National Poetry Month Couplet Competition ***Winners Announced The Society April 10, 2016 From the Society, Poetry Contests 138 Comments Winners Conformists of a feather flock together. Michael R. Burch, Nashville, Tennessee The u of solitude allays the y of lonely. The i in if precedes the o in only. Michael Harmon, Scottsdale, Arizona Runners Up I sympathize truly my dear, But as you see, I have a beer. Robert Walton, King City, California It’s always the common folk who must pay When their leaders go looking for dragons to slay. David Martin, Chantilly, Virginia Honorable Mentions Knowledge, bestow thy light upon the mind, Lest pleasures waste and lucent trifles blind. Joseph McKenzie, New Mexico Face drenched with tears I wipe my eyes with hope God hears my fervent cries Jan Hersh I want the facts that will inform my views. I don’t need entertainment from my news. James Ph. Kotsybar, Lompoc, California Mid the forest, Dryad stood; hidden, oaken, silent wood, Mid the glade, the Sun he splayed; folk content, they never strayed. Neal Dachstadter, Knoxville, Tennessee Participating Judges Michael Curtis, Washington, DC Joshua Philipp, Queens, New York Damian Robin, Sheffield, United Kingdom William Ruleman, Athens, Tennessee James Sale, Bournemouth, United Kingdom Bruce Dale Wise, Naselle, Washington Judge Michael Curtis poetically noted: If I could improve it I didn’t choose it. I looked for wit, precision too, Heart-felt feelings wouldn’t do. __________________________________________________________________ RULES: To celebrate National Poetry Month, write a two-line poem (couplet) that rhymes. It’s nice to have some meter or the same number of syllables per line, but not required. Paste your poem into the comment section with your name, city, and state (no need to list your last name or email address if you don’t want to). No submission fee. DEADLINE: April 30 midnight (***Deadline extended to May 1, midnight EST). Winner announced May 10. PRIZE: Free Society of Classical Poets 2016 Journal due out later this spring. JUDGE: Classical poets staff and advisory board will judge (which means they can’t compete, sorry) Featured Image: “Candidates for Girton College” by Frederick Brown, 1884. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Trending now: 138 Responses Bret, Brooklyn, New York April 9, 2016 If you don’t know what to do Just zip dip trip flip dippity doo Reply Mark, Montgomery, Alabama April 9, 2016 Spring is right around the corner, So it’s time to plant the corn, sir! Reply Marvin, Phoenix, Arizona April 9, 2016 An oxen set free is what we aspire Then our goal of due course is to retire – Reply Stefan, Hazel Park, Michigan April 9, 2016 Addiction is the magnified passion; Love in extreme is the current fashion. Reply Alan W. Jankowski April 9, 2016 Tis a contest I see, so I’ll post a rhyme, Perchance I shall win a book this time. Reply Denise, Phoenix, Arizona April 9, 2016 Hummingbird, hummingbird, please do return, we bought a new feeder and you must learn. Reply Veronica, Lathrup Village, Michigan April 9, 2016 Phoenicans shared tall mountains and desert scapes. Now we return to our wonderland of hills and lakes. Reply Felicia, Atlanta, Georgia April 9, 2016 Compare the sadness and anger of westerners, to the suffering ‘alien other’ of our easterners. Reply Michael Harmon April 9, 2016 The u of solitude allays the y of lonely. The i in if precedes the o in only. Michael Harmon Scottsdale, Arizona Reply Enri Vilmos, Hungary April 9, 2016 At the fiery cauldron or high up in the sky – Dance with the devil or with the angels, fly! Reply Jan Hersh April 10, 2016 face drenched with tears I wipe my eyes with hope God hears my fervent cries Reply James Ph. Kotsybar April 10, 2016 It’s rare that one can enter things for free, unless it’s competitive poetry. Reply Robert Walton April 10, 2016 An old woman in black lies slumped in the gutter – Smart bombs should be smarter. Reply mike keansburg nj April 10, 2016 People kindness relevant So simple yet elegant Reply Sylvia, Rutherglen, Scotland April 11, 2016 On the world’s political stage honeyed words But only God’s gifts truth, sweet persistent birds. Reply Elizabeth Spencer Spragins April 11, 2016 Riches My sleeping collie twitches in the sun And counts the sheep he’s herded just for fun. Elizabeth Spragins Fredericksburg, Virginia Reply Diana April 11, 2016 Diana, Missoula, Montana Absurd thoughts for a normal thinker, rational to me, mad freethinker. Reply wendy lee klenetsky April 11, 2016 I emailed this now so I wouldn’t forget it, and hoped you’d like it because, friends, you’ve just read it! Reply Sheldon Klenetsky May 1, 2016 Awesome and very clever!!!!! Reply Jason Tolliss April 11, 2016 Jason, Dorset UK Bring the cool rain To earase my pain Reply Daniel Petrila April 11, 2016 Goddess, you are my prayer of death And the blemished lamb sacrificed on the altar of powerlessness of worshipping