Interesting choices this month - different than the usual styles. Wonder if it is more because these types of poems outnumbered the others, or it is an attempt at variety. BTW, this is not meant at all to denigrate any of the entries in any of the contests, past or present. Just wondering. . .

As the previous writer observes, not to denigrate anyone, but Sara C.'s "Right Behind You" seems far and away the best of these.

They're all great. My vote is based on where my mindset is right in this moment, today. I am reminded that there is never an end result. The finalists rose into the stratosphere; they each caught a more energetic gust of wind than the others. All who posted poetry here put it out into the world, under the sun, gave their words some forward motion--for better or worse or just for motion. That's all that ever matters! Having a feeling of being in a community of writers at the level of Internet communication is such a gift!

my top 3 list:

Leaf Poem

Auto Biographies

Futility

I was drawn to a few of these, but in the end "O Love! O Phone! O Zachariah!" was just too much fun to resist voting for.

NATURE RULES Leaf poem all the way!

A very fine collection, this week.
But the choice for top spot is relatively easy: Sara C.

another month and i am not one of the finalists! its a mystery...
there were lots of very interesting pieces this month but the one i went back to read again and again was auto biographies. wonderful! congratulations to all the finalists!
(i will be posting a link in the next few days where everyone can sign the petition, demanding to know why i am not among the finalists...keep an eye out for it poets! we'll get to the bottom of this!!!)

Leaf Poem blew me away ;)

I enjoyed it's elegant language and structure. I loved how it evokes the primal essence of the manifest world whilst simultaneously pointing to something greater beyond all of that.

I didn't make it so I'm giving up on Poetry. I'll vote for Leaf poem.

Chris, without doubt in my mind.
Futility is my first choice.
You have taken the time and dedication to create a rhymed piece.
The others obviously do not have that special ABILITY.
"Congratulations"
Jim.

I'm afraid I am not with Jim on this as some of the Futility rhymes seemed forced to me, there just for the rhyme, rather than being the best word in that place.
I dislike all the the thou and thuses poems - fine where they are the current usage and fine if one is trying to construct a piece that is historically set, but left me irritated at their fussiness.
There were only three I liked at all this time and auto biographies was the one I loved, leaf poem I liked but felt it didn't quite get there and Right behind you was intriguing.

I liked Futility.

So much loveliness in these poems this time around! How exciting to see such variety and such craft. I bet it's difficult for the guest editors to choose their favorites among the many poems posted each month. It was difficult to choose, but I went with Auto Biographies - though "Leaf Poem" and "Right Behind You" were my other favorites. Great poems, all! And good luck.

Nipaporn wrote: "I didn't make it so I'm giving up on Poetry. I'll vote for Leaf poem."

Choosing poems is such a subjective process - remember that it's always about the right poem being read by the right person at the very right time. Don't give up on poetry simply because your poem wasn't chosen. You were brave enough to post your poem in the first place - that's a big step! Be positive! Poetry and all poets are awesome.

Leaf poem by Anne Kellas is simply wonderful. Such a difficult choice this month with all of the top 5 poems being so great. Congatulations to all finalists; your works are a joy to read. What a nice change from the sorry selections of last month wherein I did not vote, because none was worthy.
Donavon

Autobiographies to me is the best closely followed by Right Behind you and the Leaf poem, great batch this time!

I have voted for Futility, but am overwhelmed by all the poems. As a non-poet I felt it easiest to read. I enjoyed reading every poem posted and was staggered to see my verse " Memories" given an honorable mention. Thank you so much. When I submitted it, and then read all the other work I cringed at how technically incompetent and uncrafted I felt it to be. That said, it was written from the heart and I deeply appreciate it being posted alongside such amazing work.

Completely over the moon to have just checked my email after a couple days away from the internet and then come here to find I am in second place.

They were all lovely in their ways, but I chose Right Behind You.

If I could vote on two, #1 would be "Right Behind You" and #2 would be "Futility."

Another nail-biter! Congratulations to all the finalists and honorable mentions.

I was sad I didn't get to vote for Aidan's poem Alzheimer's - but at least it was a runner-up. It was a great poem, Aidan. I voted for Leaf Poem.

I couldn't disagree more. Every month I'm struck by how different the poems were from the month preceding, and I have to double-check to make sure the judges haven't changed. This month's selection was particularly varied.

I suspect they're not concerned with which box a poem belongs in and they're just choosing the ones that are good.

My choice was between Futility which did what poetry so often does best. Said the thing I wished I had said. Said it better more eloquently. Or Auto biographies which did that even more difficult thing take painful lived experience and transform it into - words fail the nonpoet - into beautifully polished crystals on love and violence, about the deliberate and the accidental, carelessness and care ... Yes Auto biographies my choice.

