Greetings, fellow croutons,
Another fine crop of entries for my challenge, and thanks to everyone for entering. As usual, there were some that didn't apparently read the brief and just entered anything, and some that didn't follow the specific criteria. others simply didn't float my boat (on the Millpond), but thanks for having a go anyway.
And so to the finalists-
1st place- Nina Parmenter
This is, to quote my favourite TV chef Guy Fierei, 'The bomb'. Very clever, made me smile and a laugh out loud ending. THE standout piece in the contest for me. Congrats, Nina!
2nd place- John Lawless
This is great, and an absolute belter of an opening stanza- 'cold solace of deep snow a lonely gift/ for those with ugly memories to sift' is genius. Congratulations, John.
3rd place- Andrea Dietrich
Small town talk, misplaced rumour and ugly truth. A fine little Quatrain from Andrea, well done!
Joint 3rd place- Emile Pinet
Nothing sinister from Emile, just a lovely descriptive piece, especially the last stanza. Well done, Emile
4th place- Jan Allison
Young Mrs Allison sneaks away from the perfect murder, a tale of lust, betrayal and death. No sign of poop, which is a disappointment, not even a single fart. Still, I enjoyed the piece, well done, Jan.
Joint 4th- Reason A. Poteet
Another tale of gossip, with good wordplay on 'milling around', 'rumour mill', and a good take on the theme. Well done, Reason.
Joint 4th- Wendy Watson
This is a little sad, poignant tale of loss, beautifully written and the last five lines in particular are lovely- '
The rippling stream flows on, a new path seeks.
The cogs of life start turning once again,
Ice melts, revealing secrets- wheel creaks.
For every slow rotation calls to mind
The treasured memories which love entwined.'
Well done, Wendy.
5th place- Carah Nance
A dark piece from Casarah, telling of the burdens of age, dementia, the prison of commitment and a sort of resolution, with a shaft of sunlight at the end. Well done, Casarah.
Joint 5th- Curtis Moorman
Another tale of rumour, suspicion, disappearance.....what would the spring bring? And a twist at the end to polish it off. Well done, Curtis.
6th place- Elaine George
More murderous goings-on, with unanswered questions- who killed Lenore? Is the right man in jail? A fine little write, well done Elaine.
Joint 6th place- Mick Talbot
A completely different take on the possibilities, and a bouncy piece from Mick in much lighter tone, the Mill at the heart of the community while it worked, and yet still providing shelter for others when it didn't. A nice write, Mick, enjoyed.
Joint 6th place- Sandra Haight
Sandra goes deep and dark, with this piece on a hidden horror. What makes blood on snow even creepier than staining anything else? Ruined purity, or something? Anyway, a chilling piece with unanswered questions. Well done, Sandra.
Joint 6th- Subimal Sinha-Roy
Subimal goes the rumour mill route with his piece on disappearance and mystery, fortunately with a happy ending. Well done, Subimal
7th place- Susan Gentry
More murder, mayhem and mystery from Susan, and I do like the style, and the last line is great, wasn't expected, very clever, made me smile. Well done, Susan.
Joint 7th- Laura Loo
A very unusual, enigmatic piece from Laura, and the Ivory dove concept is intriguing. Much enjoyed, thanks Laura x
8th place- Anisha Dutta
And finally, more mystery and another missing person (yes, a man again- typical) although with a happier ending. Well done, Anisha.
Thanks to everyone who entered once again, I shall be doing another one soon, but my next contest willbe different and look forward to seeing your input.
Thanks everyone!
Love 'n hugs,
Viv x