you, here on earth! Reply Daniel Petrila April 11, 2016 Goddess, you are my blemished lamb and my prayer of death sacrificed on the altar of powerlessness of worshipping you, here on earth! Reply Corey browning April 11, 2016 O sapience, to you! The brightest flame! Do taketh thee? Or giveth do you fame? Corey Browning Brooklyn, NY Reply Neal Dachstadter April 11, 2016 Mid the forest, Dryad stood; hidden, oaken, silent wood, Mid the glade, the Sun he splayed; folk content, they never strayed. Reply Neal Dachstadter April 11, 2016 Neal Dachstadter Knoxville, Tennessee Reply Reid McGrath April 11, 2016 Modern Cynics Distrusting, thus starving, with an ungrateful suspicion, they murmur at their Moses in their Wilderness of Sin. Pawling, New York Reply MIGEL JAYASINGHE April 12, 2016 Heroes mown down like poppies in the field, switch to the acoustic guitar, a worthy weapon and shield. Reply Radu Spinu April 12, 2016 We sing comedy in our sour dreams causing tragedy in their children’s tears Radu Spinu Bucharest , Romania Reply Noman Man April 12, 2016 in the midst of fog and haze a light will always steer the way Reply LUCY CORTESE April 12, 2016 Mommy don’t be mad if I shout scream stomp and loudly vent When I master my most obnoxious behavior I’ll run for President Reply Joseph Charles MacKenzie April 12, 2016 Knowledge, bestow thy light upon the mind, Lest pleasures waste and lucent trifles blind. Reply Susan Binyamin April 12, 2016 Fleeting away with each passing moment, Only fools spend all time in atonement. Susan Brooklyn, NY Reply Suchitra Das April 12, 2016 Suchitra G. Das Temporal bodies of endless desire; bustle to create, hustle to acquire, Seeking immortality in Hades’ lair; we succumb to lures beyond repair. Reply Carly McGrath April 12, 2016 After Practice I am really thirsty and tired. Too bad the milk’s expired. Carly McGrath Fifteen Pawling, New York Reply Robert Walton April 12, 2016 I sympathize truly, my dear, But, as you see, I have a beer. Reply Reid McGrath April 12, 2016 Beer and old men she doesn’t see. She has an older brother: Me… Robert Walton April 12, 2016 I bid you adieu and out the door – Much better the night than on the floor. clinton van inman April 13, 2016 Real love comes not with Cupid’s arrows But with shovels, picks, and wheelbarrows. Reply Gregory Palmerino, Connecticut April 13, 2016 Earth is a sphere of poverty and wealth; Its two sides nurture and betray its health. Reply Basil, South Africa April 13, 2016 From age to age treat all as equal. Then at life’s end you’ll love the sequel. Reply Neal May 6, 2016 very good/succinct Reply Basil Fillis May 7, 2016 Thank you. I hope this couplet will earn me a copy of the Annual anthology. I can’t afford to buy it. I’m just a poor pensioner in South Africa! Michael R. Burch April 14, 2016 I lived as best I could, and then I died: be careful where you step; the grave is wide. “Epitaph for a Child of the Holocaust,” Michael R. Burch, Nashville, TN Reply Douglas Thornton, France April 17, 2016 What comfort, by such fairest vision made, Gives heart unto the fondness of parade– Reply Jesse Laine April 18, 2016 What is word and sight, this poetry? If not a bird and flight and soul to free Jesse Laine, Toronto, Canada Reply Gayani Siriwardena April 19, 2016 Fear not, in the crisis, you are not to blame Weep not, Goddess Isis, it’s just a name Reply Gayani Siriwardena April 19, 2016 Fear not, in the crisis, you are not to blame Weep not, Goddess Isis, it’s just a name Gayani Siriwardena Colombo Sri Lanka Reply Stacy Savage, Anderson, Indiana April 19, 2016 George may have kissed a girl and made her cry, But now they’re married and she bakes him pie! Reply Mercedes Corraliza April 19, 2016 In the skies a flying white dove, gets lost in the endless sea of love. Reply Merce Corraliza April 19, 2016 In the skies a flying white dove, gets lost in the endless sea of love. Reply Jacqulyn Ryan April 19, 2016 I spent all night chasing the white rabbit but I never could grab it Reply Jacqulyn Ryan April 19, 2016 Muncie,IN Reply Kaushik Ryo April 19, 2016 People calls her a whore But she lives behind that door. Reply David Fiedler, Monticello, NY April 20, 2016 Silently witnessing the madness of the world, The pine tree stands, arms upstretched towards God. Reply A.R. Harmon April 22, 2016 A hundred birds on still seas sleep, As one sinks soundless towards the deep. A.R. Harmon Reply A.R. Harmon April 22, 2016 New Orleans, LA Reply Tyler James Smith April 22, 2016 Die stances! What’s accord-conversation? Instances of discord-conservation. Reply Lizelle Cloete April 25, 2016 Change Glancing over my shoulder, but the horizon calls again Another place is waiting for me to attend It’s happening inside, the change of mine Long fingers are shooting out like new vines Bubbled up expectations are squashed together Gone is the emptiness of despondency with whatever Beautiful in the distance of its own