David wrote: "And yet, it seems to me like every single month the same style and theme is repeated. It would be a good thing to change the people who are choosing the poems, or for them to make a conscious effor..."

My name is not darling, and I find it personally offensive to be called pet names like that. Also, I really don't see how these poems are all "the same" - in what way are they the same style and same themes? What makes these poems identical? What do you have to support that? I find it frustrating when writers can't be happy for other writers whose work somehow impacts another reader. What we should do as writers is read what it is that people are choosing, figure out why they are choosing it, and try to see what our own writing lacks, instead of picking on others and bullying the work and talent of others. We should be happy with other people's accomplishments, not jealous or hateful. All these poems - even the ones I would not "choose" to publish - are deserving of the finalist standing they have earned.

Mary,
I agree with your comments. The poems from month to month are as diverse as can be. Last month I couldn't stand any of them and this month I was torn as to the best! We have true individualists here who express themselves in many different and wonderful ways.

David,
To use phrases such as "And darling: subjectivity is not a justification for mediocrity" is condescending, argumentative and offensive. Speak with kindness or let your silence speak for you. Please, be a gentleman, even if it's just pretend. Mary did not deserve that at all and I don't understand the misdirected anger.
Donavon

Mary wrote: "I find it frustrating when writers can't be happy for other writers whose work somehow impacts another reader."

I completely agree, Mary, and in that spirit, I would like to congratulate Joanne Merriam on her fine piece of work, along with all the other poets this month. It was an honor to be among you.

Ko (SaraC)

I agree also. All this criticizing and complaining is misplaced at best. Start another contest feedback thread, if you're dissatisfied, for heaven's sake! This thread ought to be for congratulations, compliments and rejoicing, not peeing on somebody's parade. That's simply churlish.

So with that, my warmest congratulations go out to the winner! I especially admired and enjoyed the "slow reveal" of your powerful poem, Joanne. Kudos likewise to all in the running. Each offered something to admire. Well-done!

Thanks so much, Sara and Christina. All of the poems were so good, it's a real honour!

You earned the honor, Joanne. Please accept both my admiration and congratulations! You faced unusual and stiff competition this month. I thought that any of the 5 finalists deserved a win. I look forward to your future work.
Respectfully,
Donavon

I vote for "Auto Biographies" by Joanne Merriam.

I like this line : "I remember crying. I remember you crying. Our voice, fences in the darkness,...."

I hope I am not being late to vote.

A pleasure to read all poems. Congratulations Joanne. Thanks to everyone who posted. Really enjoyed reading and participating.

David,
Let's see if I understand. You call women you don't even know "darling" and my use of the word gentleman sets back the "feminist struggle" to the Victorian age. Do you see somewhat of an oxymoron there? I was an officer and a gentleman and now I'm just a gentleman. Look the word up; the values of being a real gentlemen tend to be gender free. A code of behavior, actually leaning more towards ones conduct, actions and words with men than with women.

But I digress. You can't even give Mary the apology you owe her and seem bent on being as argumentative and as rude as possible. This isn't the place for it. Also, perhaps this is why your poetry and opinions are unsuitable, as evidenced my your own words so far, for this forum.

Perhaps if you read more, gained self respect and maturity wherein you could address people with civility, then you might make some friends. But until you do, please refrain from causing unhappiness and discord here.

Good luck!
Donavon

The only time I'm called "darling" is when I'm angry and my husband is trying to smooth things over--akin to ironing wrinkles into a shirt. He succeeds only in further angering me. Most women despise pet names because they are used (primarily) to reduce us to "infantile brains." Women have struggled long and hard to overcome sexist generalizations, and it's this very attitude--I want to say it, so I'll say it--that demoralizes women and girls.

'Nuff said about that. I love/hate the variety of this month's selection: love the work--all of it; hate having had to make a choice. Changed my mind four times. I did have favorites, but they were all terrific, and I won't make anyone feel less a winner by naming my choices. Congrats (and thanx!) to all contributors and finalists!!!!

Trish LJ

Trish Lindsey wrote: "The only time I'm called "darling" is when I'm angry and my husband is trying to smooth things over--akin to ironing wrinkles into a shirt. He succeeds only in further angering me. Most women despi..."

Hello Trish,

I can understand that being called a pet name when someone is trying to placate you would be extremely irritating. Men experience that too :) As if someone could undo a wrong with manipulation, an attempt to play upon your feelings. Used inappropriately, I can see where there would be demoralizing feeling and a strong sense of be patronized. Very difficult when the average man is an idiot when it comes to understanding women, feelings and anything outside his ego and wants.

