What to Submit?
(READ, READ, READ, the complete description top to bottom for important details. IF YOUR EXPECTATION IS TO PLACE)
NEW poem on only ONE of these words ... quagmire or quest or quiescent
** 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- Quest. 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 Poems on PoetrySoup, step out of your comfort zone. 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.
I do not like RANDOM rhyming, I like to see a clear PATTERN. Most important your poem MUST RHYME ACCORDING THE THE FORM REQUIREMENT, such as Sonnet, or any of the rhyming foms. 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. Such random rhyming poems will not place.
I must understand your poem.
I do not like double spacing so such poems will not place.
I do not care for all Bolded poems.
I do not like audio poems read in a robotic voice with no emotion or pauses at top speed, these will fail on presentation and will not place. But, use your OWN VOICE and I will be impressed and it will probably place.
I do not like 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 not place.
But, I do love purposeful creative layouts. There is a difference.
You may add a quote at the TOP ONLY of your poem, in quotation marks, if yours put by poet, if not yours name writer. I like quotes a lot. (Hint, Hint). If you put it in Poet's Notes I cannot see it.
Of course, images and music videos are welcome though I cannot see them until after judging
Do not put ANYTHING, ANYTHING on the bottom or top of your poem (except a quote)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 or PS Syllable Counter and RHYMEZONE, suggest you use the same. Don't forget about imagery, metaphors, depth, emotions, make it 'BEAUTIFUL'
No hate or political poems !
Or ... OVERLY religious poems, a little mention is okay but don't go overboard.
Write about life, love, loss, about a pet, nature, it can be emotional, it can be funny, it can tell a story. Write where your pen takes you. Just close your eyes, one, two, three WRITE !
Prizes - Multiple placements.
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 about form. Reminder, I cannot see any of this until contest is judged.