kind Leaving the way open for new possibilities to find The first steps might be uncertain and daunting Fuelled by an eagerness to bring relief in a world that’s haughty Uncomfortable at first, hope, faith and love covers the rough edges Push and pull slowly, holding steady the growth of relationships A map has been laid out, even before our time Roads, directions and signs are there to choose, yours and mine In our hearts and hands the ability has been given to do Walking our paths of life in who we are and following through Transition to something different or new is never easy Moving from one place to another doesn’t happen immediately What a journey and adventure it could be? Exploring the unknown with people and things to see Change is all around us and can’t be stopped Life is in our hands and what is the cost? By Lizelle Cloete Reply Anthony Travers April 25, 2016 In China where the great wall stands, live sadly shackled human hands. Reply James Ph. Kotsybar April 25, 2016 I want the facts that will inform my views. I don’t need entertainment from my news. Reply suprabha April 26, 2016 this is not the last chance to win the contest, but this is a good chance to try my best. sun will rise and sun will set, ever thought why little rabi in the window,is so upset? Reply suprabha April 26, 2016 you can’t always win,you may have failure, but you are learning the proper things,make it sure Reply suprabha April 26, 2016 asansol,west bengal,india, i am a high school student Reply James Irving Mann April 26, 2016 Love is born in your soul through soft, tender sighs Then flies out of control as it Personifies. Reply Elaina Dionisio April 28, 2016 A Drive I Used to Know Road of pink blossoms to Majestic Woods. Once was Phillies Bridge, now Nostalgic Way. Newburgh, New York Reply S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 So lonely, creeping each his way Go only predator and prey. Brisbane, Aus Reply S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 All faithful, down the caterpillar highway Go others – I insist it isn’t my way. Brisbane, Aus Reply S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 There is no fire, how wild soever it rage To beat the printed word upon the page. Brisbane, Aus Reply S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 Still, torture’s not designed to kill Till all has failed to move the WILL. Brisbane, Aus Reply S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 To see with eyes of love is but To see the dough and not the nut. Brisbane, Aus Reply S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 Unless my life should mortal be It renders not eternity. Brisbane, Aus Reply S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 For though to some death is a bitter end It is to others mercy, and a friend. Brisbane, Aus Reply S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 Without my life should draw unto its end Forsooth I must go clean around the bend! Brisbane, Aus Reply jerrod hannah April 30, 2016 Who Can Awaken Divinely Inspired Poetry, is my Heart To Revere the divine, is the origin of Art note: my own project is called Divinely Inspired Poetry Reply Meryl Stratford April 30, 2016 What did the icy temperature forbode? We saw the rocket lift off, climb, explode. Reply David Martin April 30, 2016 A Rhyme for the Times It’s always the common folk who must pay When their leaders go looking for dragons to slay. David Chantilly, Virginia Reply John April 30, 2016 Choice is the eternal doctor of fate Medicating the Millennium’s great Reply Daniel April 30, 2016 Old hawks or new demagogues, to the right or left bent, Weighs not, where drones their gift, to its next young recipient. Reply Jeff April 30, 2016 My room My room to speak is closing in As walls of talk around me spin. Reply Turley April 30, 2016 A witness harassed by government goons And protesters are called Vince Foster loons. Reply andy April 30, 2016 Move over sweetly fathomless, there’s a new stranger in our bed. I asked him only for a little warmth. well, he pissed on me instead. andy, colorado springs, colorado Reply K.E.Gersch April 30, 2016 Spring Tulips The searing wind sighs and folds into morn, soothing pink budded mouths like a newborn. Reply Marissa April 30, 2016 Poppy Crazy with no relief kiss Poppy Crazy opium bliss Reply Janice Canerdy April 30, 2016 Experience and innocence join hands, enabling us to thrive through life’s demands. Reply Abu tarek md tahsin May 1, 2016 In the midst of this summer, Blooms the seasons of life’s desires. Reply Nicholas, San Jose, California May 1, 2016 The loss we endure is a wound unseen. Internal stitches are so tough to clean. Reply Michael R. Burch May 1, 2016 Conformists of a feather flock together. Michael R. Burch, Nashville, Tennessee Reply Kristen Borowski May 1, 2016 When the cloud eclipsed the sun it became the bright full moon; Distilled in fragrant euphony, untouched but loved