What to Submit? (Read complete description.)
NEW poem on only ONE of these words ... nameless or nightmare or neglect
** PLEASE use only one of the words for your poem inspiration. Stay on theme.
The word chosen is your one word title only. For example- Neglect. Do not change these words or add to them in any way.
Preparing Your Entry
Any form is acceptable. Why not try one of the many forms found in Types of Forms on PoetrySoup, step out of your comfort zone. Follow the rules of the form. Be true to the form because no matter how nice the poem, if the form is wrong it will not place.
I accept true and near rhyming but I am not fond of RANDOM rhyming, I like to see a clear PATTERN. Most important your poem MUST RHYME IF LABELLED RHYME. If I have to search for your rhyme pattern puzzle, I won't. A few rhyming words does not justify labelling your poem as rhyme.
Not fond of double spacing so such poems will not place or be given Honorable Mention depending on the quality of the words.
Not fond of audio poems read in a robotic voice with no emotion or pauses at top speed, these will fail on presentation and will be disqualified. But, use your OWN VOICE and I will be impressed and it will place.
I am not fond of poems with empty white space at the bottom, try your best to remove. Or poems that look sloppy on the page. They will more than likely get Honorable Mentions or not place. But, I do love purposeful creative layouts. There is a difference.
You may add a quote at the TOP ONLY, in quotation marks, if yours put by poet, if not yours name writer. I like quotes a lot. (Hint, Hint)
Of course, images and music videos are welcome. I like these too.
Do not put ANYTHING, ANYTHING on the bottom of your poem, only want to see the poem. Put in Poet's Notes- notes about your form, poem, dates, contest details. Because of PS rules poems with these details on the bottom will not place.
Check your PRESENTATION, spelling, GRAMMAR, RHYMING if used, SYLLABLES if used. I like punctuation but if you cannot do it well, leave it out. I use HOWMANYSYLLABLES and RHYMEZONE, suggest you use the same. Don't forget about imagery, metaphors, depth, emotions, make it beautiful. No hate, overly political or overly religious poems.
Prizes - Multiple placements, if you have an issue with this just don't enter, but if you enter don't complain after about it.
A Note to Poetry Contestants
Poetry Soup have a rule- sponsors are not allowed to ask for dates, contest details or sponsors name on the bottom of poems. You can put in Poet's Notes. Also no names on poems. Use Poet's Notes for ANY notes.