I never would have thought that all those bloody ants around this place could have given me as much pleasure as I have had, not only writing my own poem, but also in reading those that have been presented for this contest. Thank you, to all who took up the challenge to write a poem about ants, and their long shadows, and CONGRULATIONS to the winners.
To my pleasure I was presented with a kaleidoscope of ideas, that all started with my common pest. Some looked through the lens of power, the power of individuals, and the shadows they cast; giving us the splendid line “… Shakespeare’s inspiration to poets is immortal…”, so true. Another Poet took that individual strength into the murky world of prostitution. Some, like myself, saw the political force of the smallest inhabitants of our globe. From one of these poems I was introduced to the life and work of “Cullis Suzuki”, through Kimo, thank you Poet for that heads-up. Then we have our own inspirational Poet, who tells her life struggles in a prosey/free verse, inviting us to “Come Take A Trip With Me”. Other Poets demand us to take action to “…save our mothers and sisters…”, or to take care “…with careful step to crush not life…”
Other lines that have stuck with me are-
“…Like an oil lamp that burns brighter when the oil is at its end…”
“…fair face will wrinkle when old…”
“…with her misty head in the black clouds…”
The entries came in a multitude of forms, as reflected in my winners,
3rd “Smallest Ants Cast Long Shadows”, I was blown away by there being two Acrostics entered. Both of which had rhyming elements. Here though we have full length rhyme that just awes me.
2nd “A Load”, here we have a most enjoyable Triolet, and there’s something about that last line that just puts a smile on my face.
2nd “DUPLICITY”, a Terza Rima, a form that I have not tried myself, and admire those who write them. Look for the most enjoyable conclusion.
1st “CAST A LONG SHADOW”, I was hooked on the first read, and still am. A fun read; may your aunt cast many more long shadows.
Besides these excellent poems, please enjoy all those that make up my chosen top 17.
Now to the Winners List, please enjoy reading these wonderful poems. Sorry but I don't seem to be able to copy the list across from the Members Constest Winner page, for easier to view table of winners please visit that page. In the meantime here are links to the top 17-
1st "Cast a Long Shadow"- Lyric Man https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/cast_a_long_shadow_632093
2nd "Duplicity"- Nehpets Gnik https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/duplicity_633473
2nd "A Load"- Sara Kendrick https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/a_load_634100
3rd "Smallest Ants Cast Long Shadows"- Casarah Nance https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/smallest_ants_cast_long_shadows_632371
5th "River Crab, River Crab"- KAYOD5 Kayode
https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/river_crab,river_crab_630569
5th "The Terrorist"- Vicki Darcy
https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/the_terrorist_630743
5th "Long Shadows"- Emile Pinet https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/long_shadows_631647
8th "Labour of Love"- Mystic Rose https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/labour_of_love__632590
9th "Even the Smallest Ants Cast Long Shadows -Contest Entry Format-"- Tristin Goodman https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/even_small_ants_cast_long_shadow_contest_entry_format__632090
9th "Fable: The Ant and The Boy"- Carol Eastman https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/fable_the_ant_and_the_boy_630410
11th "The Smallest Ants Cast Long Shadows"- Dr.Ram Mehta https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/the_smallest_ants_cast_long_shadows_631788
11th "History"- Daniel Human https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/history_633920
11th "S A C L S" John Trusty https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/s_a_c_l_s_632976
14th "Stepping Lightly"- Carrie Richards https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/stepping_lightly_393368
15th "The Power of Ants"- Donna Jones https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/the_power_of_ants_630857
Honourable Mention "Even The Smallest Ants Cast Long Shadows"- Laura Leiser https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/even_the_smallest_ants_cast_long_shadows_632607
Honourable Mention "Come Take A Trip With Me"- Patricia Bernard https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/come_take_a_trip_with_me_633539