too soon. Reply Tatjana Debeljački May 1, 2016 Moonlight was showered down the valley like an eternal perfume Reply Hibah Shabkhez May 1, 2016 Down a gauntlet of eyes I cringe my way In the shadow of the man not beside me Reply Hibah Shabkhez May 1, 2016 I work from dawn to dusk for my bread I work the hells ye angels fear to tread Reply Mike E May 1, 2016 The trouble with using half-rhyme Is that it tends to sound rather tame Reply MalaikaFG May 1, 2016 Please give me one more night, I just wanna make things right. Reply Cathy Bryant May 1, 2016 What a fine sight – a child full of delight, laughing and running and flying a kite! Reply Laura May 1, 2016 Catharsis If each poem would mirror a writer’s sin There would be nothing left for priests to deem. Reply mell May 1, 2016 Frail, but resilient, emerging from drifts, Wan petals, yet brilliant, as Winter’s coat lifts. Reply Keith Robson May 1, 2016 Soliloquy. …………….. Between all that we’ve forgotten and between the things we’ve shared There is such a warm sensation in the ways that we’ve both cared… Reply Samina Hadi-Tabassum May 1, 2016 The world must change its borders This land is not for hoarders Reply Theodore Eisenberg May 1, 2016 A word absurdly dreams of belonging. To be forever phrased — longing’s longing. Ted Reply Salma Hadi-St.John May 1, 2016 I am six Do you have anything to fix? Reply B. E. St. John May 1, 2016 Kidz havta wear kevlar pjs 2 bed 2 wake up not shot dead Chicago Reply Jack Horne May 1, 2016 The thing that she regretted most: not putting poison on his toast. Plymouth, England Reply Najda HSJ May 1, 2016 The border is vast, majestic, and tall That’s why it is called The Great Wall Reply Robert S. Hubbard May 1, 2016 A sign of life that flits from tree to tree, ‘Tis spring’s hello–the errant bumblebee. Reply Marcus Bales May 1, 2016 Conservatives are fools: that’s just hors d’oeuvreative: Because not every fool is a conservative. Reply Ovidiu-Marius BOCȘA May 1, 2016 Leggy Girls Days A clock: you’ve got to walk it straight and narrow: Pyramid based on truth I built as last Pharaoh. Monkey is a feeling in front of the window; Smile is healing even the Caliban`sorrow; You are my little bow and I am the arrow, I have in my hands the joy of a sparrow; You learn by heart my lyrics like mellow; Because, really I am a good funny fellow; Peoples burn pain all in my bone marrow; No night will fall down like a crowing crow And let the struggle for an other tomorrow; Each day is a leggy girl who still can borrow No moments of my poem: a cloak to wrap a sorrow. Reply Deborah L. May 1, 2016 The clowns and the lions and stunt acts are great. Where are we, the circus? No, prezy debate! San Jose, CA Reply Greg Tuleja May 1, 2016 I’ll come tonight, my love, tonight, she said The perfumed words I wish I’d never read. Reply Rick Blum, Bedford, MA May 1, 2016 I wrote a verse That was too terse Reply Skip Hughes May 1, 2016 “Hamlet’s Least Soliloquy,” by Skip Hughes of Greenfield, Indiana An owlish phrase, to wit to woo, or not to woo Yon maiden fair, is not the question hitherto. Reply Ovidiu-Marius BOCȘA May 1, 2016 But, leaves` procession under the kiss of the wind; Buds of faith and hope live in philosophical mind. Reply John Michael Ruskovich May 1, 2016 One Reliable Thing Each year I count on just one thing: The melting of winter into spring. Reply pgepps May 1, 2016 When you hear talk of green but spell it “grieve,” Remember life will make you lief to leave. Peter G. Epps Oklahoma City, OK Reply pgepps May 1, 2016 When you leave liefer things behind in grief, Remember where they’re pressed and turn the leaf. Peter G. Epps Oklahoma City, OK Reply Robert Shoemaker May 1, 2016 There was a bird up in a tree; he was so high, he couldn’t see. Reply Christina May 1, 2016 Mountain clouds, foot-trodden ways, And pale pink trilliums in the haze. Chantilly, VA Reply elizabeth henry May 2, 2016 I love the imagery of your verse 🙂 Reply Miles May 1, 2016 When your mind is open and your heart is gold Life’s about more than what your hands can hold Reply Shailyn Sooter, Seattle WA May 1, 2016 The Roi du Bois, upon his gilded mushroom throne, Oft recalls in loneliness his soldiers swallowed by the Rhône. Reply Dreppec, Alex, Germany May 1, 2016 Will my wage be delusion, my plans overthrown? She’s already pregnant and – with her own clone! Reply Kathy in Canada May 1, 2016 China’s moon is dark with corruption and grime Suppressing free speech is a human rights crime* *The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, section 17, subsection 19: “19. