BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest

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

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.

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).

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...

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.

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"

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

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

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest
From: beardedbruce
Date: 31 May 04 - 01:24 PM

Ah well...

             8-{E

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

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

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.

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

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest
From: beardedbruce
Date: 31 May 04 - 09:26 AM

another person- my present muse...

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

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.

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

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

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...

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 ...

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

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.

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

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

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest
From: freda underhill
Date: 30 May 04 - 06:32 AM

beautiful, Lady Jean, beautiful.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest
From: Blackcatter
Date: 28 May 04 - 06:46 PM

That's telling them!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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 .

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.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest
From: Peace
Date: 27 May 04 - 12:02 AM

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

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

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.)

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

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

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest
From: beardedbruce
Date: 26 May 04 - 03:32 PM

I was being humorous... sorry.

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

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest
From: beardedbruce
Date: 26 May 04 - 02:22 PM

be careful, I might post again...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat's Best Poet Contest
From: Amos
Date: 26 May 04 - 02:18 PM

A good start...

A