Perhaps it's in the context and timing of the use of such words. I tend to avoid them and only know of three women for whom I ever used the word "darling." Yet, that word was always followed by their name. I only used it as a way to express depth of love so I'll forgive myself. For example, when I first held my daughter I said "My darling Laura; you bring me joy beyond words." I felt okay about that. She was sleeping, so perhaps that made a difference.

I think we always know when honest, caring love is being expressed. The use of an endearing adjective or two isn't necessarily unwelcome when we believe the other person is trying to express tenderness and love. Sometimes love is clumsily expressed, yet like gold, we know it when we see it.

Donavon

Donavon wrote: "Trish Lindsey wrote: "The only time I'm called "darling" is when I'm angry and my husband is trying to smooth things over--akin to ironing wrinkles into a shirt. He succeeds only in further angerin..."

Pure poetry here, Donavon. Thank you for saying it. :)
tlj

What an infitile response. You're going to take your ball and go home. "This meeting is adjourned." Discussion closed, as if there were one. It's not your use of language but rather your hostile attitude; your inability to be civil or acknowledge when you have made a mistake. You could have friends here but I think you will need to have more respect and love in your heart than you've shown to date.
Perhaps, in time, you will gain the self confidence necessary to be a responsible adult. As it is, you come accross as a petulant child. We keep buying you books and you just eat the covers.
Sad, but it is your doing. Learning to accept personal responsibility for ones behavoir is an important maturation process. Come back when you can give and not hurt. Good luck!
Donavon

Leaf Poem

Penny, thank you for your very kind comment. I shall resist the temptation to call you (a) darling, as it seems to be an uncommonly freighted term...

I very much liked Leaf poem, but I found Right Behind You a wonderful creation, and would have voted for that had I been more organized.

I liked all the poems, actually; they all give pause for thought, and that's a key aspect, for me, at least.

/on edit/ I'm very happy, and a bit surprised, tbh, to get an honorable mention. As a mark of my profound gratitude, I have gone with the American spelling of honorable. Merci à tous!

I too am grateful for an honorable mention, but am disappointed to see the vitriol/negative comments expressed here. I feel that there is no call for this. We all associate with/enjoy different writing, and should celebrate this rather than criticise just because something isn't to one's own taste. I read and learn, and am grateful to do so, so thanks everyone for sharing your writing.

Good points Francesca.

I have no problem at all with constructive criticism. Indeed, without it it's all too easy to end up with nothing much more than a great big group-hug kind of forum, where any old drivel is applauded simply because somebody "tried". Happily (and speaking as a newbie), this forum seems to steer well clear of that particular trap.

And don't get me wrong; there's certainly a need to encourage people to "try" - after all, who here believes the world would be a better place for having fewer poets in it?

But equally, it is ultimately patronising and condescending to give anything other than an honest, critical opinion of what we read.

The elements which permit both strong and valid criticism as well as encouragement and support are surely compassion and tolerance.

People wring out their guts to produce poetry. It may be deemed "poetically awful" by the great majority of readers, but given the processes involved, I think it's only decent to tread lightly when discussing it.

Hi David.

I hope you don't think that I've "joined forces" with anyone, and certainly not against you.

Your style is a tad abrasive, certainly, but you know what? I really don't mind. At all.

And this isn't some weird passive-aggressive stance; it's simply that I've been brought up on very robust debate, and the moment a comment on a discussion board or forum "offends" me (personally, I mean), is the moment I'll be taking a good look at myself.

The only "criticism" I'll offer of what you've posted is that some of the reactions you've elicited have eclipsed the points you were trying to make, which is unfortunate.

I could make this whole message rhyme, if anyone would prefer, but I've got other cookies to crumble for the next few days, so please don't hold your breath.

Not-hugs to all. But my very best wishes, all the same.

I too am a newbie, and I strongly agree Aidan with your comment that "the elements which permit strong and valid criticism as well as encouragement and support are surely compassion and tolerance". So eloquently said.

Oh, I almost forgot! Congratulations to Joane on her winning this month!!! Keep up the good work, girl!

Joanne, your poem looks beautiful in the newsletter. Congratulations again!

Joanne, Christina is so right. It was already a stunning poem to start with, and only got better when I read it again in the newsletter.

Beautifully written Joanne. It seems to me more than a poem. It seems a big story. I am a newbie, so excuse my ignorance. You say so much, and, so well. Congratulations. The more I read it, the more I appreciate it.

Beautiful newsletter--congratulations, Joanne! Well-done poem that Dickinson would say "the top of [her] head were taken off." Poetry is definitely alive and well, as this forum proves.
tlj