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression: this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” Free Liu Xiaobo! Reply elizabeth henry May 1, 2016 The Rabbit and the Hatter sat to eat a sumptuous tea, Until a girl fell done a hole and spoiled their privacy. Reply elizabeth henry May 2, 2016 Here’s proof that one should never rush poetry… It should, of course have read: The Hatter and the Rabbit sat to eat a sumptuous tea, Until a girl dropped down a hole and spoiled their privacy. Apologies. Reply Dan; Pittsfield, MA May 1, 2016 We are shadows–from thoughts, half-heartedly Looking through a broken glass darkly Reply Cynthia May 1, 2016 It’s a feast for the senses to be showered on, kissed As the twangy scent of rain rises up its tasty mist. Reply Basil Fillis May 2, 2016 From age to age treat all as equal; then at life’s end you’ll love the sequel. Reply Bob McNeil May 2, 2016 An Untitled Couplet Within you lies the Hope Diamond of wealth, How fortunate you are to be yourself. Copyright 2016 Reply Basil Fillis May 3, 2016 Lots of ifs and buts are ensconced in that couplet. Maybe if it rhymed…. Reply Chandradeep Das May 2, 2016 ‘Or saunter along together amidst a chilly mizzle, Not a bower nearby to conceal us from the drizzle’ Reply Clayton L Sanders aka C L Souliere May 2, 2016 My soul is now in pieces, my world has shattered, My mom died on Saturday, took all that mattered Reply Vikoo May 2, 2016 What does love made from you You can laugh, cry but he doesn’t see u Reply Alan W. Jankowski May 9, 2016 Congrats to the winners here… Reply Michael R. Burch May 9, 2016 It was an honor to participate in the competition against so many talented poets, and a pleasant surprise to be one of the winners. Thanks very much to the Society for sponsoring the contest. I have won prizes or honorable mentions in 38 poetry contests, but this is one of my favorites because everyone was able to read the submissions. — Mike Burch Reply James Ph. Kotsybar May 10, 2016 Congratulations to all the winners I hope you are lauded over dinners. Especially, thanks to Evan Mantyk who works so hard though his life gets frantic. Thanks also to the judges and the staff who helped choose winners, where there was no chaff. Reply Robert Walton May 10, 2016 A toast to this poetical crew- To each and all I raise my brew! Reply Michael R. Burch May 10, 2016 And to the host, I lift my toast. Reply Mantz May 1, 2017 I love you more than I can say: please, oh please, let me come to stay. Reply Robert Walton May 1, 2017 A crescent moon swing hung on ropes of stars. We joined hands and, laughing, swung for Mars. Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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Bret, Brooklyn, New York April 9, 2016 If you don’t know what to do Just zip dip trip flip dippity doo Reply
Mark, Montgomery, Alabama April 9, 2016 Spring is right around the corner, So it’s time to plant the corn, sir! Reply
Marvin, Phoenix, Arizona April 9, 2016 An oxen set free is what we aspire Then our goal of due course is to retire – Reply
Stefan, Hazel Park, Michigan April 9, 2016 Addiction is the magnified passion; Love in extreme is the current fashion. Reply
Alan W. Jankowski April 9, 2016 Tis a contest I see, so I’ll post a rhyme, Perchance I shall win a book this time. Reply
Denise, Phoenix, Arizona April 9, 2016 Hummingbird, hummingbird, please do return, we bought a new feeder and you must learn. Reply
Veronica, Lathrup Village, Michigan April 9, 2016 Phoenicans shared tall mountains and desert scapes. Now we return to our wonderland of hills and lakes. Reply
Felicia, Atlanta, Georgia April 9, 2016 Compare the sadness and anger of westerners, to the suffering ‘alien other’ of our easterners. Reply
Michael Harmon April 9, 2016 The u of solitude allays the y of lonely. The i in if precedes the o in only. Michael Harmon Scottsdale, Arizona Reply
Enri Vilmos, Hungary April 9, 2016 At the fiery cauldron or high up in the sky – Dance with the devil or with the angels, fly! Reply
Jan Hersh April 10, 2016 face drenched with tears I wipe my eyes with hope God hears my fervent cries Reply
James Ph. Kotsybar April 10, 2016 It’s rare that one can enter things for free, unless it’s competitive poetry. Reply
Robert Walton April 10, 2016 An old woman in black lies slumped in the gutter – Smart bombs should be smarter. Reply
Sylvia, Rutherglen, Scotland April 11, 2016 On the world’s political stage honeyed words But only God’s gifts truth, sweet persistent birds. Reply
Elizabeth Spencer Spragins April 11, 2016 Riches My sleeping collie twitches in the sun And counts the sheep he’s herded just for fun. Elizabeth Spragins Fredericksburg, Virginia Reply
Diana April 11, 2016 Diana, Missoula, Montana Absurd thoughts for a normal thinker, rational to me, mad freethinker. Reply
wendy lee klenetsky April 11, 2016 I emailed this now so I wouldn’t forget it, and hoped you’d like it because, friends, you’ve just read it! Reply
Daniel Petrila April 11, 2016 Goddess, you are my prayer of death And the blemished lamb sacrificed on the altar of powerlessness of worshipping you, here on earth! Reply
Daniel Petrila April 11, 2016 Goddess, you are my blemished lamb and my prayer of death sacrificed on the altar of powerlessness of worshipping you, here on earth! Reply
