours. I object to poetry being thrown in to this kind of context, is all. It is unkind, ungentle, unenlightening, and serves only to feed voracious, needy egos. If that is a game you enjoy, have at it, but don't even begin to pretend it is about poetry. Your challenge -- to post poetry or shut up -- is risible, but maybe the subtlety of the humor is lost on you. I don't think it is the sort of thing a best poet would think of saying, though! :<) A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 11 Jun 04 - 07:53 PM I did comment on the "best" aspect, some time back- Or don't you bother reading anything that might upset your worldview? If that is a game you enjoy, have at it, but don't even begin to pretend it is about poetry. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amergin Date: 11 Jun 04 - 08:03 PM LOL@ Amos! BB, I stand with friend Amos...he knows what he's talking about....apparently much of the lovely humour on this thread has been lost on you....It is a very good thing that cyberspace is infinite...else I do not think there would be enough room for your ego. This thread had potential (though not as a contest thread), but it degenerated into a thread about your mental masturbation. Ok you can write in various poetical forms....so bloody what? As said before there is a big difference between knowing how to write in sctructured styles and knowing how to write poetry. I admit that I have written many many duds...prose and poetry alike. I love doing both...as well as doing song lyrics...and I love the applause I receive from performing my poetry and songs...if I didn't I wouldn't share them....but I learn from the duds...and they disappear into a file never to be seen again. Can you say the same? Or are you so godlike in your technique that you never once wrote something better left unwritten? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 11 Jun 04 - 08:33 PM "Or are you so godlike in your technique that you never once wrote something better left unwritten? " I leave the imitations of god to Amos and SRS. "As said before there is a big difference between knowing how to write in sctructured styles and knowing how to write poetry." AS I have said before, as well. Again, did you bother reading what I have posted? But I also object to the opinion that being able to write structured verse means that one cannot write poetry. Some of what I write is not structured- I happen to enjoy the sonnet form. If you dont't, then continue to not pollute your so pure thoughts with my verse. "else I do not think there would be enough room for your ego. " True, my ego is big- but let him who is without sin cast the first stone. I think it might be average, or a little less for the mudcat chat thread. Can we get back to poetry, of whatever form? Tang, we need you! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 11 Jun 04 - 08:34 PM I can't tell you how many, Amergin!! I can turn out the most awful poetry practically willy nilly!! It makes me laugh to think of the morning-afters when I tried to make sense of some deathless poetic insight scribbled in the night, only to sigh wistfully and throw it away. LOL! A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 11 Jun 04 - 08:47 PM But I also object to the opinion that being able to write structured verse means that one cannot write poetry. I'm sorry if I created the impression I was saying this, as I never thought it. What I do think, and have said, is that writing structured sets of words does not mean one is writing poetry. I believe that rather strongly. No matter how many. Even RHYMING ones! A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 11 Jun 04 - 08:53 PM "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 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 11 Jun 04 - 08:57 PM Doe at 2AM She froze, staring into the light Thinking the eyes unseen could see The apprehension inside. Night Seemed so secure: Darkness would be Welcome, to hide within. How might She in this brightness hope to flee Back to the shadows? Time stands still: A moment that the tensions fill. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 11 Jun 04 - 10:27 PM There are some nice images in these two, BB. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Blackcatter Date: 12 Jun 04 - 12:54 AM Hey - guess what? I started the thread with the title to get people's attention. I worked. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Stilly River Sage Date: 12 Jun 04 - 03:23 AM Blackkatter, U may have worked, but the thread hasn't. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 12 Jun 04 - 10:23 AM A capital point. Bruce,, the more I look at that Frozen Doe, the more I think it may have a real poem in it. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 12 Jun 04 - 09:45 PM Amos, Thank you. I do know that my love sonnets are not to everyone's taste. As I have stated, my intended audience, those I am writing them for, seem to like them. Is there any more that one should aim for? If they earn me one meaningful sigh, I have earned enough to justify writing them. 8-{E |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 12 Jun 04 - 10:54 PM and I enjoy writing them! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 12 Jun 04 - 11:12 PM Is there any more that one should aim for? I suppose that is up to you, BB. