A Sestina On Judging

For years when my wife was sponsoring forensic groups Tasked me with "judging" high school oral presentations, [The most difficult thing I was called upon to do] Each youngster gave it their best and all were very good Rules said I was to hand out the high scores to the best Writing critiques why they did not place--to all the rest. At PS, I consider some poems from poets Who present some exceptional, fine verses for me In contests where I have laid out expectations, and Waited for what would appear in my contest section, I do not consider it my place to "judge" these works To decide winners--the order I like from all the rest. I lean toward pieces written to formats chosen I am partial to the rhyming and flow of the lines I put aside poems which do not follow the rules, Poor spelling, poor grammar, inanity disappoints The cream of the crop are left and, I am proud to say, The cream always rises to the top--from all the rest. Not personally knowing poets showing their wares I know something about them by reading their verses I am stricter on those who have great gifts of writing More disdainful of those who fill their verses with fluff If your poem shows not on my "chosen poem list" Consider your presentation--then, from all the rest! I like reading simple words easy to understood I am not impressed needing dictionary at hand I like brevity, not words scattered over the page Good poems stand alone without fine embellishments They must not ramble, cover more than a single theme It is most successful if it rises higher than--all the rest. I "judge" poems like editors are apt to "judge" mine Harsh, if necessary, but honest, don't kill my muse I know when I have sent out poems below standard So, it is our mission to always present our best Submitting pieces of writing--best will always do If your poem tops my list—was better than the rest! The Bible clearly states "we should not judge, lest..." I know Truth is, we are judged ev'ry day, whatever we sow If your poem doesn't list—it has somewhere else to go. Written April 23, 2021