Hi, fellow Croutons,
Another fine crop of entries, thanks for having a go, it took longer to judge than normal, I ended up having a lot of shared places because the standard was good as usual, but it was difficult to be more judicious in the placings- if you have a shared place and you're further down the list, it's the way the website organises it, that's all.
Anyway, onwards and upwards-
1st place- meru groen,
A new name to me, but sometimes a poem gets you on the first line, and then doesn't disappoint from then on. A very thoughtful piece, with much truth, and if you read the ending we should all indeed by living today as if there will be no tomorrow. Congratulations, meru.
2nd place- Laura Loo
I love the ebb and flow in Laura's piece, and her doubts, we would not be human if we didn't doubt, and the upbeat ending from one of life's optimists. Congrats Laura.
3rd place- nette Onclaud
Certain poets weave their magic with a particularly fine thread which belies the cut of their cloth, and nette was one of three poets I thought was the seamstress in this case. Only two verses, but beautifully composed, and a joy to read. Congrats, nette.
Joint 3rd- Curtis Johnson
The first sentence captures the mood, an inarguable affirmation from Curtis, and a well argued piece about who he is and why he is unique, acknowledging both his creator and the divine plan for all of us humble little beings. And we are all the richer for it. Congrats, Curtis, much enjoyed.
Joint 3rd- Gregory R. Barden
Not many took up the 'Ooh, that hurts' theme, but Gregory jumped in with both feet with a saucy little number that made me smile. Go easy on the masochism, now, Gregory.
Joint 3rd- Janice Canerdy
An idyllic start with a homely, loving feel from Janice, but with a pivot point as she reveals her current medical plight, but finishing on a hopeful note. I hope you all comment on her poem and wish her a speedy recovery, that would be nice.
Joint 3rd- Larry Bradfield
A nice reminisce from Larry on a first date, but I was intrigued by the cryptic ending, especially the use of 'my friend', which gives it an edge.
Joint 3rd- Caren Krutsinger
I love this. Slightly Kooky at one end of the scale, and sinister at the other. Does Caren's husband know what he took on? Made me smirk, anyway.
Joint 3rd- Karen Croft.
This is a very honest piece, heart on the sleeve but defiant, ballsy, and I admire the spunkiness of the piece. You go girl! Yaaay!
4th place- Kai Michael Neumann
Gaining a first class honours degree in cleverness, Kai combines all of the themes and bounces his psyche around like a beach ball, in quirky style. Much enjoyed.
Joint 4th- Subimal Sinha-Roy
Subimal weathers life's storm in this piece, finds rescue but sad release, I hope your butterfly comes back, Subimal.
Joint 4th- Purbasha Roy
Another new face to me, Purbasha has penned a lovely piece with beautiful imagery, and the last stanza particularly nice. Well done.
Joint 4th- Sandra Haight
Sandra, I know how you feel when routine stifles you, but as in this piece you rise above it and grasp what matters, to love and be loved, and there lies freedom. A wonderful write, well done x
Joint 4th- Timothy McGuire
Short but sweet, made me smile, thanks Tim.
Joint 4th- Line Gauthier
A photobox of fine things from Line, sounds like my kind of a day out, drinking in all of life's wonderful things and comitting them to a data stick. Thus are memories made.
Joint 4th- Jan Allison
I hadn't 'pegged' this as a Jan special, but as usual she made me smile, that last line is a doozy. Thanks, Jan x
5th place- Francesca Pappadogiannis
A very moving piece, very honest, and having a friend who suffers from mental illness I can totally see where you are coming from. A strong piece, Francesca, well done x
Joint 5th- Andrea Dietrich
I love this- it's greedy. Yes, given the choice, who wouldn't want to do fun things, all of them, possibly all at once (though maybe not, Cats don't like boats). An upbeat piece from Andrea, and I hope one day you get the chance to choose x
Joint 5th- Debbie Walker
A sad write from Debbie, lost love and pain, and a wistful ending as so many of us at some point must have felt. Well done, Debbie.
Joint 6th- Jesse Rowe
A cautionary tale from Jesse of hard lessons learned, forgiveness, and moving on. Regrets can make for very heavy baggage. Avoid.
Joint 6th- Byron kaya
Lots of new names cropping up, which is nice, and Byron swims through the mundane, the annoying, the despair, buoyed up by the little things that make life worthwhile and precious. A fine little write, Byron, well done.
Joint 6th- Edward Ibeh
To all poets on here, if you haven't experienced this, tell us your secret. Writer's block, the downs, the ups, and, yes, alarm clocks. All very true.
Joint 6th Curtis Moorman
Yes, Curtis, you've gotta have prayer. It's my personal outlet valve when I'm fed up with spreading myself too thinly. My divine survival kit. Nice write.
Joint 6th- Nina Parmenter
I didn't have this down as a Nina, but it does rattle, and worth a read for the double edged sword of a last verse alone. Made me smile, sounds like me a bit.
7th place- Beata Agustin
Another delightful poem revelling in the healing power of God's grace, rescuing us in the dark hours. A big Amen to that, Beata, a fine write.
Joint 7th- Olusegun Arowolo
This is hard hitting, a commentary on a sad truth that these things happen across the globe as we speak, hopefully not going unpunished. Well, apart from the beheading bit,anyway.
Joint 7th- Dear heart
A very brave choice from Constance, looking at the picture now I've finished judging, I think I'd stand well back and let someone else open the door. However, given the style, it is so you, Dear Heart. If I win the lotto, I know where you are x
8th place- Anisha Dutta
A cute little rhyme from Anisha, good times and bad, slightly tearful finish but such is life when we lose someone.
Joint 8th- Susan Gentry
Oh, to live in a land of Humminbirds, Susan, I'd never leave my garden. I'd be hypnotized. And the laundry wouldn't get done. Lovely littlepiece, well done x
********** That's all, folks, thanks for taking the trouble to enter, happy September everyone! Love 'n hugs, Viv x ***************