Poets Are Tough Enough!

Do You Think We Are Not Tough Enough?

Poets and contests are not a strange mix.
Though, winning or not, emotions play tricks.
We are competitors, really quite buff.
And “fighting” with words, can truly get tough.

We might not be rough or want our knees scuffed.
It might be true, with our hearts on sleeves fluffed
We enter some contests hoping to win.
Waiting with passion competing with friends.

We might not like loss for fear of no fame. 
But all the same, it's a glorious game!
How does one vie without wanting to cry?
Fearing a loss when ones bests have been tried.
  
Emotions and contests played as a sport.
Tensely awaiting the judge's report.
And if one has lost, are emotions chucked?
Do poets think they are down on their luck?

Nay!  I say nay!  Poets are not all fluff!
We can take rejection; we're tough enough.
Contenders are strong and not powder puffs!
Sock it to us judges, our words your quaff.

© Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen
    November 24, 2009


Dedicated to Poetrysoup judges who "suffer the agony" of picking winners where there are  
so many wonderful poet's entries.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009


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Date: 12/6/2009 8:35:00 PM
it's true, Dane Ann, it is not in our nature to judge other poets..... the very place our inspiration comes from (at times!) is a place of love, equality and peace among all... but the need to be heard is a blessing we all share, and contests are one of these paths for us to follow here! great poem! jimbo
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Date: 12/2/2009 8:23:00 AM
very insperational,great topic
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Date: 11/25/2009 4:34:00 AM
This fits the questions that I had about having to judge all the great entries. Excellent write. Keep the creative pen flowing. Sara
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Date: 11/25/2009 4:06:00 AM
Such fasinating writing I am reading today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and heart with us today Dane Ann. I wish you a weekend filled with love and inspiration. May your writings inspire others to write from their hearts as well. Love, Carol
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Date: 11/24/2009 2:25:00 PM
Ps. I am just having a lot of fun, myself, Smile. I may not make a lot of friends, or win any popularity contest, on soup, but you can count on one thing, I will always love all, and tell you the truth as I know it. Dane has some really good inspiring, Haikus on line, that will bless you, to read. Sincerely, Love, Moses
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Date: 11/24/2009 2:12:00 PM
We must remember that where there is judgement at the mind level, someone will be disappointed, love is the only thing that's perfect. If I were not able to lose, I would not enter. Jesus knew he would lose at the mind level, when He entered life's game, but he entered anyway, it was a done deal. As a matter of fact, it would suprise me if I did win, playing a mind's game. I hope this doesn't offend anyone, was not meant to. God Bless you all.Let us play,ok, but lets seriously Love each other.
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Date: 11/24/2009 1:50:00 PM
I never even thought of entering a poetry contest. Nor have I ever considered getting my work published. So why do I continue writing through out many nights without rest? Simply to share what I've written with my Poetry Soup guests. Great piece Dane (I think I'll read it again). Best Wishes Always, Bill
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Date: 11/24/2009 10:52:00 AM
you are so right. i havent been putting my self into the game as much as i know i can win. my poetry is as tough as they come and yet i've been on the side line. watch out yall! i'm comming it. jhlovingiii
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Date: 11/24/2009 8:44:00 AM
Oh, yes, Dane, it's very hard to select winners in my first contest. All of the entries are wonderful and I appreciate everyone's unique writing style. That's why I have been reluctant in the past to sponsor a contest. I like the spirit in your poem and the last line's a real kicker! Much love, Carolyn
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Date: 11/24/2009 7:32:00 AM
We all have our own unique verse, I hardly ever win contests, but I do not sway from my creative mind play....Awesome write here friend......:JP]
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