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 12 Jun 04 - 11:31 PM Amos, There are a number of poets who wrote for the ages- few are know today. The ones who wrote from the heart, about what they cared for, are read generations after they are dust. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 12 Jun 04 - 11:56 PM There are probably a countless number who wrote for the ages and missed. There are probably a countless number who wrote as earnestly as they possibly could, and for some reason also missed. Those who are counted now as ageless or timeless (in English, anyway) have achieved something extraordinary, where their insight and balance and sensitivity not to their own feelings, but to those of life itself have come together to create beauty. I think you are capable of that. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 13 Jun 04 - 12:05 AM Amos: Thank you- I take that as a serious compliment. However: "Those who are counted now as ageless or timeless (in English, anyway) have achieved something extraordinary, where their insight and balance and sensitivity not to their own feelings, but to those of life itself have come together to create beauty. " IMO, it IS their own feelings, that they have expressed in a way that reflects those of life itself. True poetry is the ability to make the personal universal. I do not claim to have done so- but that is what I am trying. To find that within myself that resonates in others. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: beardedbruce Date: 13 Jun 04 - 12:35 AM btw, "Doe" was from the same workshop that I wrote "Bhean Sidhe" in...and a few others. Interesting concept- at the end of each ( monthly ) session, there would be given out a phrase or sentence- and each of us would go off and write something using, or about, that phrase, to be discussed the next month. Something like what Keats and Hunt did. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST Date: 30 Jun 04 - 03:43 AM She had pail skin Just As Clouds Where White She had a heart of black like the darkness of the night. They dissliked her for her looks And Her Dark Black Clothes. They never saw who she was Thats just what they Had chose. She could have been famouse Despite what they had said But yet she still lay there Cold Beneath Her Bed Believing things deep in her head. Her mother was no roll model Her Father Was Never There She couldn't live like this She had to run away She had never found a place where she would be safe to stay. The people never excepted her They Never believed she was right They only wanted her for picking up a fight. Her eyes where always sad She never had a smile Depression was her bestfriend She didn't like the beggining of life She just had to find an end. She left the note of sorrow right beside her body of pain. they all thought she was insane They didn't understand She always needed a hand But No one was there for her So she decided to show how they never cared. We love you dear child You're sorrow is missed and hoping you're allright now in the grey dark mist. There you go ;) theres my poem Eh? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: 42 Date: 30 Jun 04 - 07:55 AM ok...I'll bite. This Guest, while oft waxing poetic clandestine and peripatetic; with spellcheck on hold and grammar most bold penned sentiments wan and pathetic. j |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Stilly River Sage Date: 30 Jun 04 - 10:26 AM Certainly a Goth character with "pail" skin, and "Her mother was no roll model" conjures up some amazing images! Spelling errors aside, that's a very depressing piece. If it's based on personal experience I hope the individual finds some help. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: 42 Date: 30 Jun 04 - 10:43 AM and "famouse" conjures up images of rhinstone bedecked rodents. j |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amergin Date: 30 Jun 04 - 10:47 AM I think the poet was none other than george w... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Peg Date: 30 Jun 04 - 01:57 PM So, has anyone gone back to re-read (or read for the first time) any of the Mudcat Poetry Corner thread?? There is some brilliant work in there from some very talented people. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 30 Jun 04 - 02:19 PM I have, Peg. QUite concur. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,SandyCreek Date: 01 Jul 04 - 12:05 PM Wrong Way Train 1. Wrong way train rollin' downtown streets and dogs all dusty and brown rollin' downtown on a broken down track broken down track clickety-clack clickety-clack clickety-clickety-clickety-clack rollin' downtown and we ain't comin' back ain't comin' back clickety-clack clickety-clack clickety-clickety-clickety-clack 2. The engine's all busted the gears are all rusted and we've tried every trick tried every trick clickety-click clickety-click clickety-clickety-clickety-click 3. Wrong way train gone and made me sick the engine and gears gone and made me sick made me sick clickety-click clickety-click. clickety-clickety-clickety-click 4. Wrong way train done run outta luck windows all broken and the doors are all stuck doors are all stuck clickety-cluck