Contest Description
Long-time Souper Joyce Johnson will celebrate her 100th birthday in July. At the party, I would like to present her with winning entries from this contest.
You may write a tribute to Joyce, an upbeat perspective on aging, or a commentary on one of Joyce's many wonderful poems. Just think how great it would feel to wish someone close to you a happy 100th birthday!
If you con't know Joyce, but have aleady written an uplifting poem on aging, I encourage you to enter it. Older poems are welcome.
Catie Lindsey, who will accompany me to Joyce's party, will be judging this contest with me. We expect to have lots of great entries. Things like grammar, spelling and punctuation are important to me when I judge, but the message is the most important thing for this contest.
Write in any form you choose, but try not to be too wordy. Short, uplifting poems will probably rank highest. There will be many winners. Here are some things about Joyce that might help you:
* She is the head of her garden club and travels some weekends out of state to garden shows.
* In the spring she takes the seat of honor on her garden club's float in the Tulip Parade.
* Joyce was born months before the end of World War I.
* She has lived through two world wars, the Korean War, Vietnam and the conflicts in the Mid-East.
* Joyce grew up on a farm and has survived all of her siblings.
* She started writing poetry at age 80.
* At Christmas she makes 80+ pounds of fudge and gives a pound to each of her loved ones.
* Joyce lives in the state of Washington, near her daughters.
The first poem of Joyce's I ever read was one about Joycie, a granddaughter named after her who died in childhood. Each Christmas Joyce places an angel on her tree that reminds her of her love for Joycie.
Thank you to all who enter. We have some lovely, touching entries that Joyce is sure to enjoy!