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Poetry Cop

Some entrants think I am overly officious, even mean That’s all right with me, I know I can be rather picky, So, here are some guidelines when submitting to me If you follow them carefully, you’ll find me less prickly. I am inclined to nix your entry to my poetry contest If you have obviously not proofread your submission, Finding repeated words, misspellings are my first test Then complex words and phrases will try my disposition. I do not think I am wrong to expect proper grammar For poet/writers should be the experts in this field, Good contest entries should be your finest endeavors Appealing to strong principles I am unlikely to yield. Subject verb agreement and not changing your tense In the middle of your poem, carefully choosing a word Most of all, make certain your poem makes good sense I’m not inclined to appreciate the poetry of the absurd. Be not dismayed, however; I have a feeling for effort I understand the limitations of language, especially ESL And, I appreciate a good poem that might not comport Sooner or later your poems will receive notice, as well. Remember, some exceptional poets will be submitting So, you can expect their names to appear at the top Since I have little patience with errors you’re permitting I suppose I am setting myself up as a kind of poetry cop! Written June 12, 2022

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I Am Anaya

Date: 6/16/2022 7:14:00 PM

As a contestant, I am grateful to have you as a sponsor, because you have high standards. I wouldn't want it any other way! I am an avid researcher struggling not so much with poetry forms as with an appropriate subject. It's also a challenge to get the words and getting the words to flow. A souper or two who aren't satisfied with a trophy or two, making remarks about others and advising how to judge. If they are not hosting contests, they shouldn't influence. Thanks, Milt for your guidance

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/16/2022 7:39:00 PM

Thank you, Anaya, for your positive thoughts on this subject. I appreciate your affirmative attitude, and I certainly feel the same way when I am a contestant. I want my poem to be judged fairly and appropriately. That being said, I don't care whether I land on a list...or not. I like to be judged by sponsors who have experience in creative writing and credentials. I don't believe that is asking too much. Again, thanks!

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 6/13/2022 2:02:00 AM

I am laughing my guts out "Most of all, make certain your poem makes good sense I’m not inclined to appreciate the poetry of the absurd." - ME TOO HANK. Me too!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/13/2022 5:59:00 AM

Thanks, Caren. By the way, I do NOT consider mythology and fantasy "absurd." I consider lines composed of unconnected or disconnected words absurd!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 6/12/2022 9:25:00 PM

I'm not much for contests for the last 18 months now... That said, I really appreciate your ability to poke a little fun at yourself in those last two lines. Cheers, Gershon

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/13/2022 6:00:00 AM

Thanks, gw. That's pretty much how I feel about contests, especially those I judge.

Marco Chies

Date: 6/12/2022 6:56:00 PM

Due to language limitations and my poor English skills, I stay out of contests. I would probably incur some of the 'faults' mentioned by you, since my inability makes me a slave to free verse and also because I realize, many times, that my poetry falls into surrealism. Anyway, I think you're right, as some ways of writing are the shelter of the unfit... lol lol lol But certainly the grammatical errors, the repetition of words and the empty message, these are cardinal sins in writing.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/12/2022 7:02:00 PM

I find some of your writing both surreal and esoteric, Marco, but I enjoy it. I find your phrases and word choices, imagery, and adherence to theme fascinating. You are a very talented poet. You do what you do very well. It's rather easy to spot those who try to do what you do but fail at it miserably.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 6/12/2022 3:23:00 PM

It's your contest Milton and you set the rules, if people don't like it then don't enter, simple. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/12/2022 6:26:00 PM

I think that's a splendid way of thinking about it, Tom. Recently, an entrant to one of my contests questioned my approach to judging. So I thought it might be time that I made clear how I feel and how I look at poems, which has provoked a couple of recent poems. I feel much better for having written them. Thank you, Tom.

Jenna Logan

Date: 6/12/2022 1:04:00 PM

I’ll gladly pin a badge on you, Milt. As a contest sponsor, your expectations are not too high. Something else that bothers me is a change of person. If a poem begins in first person it should remain in first person.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/12/2022 2:01:00 PM

Absolutely. Thanks for the understanding comment, Jenna.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 6/12/2022 1:04:00 PM

i've been staying away from contests, milton, but i agree with your high standards. good for you for sticking to them!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/12/2022 2:02:00 PM

They can be fun, Ilene, and they certainly help people to explore the various forms of poetry. I enjoy them, too, because they give me an incentive when I tend to get lazy about my writing.

Jeff Kyser

Date: 6/12/2022 11:56:00 AM

Setting the bar high is a good thing. I find the "everyone gets a first place" or even multiple first places a little silly too, but that's just me.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/12/2022 12:01:00 PM

Oh, I agree with you, wholeheartedly. 100%. Absolutely. To me, a contest is not a contest unless there is a clear winner. I'm not a big fan of participation awards either!