Bridge Over Troubled Water Contest Results - Roy Jerden's Blog

Below are the contest results, but first a few comments. There were several poems
that took a completely contrarian approach to the words in the acrostic in terms of
the content of their poems. It's quite interesting, because being a contrarian myself,
I had actually thought of this approach, but didn't expect to see it realized. I had
asked that the poem reflect the content of the acrostic in the rules, but a reflection
is actually a mirror image, not a true image, isn't it? So here are the words and my
tongue-in-cheek interpretation of the mirror image of them.

If you need a friend (It's not me)
I'm sailing right behind (With a knife)
Like a bridge over troubled water (Yeah, like New Jersey)
I will ease your mind (Right into depression)

I think an important function of art is to sometimes jolt people, shock them out of their paradigms and preconceived notions. So I am also recognizing the poems that did this, some better than others. Of course I am also recognizing the ones that took the straightforward approach and hit the bullseye dead center and the ones that hit the target, but slightly off center mostly for technical reasons. But I also lift my hat to the ones who ignored the bullseye and decided to just shoot off the target's legs instead.

Bridge Over Troubled Water - Word Acrostic  Contest Judged:  3/9/2014 12:00:00 AM

Sponsored by: Roy Jerden

Cyndi Macmillan Date: 3/10/2014 8:43:00 PM THanks for the challenge, the inspiration and the placement. Gotta tell you, I'd have placed me third. Sheri's? Holy cow. First, yeah that one? First rate all the way. I'll have to stop back at her page tomorrow. I'm just wiped... spring break with a kindergartener... not for wussies. AWK! So far: Sat.. Ballet, Karate and movie, Sunday, a family swim at a crowded pool, today, bowling -- yup--- those poor floors! Tomorrow, a concert... by Sunday Mommy will need a holiday or something stronger than coffee. Ha! Login to Reply Roy Jerden Date: 3/10/2014 9:09:00 PM I disagree. Not with Sheri's placement, but with yours. I was re-living Captains Courageous, even though it wasn't mentioned. Spencer Tracy and Freddy Bartholomew as the rich spoiled brat that he turned around. That's real friendship, support and a kick in the butt when it's needed.

Painted Hunter Date: 3/10/2014 9:02:00 AM Congrats to all!!! Login to Reply

Andrea Dietrich Date: 3/9/2014 11:39:00 PM congrats to your winners!! This one was SO difficult for me. I wrote something and hated it. It took me two hours and I tore it up. Oh my. how did they do it? I admire all your winners. Login to Reply

Carrie Richards Date: 3/9/2014 6:41:00 PM Thank you so much, Roy.....it is an honor, .......and my hat is off to those who with 'tongue in cheek' were able to be a bit contrary!! Wish I'd thought of it !!! And thanks too, for your explanation in the blog.....congratulations to everyone! Login to Reply