L Milton Hankins Poet Quatrain

No One Likes Rejection

Most sponsors do not place a poem
Based on its merits, rhythm, or rhyme,
So, friend, if you find your poem N/A’d
Lose no sleep, it happens all the time!

Contest wins are approval of one person
Hundreds may love your poem, not her
Or him, and it matters not a single whit
A new contest appears, theirs is a blur!

If you like your poem, it was a success,
You liked your sonnet, your selection, 
You are expressing your innermost self
And, let’s face it, no one likes rejection.

Out of all the poems submitted to me
I have the joy and pleasure of picking ten
The ten I like most, the best of the best,
But, keep in mind, it is only MY opinion!

If I fail to recognize your genius, my bad,
Generally, I have my strong reasons why
Could be I simply find ten more appealing
Often those I eliminated make me cry.

Written October 5, 2022

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Gershon Wolf October 6, 2022 at 7:08 PM Wise words, Milt. You've nailed the essence of the contests on the Soup. Nicely done, sir! :) gw L Milton Hankins October 6, 2022 at 9:21 PM I hope so; still, I hope that no sponsors take offense, because many of them would see it differently, I'm sure.

Michael Tor October 6, 2022 at 12:40 PM I feel as Harry does Milton. I might add that you are absolutely correct in your words. Sometimes the obvious escapes us and we fail to see. Your honesty is well appreciated. It is like "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder." This applies to Poetry also. This is also a favorite from me. Thanks for sharing... L Milton Hankins October 6, 2022 at 1:26 PM Thank you, Michael. I appreciate this.

Harry Horsman October 6, 2022 at 7:30 AM This is one amazing piece of poetry, Milt, full of truth, a learning curve, and so meaningful. I've sponsor although a few years back now, and yes abuse was rife, many contest. I picked what i liked and it did seem to upset especially the more established of Soups contest winners. I'm gonna fav this, i relate to it so well, no fantasy here, Home truths. love it. L Milton Hankins October 6, 2022 at 8:12 AM Thank you so much for your insightful and thought-provoking response to my poem, harry. I really appreciated it. In response to your question, one should enter only realizing that rejection is a real possibility, an insured probability if the poem is not of excellent quality and, in some cases, if the sponsor does not know you or you have not cultivated a relationship with that sponsor. Most contests, unlike mine, are NOT judged blind. Harry Horsman October 6, 2022 at 7:34 AM Oh by the way, your title, Milton, one would have to say, why bother entering?

Becky Forbes October 6, 2022 at 7:14 AM aha! a clue to winning... just kidding. these contests are very fun indeed, best part is they stretch me to try something new, and that gives them the most value. So fun! L Milton Hankins October 6, 2022 at 8:14 AM There you go, Becky. That is exactly the right attitude to have when entering Poetry Soup contests. Simply enjoy writing for it...win or lose!

Terry Miller October 6, 2022 at 5:23 AM well written and well said, Milton L Milton Hankins October 6, 2022 at 8:14 AM Thank you so much, Terry.

Unseeking Seeker October 6, 2022 at 1:39 AM Indeed, it’s much ado about nothing, Milt. I openly confess that I judge contests based on how the line of inquiry is addressed, based on my perception. Obviously subjective. Others are strict about rules, some like a rhythm or cadence appealing to them, a few choose friends, etc. etc. yet, all said and done, contests liven up the forum! L Milton Hankins October 6, 2022 at 8:16 AM They do, indeed, Unseeking Seeker. They do, indeed, and I both enjoy entering contests and sponsoring them. But, I never take them too seriously, which is what I was trying to point out in my poem.

Caren Krutsinger October 5, 2022 at 11:24 PM "If you like your poem, it was a success," I love this line, for it is real. Judging poems against each other is like judging an apple with a dog bone with a shoe and a fly swatter. They each have a unique function. L Milton Hankins October 6, 2022 at 8:16 AM Absolutely, Caren. You are spot on!