Corey browning April 11, 2016 O sapience, to you! The brightest flame! Do taketh thee? Or giveth do you fame? Corey Browning Brooklyn, NY Reply
Neal Dachstadter April 11, 2016 Mid the forest, Dryad stood; hidden, oaken, silent wood, Mid the glade, the Sun he splayed; folk content, they never strayed. Reply
Reid McGrath April 11, 2016 Modern Cynics Distrusting, thus starving, with an ungrateful suspicion, they murmur at their Moses in their Wilderness of Sin. Pawling, New York Reply
MIGEL JAYASINGHE April 12, 2016 Heroes mown down like poppies in the field, switch to the acoustic guitar, a worthy weapon and shield. Reply
Radu Spinu April 12, 2016 We sing comedy in our sour dreams causing tragedy in their children’s tears Radu Spinu Bucharest , Romania Reply
LUCY CORTESE April 12, 2016 Mommy don’t be mad if I shout scream stomp and loudly vent When I master my most obnoxious behavior I’ll run for President Reply
Joseph Charles MacKenzie April 12, 2016 Knowledge, bestow thy light upon the mind, Lest pleasures waste and lucent trifles blind. Reply
Susan Binyamin April 12, 2016 Fleeting away with each passing moment, Only fools spend all time in atonement. Susan Brooklyn, NY Reply
Suchitra Das April 12, 2016 Suchitra G. Das Temporal bodies of endless desire; bustle to create, hustle to acquire, Seeking immortality in Hades’ lair; we succumb to lures beyond repair. Reply
Carly McGrath April 12, 2016 After Practice I am really thirsty and tired. Too bad the milk’s expired. Carly McGrath Fifteen Pawling, New York Reply
Robert Walton April 12, 2016 I bid you adieu and out the door – Much better the night than on the floor.
clinton van inman April 13, 2016 Real love comes not with Cupid’s arrows But with shovels, picks, and wheelbarrows. Reply
Gregory Palmerino, Connecticut April 13, 2016 Earth is a sphere of poverty and wealth; Its two sides nurture and betray its health. Reply
Basil, South Africa April 13, 2016 From age to age treat all as equal. Then at life’s end you’ll love the sequel. Reply
Basil Fillis May 7, 2016 Thank you. I hope this couplet will earn me a copy of the Annual anthology. I can’t afford to buy it. I’m just a poor pensioner in South Africa!
Michael R. Burch April 14, 2016 I lived as best I could, and then I died: be careful where you step; the grave is wide. “Epitaph for a Child of the Holocaust,” Michael R. Burch, Nashville, TN Reply
Douglas Thornton, France April 17, 2016 What comfort, by such fairest vision made, Gives heart unto the fondness of parade– Reply
Jesse Laine April 18, 2016 What is word and sight, this poetry? If not a bird and flight and soul to free Jesse Laine, Toronto, Canada Reply
Gayani Siriwardena April 19, 2016 Fear not, in the crisis, you are not to blame Weep not, Goddess Isis, it’s just a name Reply
Gayani Siriwardena April 19, 2016 Fear not, in the crisis, you are not to blame Weep not, Goddess Isis, it’s just a name Gayani Siriwardena Colombo Sri Lanka Reply
Stacy Savage, Anderson, Indiana April 19, 2016 George may have kissed a girl and made her cry, But now they’re married and she bakes him pie! Reply
Mercedes Corraliza April 19, 2016 In the skies a flying white dove, gets lost in the endless sea of love. Reply
Merce Corraliza April 19, 2016 In the skies a flying white dove, gets lost in the endless sea of love. Reply
Jacqulyn Ryan April 19, 2016 I spent all night chasing the white rabbit but I never could grab it Reply
David Fiedler, Monticello, NY April 20, 2016 Silently witnessing the madness of the world, The pine tree stands, arms upstretched towards God. Reply
A.R. Harmon April 22, 2016 A hundred birds on still seas sleep, As one sinks soundless towards the deep. A.R. Harmon Reply
Tyler James Smith April 22, 2016 Die stances! What’s accord-conversation? Instances of discord-conservation. Reply
Lizelle Cloete April 25, 2016 Change Glancing over my shoulder, but the horizon calls again Another place is waiting for me to attend It’s happening inside, the change of mine Long fingers are shooting out like new vines Bubbled up expectations are squashed together Gone is the emptiness of despondency with whatever Beautiful in the distance of its own kind Leaving the way open for new possibilities to find The first steps might be uncertain and daunting Fuelled by an eagerness to bring relief in a world that’s haughty Uncomfortable at first, hope, faith and love covers the rough edges Push and pull slowly, holding steady the growth of relationships A map has been laid out, even before our time Roads, directions and signs are there to choose, yours and mine In our hearts and hands the ability has been given to do Walking our paths of life in who we are and following through Transition to something different or new is never easy Moving from one place to another doesn’t happen immediately What a journey and adventure it could be? Exploring the unknown with people and things to see Change is all around us and can’t be stopped Life is in our hands and what is the cost? By Lizelle Cloete Reply
