I want to thank everyone who entered this contest and congratulations to the top 10!
I am so moved by some of these pieces, it was truly my privilege to host this contest and read the work submitted. Please be sure to read these winning pieces, they are very much worth your while.
For those wondering how I made my placement decisions, I think the following may be helpful in understanding the process:
Although I specified a preference for including science, mythology, astrology etc.. it's important to remember this is poetry we are writing. Poetry is like music. It has depth, it speaks to us and moves us. It should make us FEEL something.
The reason I am addressing this is because I could really see how hard everyone worked on this contest and some of the results were a great effort but ended up being very mechanical and instructive.
Poetry is creating art with words. It is the artistry of language. No matter what the subject matter, that is always the top priority.
That being said, there were some really nice pieces that I would have liked to include in the winners circle but I simply ran out of placements since it was a premiere contest and only the top ten were allowed.
Thank you again, everyone. You inspire me!