The Shape of Water

It's been said that the role of an artist is to propose questions, not to answer them.  It is something we should all aspire to. The great Russian writer Anton Chekhov summed it up in his quote "Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass".  It is with this inspiration that I judge my contests and I hope you will see, especially among the top winners, evidence of that "Show - don't tell".  I chose Shapeless as #1 even though (I'll admit it) I had to reference two words - not in my repertoire - (inimical & dissilient) but didn't feel too shamed because my wife who reads 2-3 books a week didn't know them either. I usually don't like to have to look up words because it sort of spoils the mood like running for viagra in the midst of passion! Yet, I found the words to be perfect in their application - inimical meaning harmful/dangerous and dissilient meaning ready to burst open with force - sooo, read the poem with that knowlege and enjoy a really excellent/superior example of poetic art.  I had to come up for air with "Underwater" which, when it came in, I thought would be a sure first place. The simile/metaphor waves had me swimming sideways in the undertow - it is truly a write to gladly drown in.  Lost reverence is painful in its honesty and you will leave it in a pool of tears like it ends------great writing all, really professionally presented! Thank you.