Contest Description
What to Submit?
1 original poem on the theme of... anything you wish. The challenge here is to create an interesting story using the strict syllable count (8 per line) and rhyme scheme found in the final stanza of Poe's Tamerlane. The rhyme scheme is as follows (hehe) ABCACBBDDEEFFFGGHHIJIJ. Minimum line count is 22 (1 stanza), though feel free to make it as long as you wish. You can reference the Tamerlane stanza here on PS or you can check out my effort in the 3rd and 4th stanzas of my poem - Poe's Untimely Demise. Poetry without the rules is becoming ever more popular. As an example, many are writing English sonnets sans the traditional iambic pentameter requirement. Why? For some it may simply be personal preference. But let's be honest, it's also much easier to ignore the rules. This contest will challenge you to be a strict traditionalist. Above all, have a good time. For quick reference I've added a stanza of my poem below.
There as he lay upon yon hill,/ the chase now o'er, the silence sweet,/ he gazes 'bove into the night/ as clouds departing grant goodwill./ The vision seen ‘tis naught for fright-/ he hears a steady rhythmic beat/ so low and calm and quite discreet./ The heavens part to his delight-/ an angel standing in the light/ extends to him an outstretched hand,/ a voice like waters bids him stand./ He wonders now if just a dream/ or are things really as they seem-/ a plea or just a nearby stream?/ Quite suddenly he feels no pain/ as wind abates and same the rain./ The hand then grabs him by the throat,/ another tears his woolen coat,/ his life flashed by before his eyes/ and thro’ the dimly lightened sky/ he sees his bride to his surprise/ whose sullen plea to him is, “Why?”
Prizes
First Prize, Glory
Second Prize, Glory
Third Prize, Glory
Preparing Your Entry
Submit one copy of your poem online.
English Language
Poems should be in English. Poems translated from other languages are not eligible, unless you wrote both the original poem and the translation.
A Note to Poetry Contestants
You are welcome to enter this contest, whether or not you won a prize in one of my previous contests.