Anthony Travers April 25, 2016 In China where the great wall stands, live sadly shackled human hands. Reply
James Ph. Kotsybar April 25, 2016 I want the facts that will inform my views. I don’t need entertainment from my news. Reply
suprabha April 26, 2016 this is not the last chance to win the contest, but this is a good chance to try my best. sun will rise and sun will set, ever thought why little rabi in the window,is so upset? Reply
suprabha April 26, 2016 you can’t always win,you may have failure, but you are learning the proper things,make it sure Reply
James Irving Mann April 26, 2016 Love is born in your soul through soft, tender sighs Then flies out of control as it Personifies. Reply
Elaina Dionisio April 28, 2016 A Drive I Used to Know Road of pink blossoms to Majestic Woods. Once was Phillies Bridge, now Nostalgic Way. Newburgh, New York Reply
S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 So lonely, creeping each his way Go only predator and prey. Brisbane, Aus Reply
S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 All faithful, down the caterpillar highway Go others – I insist it isn’t my way. Brisbane, Aus Reply
S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 There is no fire, how wild soever it rage To beat the printed word upon the page. Brisbane, Aus Reply
S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 Still, torture’s not designed to kill Till all has failed to move the WILL. Brisbane, Aus Reply
S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 To see with eyes of love is but To see the dough and not the nut. Brisbane, Aus Reply
S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 Unless my life should mortal be It renders not eternity. Brisbane, Aus Reply
S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 For though to some death is a bitter end It is to others mercy, and a friend. Brisbane, Aus Reply
S. O'Shea April 29, 2016 Without my life should draw unto its end Forsooth I must go clean around the bend! Brisbane, Aus Reply
jerrod hannah April 30, 2016 Who Can Awaken Divinely Inspired Poetry, is my Heart To Revere the divine, is the origin of Art note: my own project is called Divinely Inspired Poetry Reply
Meryl Stratford April 30, 2016 What did the icy temperature forbode? We saw the rocket lift off, climb, explode. Reply
David Martin April 30, 2016 A Rhyme for the Times It’s always the common folk who must pay When their leaders go looking for dragons to slay. David Chantilly, Virginia Reply
Daniel April 30, 2016 Old hawks or new demagogues, to the right or left bent, Weighs not, where drones their gift, to its next young recipient. Reply
Turley April 30, 2016 A witness harassed by government goons And protesters are called Vince Foster loons. Reply
andy April 30, 2016 Move over sweetly fathomless, there’s a new stranger in our bed. I asked him only for a little warmth. well, he pissed on me instead. andy, colorado springs, colorado Reply
K.E.Gersch April 30, 2016 Spring Tulips The searing wind sighs and folds into morn, soothing pink budded mouths like a newborn. Reply
Janice Canerdy April 30, 2016 Experience and innocence join hands, enabling us to thrive through life’s demands. Reply
Abu tarek md tahsin May 1, 2016 In the midst of this summer, Blooms the seasons of life’s desires. Reply
Nicholas, San Jose, California May 1, 2016 The loss we endure is a wound unseen. Internal stitches are so tough to clean. Reply
Michael R. Burch May 1, 2016 Conformists of a feather flock together. Michael R. Burch, Nashville, Tennessee Reply
Kristen Borowski May 1, 2016 When the cloud eclipsed the sun it became the bright full moon; Distilled in fragrant euphony, untouched but loved too soon. Reply
Hibah Shabkhez May 1, 2016 Down a gauntlet of eyes I cringe my way In the shadow of the man not beside me Reply
Hibah Shabkhez May 1, 2016 I work from dawn to dusk for my bread I work the hells ye angels fear to tread Reply
Cathy Bryant May 1, 2016 What a fine sight – a child full of delight, laughing and running and flying a kite! Reply
Laura May 1, 2016 Catharsis If each poem would mirror a writer’s sin There would be nothing left for priests to deem. Reply
mell May 1, 2016 Frail, but resilient, emerging from drifts, Wan petals, yet brilliant, as Winter’s coat lifts. Reply
Keith Robson May 1, 2016 Soliloquy. …………….. Between all that we’ve forgotten and between the things we’ve shared There is such a warm sensation in the ways that we’ve both cared… Reply
Samina Hadi-Tabassum May 1, 2016 The world must change its borders This land is not for hoarders Reply
Theodore Eisenberg May 1, 2016 A word absurdly dreams of belonging. To be forever phrased — longing’s longing. Ted Reply
Jack Horne May 1, 2016 The thing that she regretted most: not putting poison on his toast. Plymouth, England Reply
