What to Submit?
Please submit one original poem on the theme of "The Poet's Fire" ... this contest is about passion - the romantic kind - sensual and sublime, and the things or people that inspire it in YOU. I believe intimation and suggestion are far sexier than the blatant and obvious, so please, no graphic sex, but feel free to walk that fine line, (or come as close to it as you dare), if you have the inclination. Take an old-fashioned romantic approach, if you wish, or be suggestive and sexy, if you'd prefer ...
I also enjoy the subtly and sensually "dark", (see my poem "Fallen Down"), so there are many directions you can take this. Not everyone has experienced intense passion, so you can use your imagination and weave me a tapestry of fantasy, if you'd like, or write about a passionate experience you'd like to have, or have experienced in a dream, perhaps. I love unusual perspectives, creative but intelligent word usage, rhythmic Rhyme and flowing Free Verse, ambiguity and hidden meaning, and I am extremely fond of extraordinary and impactful messages or emotions ...
Big words inserted for the sake of trying to impress turns me off, but I enjoy rare phrasing and intricate words when used creatively and cerebrally. I am also a stickler for spelling and grammar, so please use a spelling and grammar site if you question your accuracy. I do not make it a major concern, but if two poems are close in rank, I WILL use it to make the final decision ... we are poets, after all, words are our medium, and they should be presented in a way that gives integrity to the presentation of our craft - good spelling and grammar should be the very least that our readers can expect from us ...
We ALL make type-o's and mistakes, myself more than most, but please proof read your work and do your best. Do NOT put your name on your poem or I will have to disqualify it - that is a strict Poetry Soup consideration. It can be new OR old, but please state the date the poem was written, the name of the contest, and the sponsor. If you'd like to add a note at the bottom for the sake of context or description, I welcome it. Thanks so much for entering, and please enjoy - let your words light a fire ... passion is the true visceral energy of our lives, so stoke that fire, and let it burn bright and hot!
Prizes
First Prize, Glory
Second Prize, Glory
Third Prize, Glory
Twelve Honorable Mentions
Preparing Your Entry
Submit one copy of your poem online. Format your poem. Please make your entry easy to read — no illustrations or fancy fonts.
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.