Judging Poetry Contests

When I judge a poetry contest I do it according to what hits my heart. The hardest, the one I can relate to, that makes me say “oh, yes!” I judge blind, so have no idea until the end page who the finalists are. Judging poems against each other is insanity in a way. It is like comparing wallpaper to light switches and crockpots. Each poem is unique, having its own purpose and its own cadence. I do not think any of us can judge without bias. We all have our preferences; I know I have to be careful. For end rhymes are what I love the most. Thus, I have to consciously think “Don’t always chose end rhymes!” Totally aware of this, I hold contests that specify end rhymes. It is disappointing to me when people do not follow this rule. The way to win my contests is to grab me by the heartstrings. I am an emotional judge. Poems that make me laugh and cry do well. The ones with misspelled words and incorrect grammar do not place. The one that gets gold usually is immediately given a star as I read. I make a note of the name of that poem and put a star by it. Occasionally it has gone to silver, but it usually stays the top contender. Judging without personal bias would be impossible. I am human, I do not do the impossible. I only do the best that I can.