Najda HSJ May 1, 2016 The border is vast, majestic, and tall That’s why it is called The Great Wall Reply
Robert S. Hubbard May 1, 2016 A sign of life that flits from tree to tree, ‘Tis spring’s hello–the errant bumblebee. Reply
Marcus Bales May 1, 2016 Conservatives are fools: that’s just hors d’oeuvreative: Because not every fool is a conservative. Reply
Ovidiu-Marius BOCȘA May 1, 2016 Leggy Girls Days A clock: you’ve got to walk it straight and narrow: Pyramid based on truth I built as last Pharaoh. Monkey is a feeling in front of the window; Smile is healing even the Caliban`sorrow; You are my little bow and I am the arrow, I have in my hands the joy of a sparrow; You learn by heart my lyrics like mellow; Because, really I am a good funny fellow; Peoples burn pain all in my bone marrow; No night will fall down like a crowing crow And let the struggle for an other tomorrow; Each day is a leggy girl who still can borrow No moments of my poem: a cloak to wrap a sorrow. Reply
Deborah L. May 1, 2016 The clowns and the lions and stunt acts are great. Where are we, the circus? No, prezy debate! San Jose, CA Reply
Greg Tuleja May 1, 2016 I’ll come tonight, my love, tonight, she said The perfumed words I wish I’d never read. Reply
Skip Hughes May 1, 2016 “Hamlet’s Least Soliloquy,” by Skip Hughes of Greenfield, Indiana An owlish phrase, to wit to woo, or not to woo Yon maiden fair, is not the question hitherto. Reply
Ovidiu-Marius BOCȘA May 1, 2016 But, leaves` procession under the kiss of the wind; Buds of faith and hope live in philosophical mind. Reply
John Michael Ruskovich May 1, 2016 One Reliable Thing Each year I count on just one thing: The melting of winter into spring. Reply
pgepps May 1, 2016 When you hear talk of green but spell it “grieve,” Remember life will make you lief to leave. Peter G. Epps Oklahoma City, OK Reply
pgepps May 1, 2016 When you leave liefer things behind in grief, Remember where they’re pressed and turn the leaf. Peter G. Epps Oklahoma City, OK Reply
Christina May 1, 2016 Mountain clouds, foot-trodden ways, And pale pink trilliums in the haze. Chantilly, VA Reply
Miles May 1, 2016 When your mind is open and your heart is gold Life’s about more than what your hands can hold Reply
Shailyn Sooter, Seattle WA May 1, 2016 The Roi du Bois, upon his gilded mushroom throne, Oft recalls in loneliness his soldiers swallowed by the Rhône. Reply
Dreppec, Alex, Germany May 1, 2016 Will my wage be delusion, my plans overthrown? She’s already pregnant and – with her own clone! Reply
Kathy in Canada May 1, 2016 China’s moon is dark with corruption and grime Suppressing free speech is a human rights crime* *The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, section 17, subsection 19: “19. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression: this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” Free Liu Xiaobo! Reply
elizabeth henry May 1, 2016 The Rabbit and the Hatter sat to eat a sumptuous tea, Until a girl fell done a hole and spoiled their privacy. Reply
elizabeth henry May 2, 2016 Here’s proof that one should never rush poetry… It should, of course have read: The Hatter and the Rabbit sat to eat a sumptuous tea, Until a girl dropped down a hole and spoiled their privacy. Apologies. Reply
Dan; Pittsfield, MA May 1, 2016 We are shadows–from thoughts, half-heartedly Looking through a broken glass darkly Reply
Cynthia May 1, 2016 It’s a feast for the senses to be showered on, kissed As the twangy scent of rain rises up its tasty mist. Reply
Basil Fillis May 2, 2016 From age to age treat all as equal; then at life’s end you’ll love the sequel. Reply
Bob McNeil May 2, 2016 An Untitled Couplet Within you lies the Hope Diamond of wealth, How fortunate you are to be yourself. Copyright 2016 Reply
Basil Fillis May 3, 2016 Lots of ifs and buts are ensconced in that couplet. Maybe if it rhymed…. Reply
Chandradeep Das May 2, 2016 ‘Or saunter along together amidst a chilly mizzle, Not a bower nearby to conceal us from the drizzle’ Reply
Clayton L Sanders aka C L Souliere May 2, 2016 My soul is now in pieces, my world has shattered, My mom died on Saturday, took all that mattered Reply
Michael R. Burch May 9, 2016 It was an honor to participate in the competition against so many talented poets, and a pleasant surprise to be one of the winners. Thanks very much to the Society for sponsoring the contest. I have won prizes or honorable mentions in 38 poetry contests, but this is one of my favorites because everyone was able to read the submissions. — Mike Burch Reply
James Ph. Kotsybar May 10, 2016 Congratulations to all the winners I hope you are lauded over dinners. Especially, thanks to Evan Mantyk who works so hard though his life gets frantic. Thanks also to the judges and the staff who helped choose winners, where there was no chaff. Reply
Robert Walton May 1, 2017 A crescent moon swing hung on ropes of stars. We joined hands and, laughing, swung for Mars. Reply