clickety-cluck clickety-clickety-clickety-cluck 5. Driver and porters gonna buy 'em a truck buy 'em a truck clickety-cluck clickety-cluck clickety-clickety-clickety-cluck 6. Wrong way train done become a rejeck We gonna scrap this heap before it goes and has a wreck goes and has a wreck clickety-cleck clickety-cleck clickety-clickety-clickety-cleck 7. Wrong way train got wuthless 'ol stock we lost all our money put us all in hock all in hock clickety-clock clickety-clock clickety-clickety-clickety-clock 8. We gonna burn the station and rip up the track Wrong way train ain't never comin' back never comin' back clickety-clack clickety-clack clickety-clickety-clickety-clack clickety-clack clickety-clac clickety-cla clickety-cl clickety-c clickety- clickety clicket clicke click clic cli cl c never comin' back |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: LoosanaJack Date: 01 Jul 04 - 07:27 PM Please consider my poor renderings... Grief Grief rests upon my pillow sleepless, shag-haired, air-staring, unclad, ripe mad with daring. It wants me. So near my face it leans, poring into my lost precision, my soul's incision, my missionlessness. It knows me well, I guess. It never rests. Its raspy breath breathes restless. It wants no rest, ever and never lets me sleep. It keeps me close, strokes me, chokes me in dark ecstasy. Burns me with fatigue, rends me senseless, defenseless, thus, I yield. Against Grief, there is no shield, no sanctuary, no flowerly field of peace. Yet, Grief is a stalwart companion, ever near, even kind in its cruelty. At least it does not die, ask why and sigh. Grief doesn't even cry. Wordless and strong, it never remembers or even dreams. Grief is the perfect lover in life's imperfect scheme. Hollow, resolute I purse my lips, bereft. You, my love, are dead and Grief is all that's left. Though it be ever cold, at least, it has a substance I can hold. And loneliness is worse than Grief, I'm told. Jack |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 01 Jul 04 - 08:21 PM Jack: Very promising stuff -- you have an intuitive ear! A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,Dr.Varun Date: 15 Jul 04 - 12:58 PM Your contest is GREAT! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Blackcatter Date: 15 Jul 04 - 01:31 PM My god. This thread still exists? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: TheBigPinkLad Date: 15 Jul 04 - 01:37 PM Blackcatter ... do you know that name of the affliction you and I share? Symptom: You KNEW what was in here but you just HAD to look? ;o) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 15 Jul 04 - 05:48 PM Self-abuse? A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: TheBigPinkLad Date: 15 Jul 04 - 05:52 PM Except rather than make me blind, as my mother warned, it tends to make me see things better, Amos. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Amos Date: 15 Jul 04 - 06:08 PM Even if it does give you hairy palms.... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Blackcatter Date: 15 Jul 04 - 06:14 PM I have no affliction (at least not one connected to this). I started this thread several months ago and I doubt that anyone is surprised that the creator looks in on the thread. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: TheBigPinkLad Date: 15 Jul 04 - 06:18 PM ... so it was you, hey ... ;o) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: JennyO Date: 16 Jul 04 - 01:09 AM ...and you should see HIS hairy palms :-) BTW, if you have hairy palms, do you get hairy dates and hairy bananas off them? I'll get me coat.... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,Blackcatter Date: 16 Jul 04 - 04:09 PM I'd have hairy palms but something keeps rubbing the hair off........................................................................................................................ahem. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: GUEST,guest/munky Date: 08 Nov 05 - 02:02 PM wow.............interesting |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: open mike Date: 20 May 08 - 01:02 PM althought this thread drifts far and wide I am re-newing it for the poetry side I was looking for a thread on a poetry corner the latter the contest, am still searching for former. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest From: Georgiansilver Date: 20 May 08 - 02:08 PM 1)Speed the broom when your lifes at a low ebb sweeping away all your troubles and strife. Speed the broom to get rid of the cobwebs sweep negativity, out of your life. Chorus Speed the broom, wherever you are, Running through life keep your head on your shoulders. Speed the broom, as life rushes by, Living your life to the full. 2) Hold your head high as you go to your business, Hold your head high as you're doing your chores. Don't let the daily grind make you feel troubled, Live through each moment believing it's yours. Chorus 3) Great optimism is one of lifes options, Believing that everything works for the good. Don't just sit by thinking can I or can't I, Or thinking I would do if only I could. Chorus 4)Don't be impetuous, instant decisions, Never helped anyone stand in good stead. Take all the time you need thinking things over, Making good use of that brain in your head. Chorus Mike Hill (21.11.04) |
