JUDGES' REPORT - VIBRANT VERSE POETRY COMPETITION 2011Fellowship of Australian Writers, North Shore The Vibrant Verse Competition this year, 2011, attracted a good number of entries. There were 68 in the Free Verse Section and 61 in the Rhymed/Traditional Verse. The entries reflected many different styles and subjects, which sustained the interest of the judges. It was good to see Australian subjects and images in both categories. Most poets took care how they crafted their poems, both as to metre, rhyme, mood and imagery. For some, greater attention needs to be given to these aspects in both categories of poems. Citing a list of images does not of itself make a poem, it is the substance which gives these images life, and makes the poem. The flow of thought, the purpose or message imparted to the reader, the beginning and the ending are all important. It is also evident that for a small number of entries, spelling needs to be checked, as well as punctuation before being submitted.
CATEGORY A – FREE VERSE:1st Prize: ‘Roots’ by David Campbell. A moving poem which intensely reflects on memories and expresses awareness of age and its infirmities. Life’s roots touch the poet and through him the reader, through well crafted images like ‘the house...folds protective arms around her’ and ‘crumbs bead her cardigan…’ among others. The rhythm suits the subject matter; it is well structured and ends strongly. 2nd Prize: “Mungo Man Walking” by Vickie Walker. A poem that is well structured, reflecting on the Aboriginal culture of long age interspersed by an off-side view of modern reality which has eroded this way of life over time. The balance is well maintained, and the ending particularly timeless in its message and atmosphere. The poem comes alive through the images and the flow of the poem, where the sense of the ‘dreaming’ persists and exists into the future. Highly Commended: “The Old Slab Hut” by Judith A. Green. A wonderful picture of the ongoing ‘life’ of the old hut, rich in its imagery with “sunbeams orchestrate shadows”, “flattened grasses whimper” and “window frame grimaces” among others.
Commended: “If you die too Early” by John Collard. A poem which illuminates and celebrates a life deeply shared, where the thought of death of the other is unthinkable. A poem that is moving, that flows well and provokes reaction in the reader.
Commended: “Tides” by Anne Benjamin. This poem has clear images of family and the threat of rising water on island communities. It reflects on the women’s reaction and the pathos of future loss. Imagery like ‘the shushing of the sea’ and ‘the moon in a muslin mask’ etc,add to the whole. Commended: “Lake Eyre” by Hermione Browning. A clear picture encapsulated in two verses, reflecting movement of water over the dry continent in ‘water seeping, ‘down ochre webs’, ‘tracing ancient rivers’ a vivid experience of images for the reader. Delightful. CATEGORY B - TRADITIONAL, RHYMED POETRY1st Prize: “The Whale Boat” by Zondrae King. This is a wonderful poem with great rhythm and consistent in rhyme. The imagery and movement in the poem vary to suit the livelier memories or the pathos the poem requires. The beginning leads the reader into the saga. It finishes with “again the universe and I are one” a satisfying end for the old whale boat.
2nd Prize: “ Solitude,” a Villanelle by Jan Foster. This poem is accurate in the use of the form of the villanelle in metre and rhyme, and in the repetitions of certain lines throughout. It speaks to the reader of the inner yearning we all have for peace within us, and the space to be alone sometimes, “ to be alone is serendipity”, in a world that is increasingly busy and filled with noise.
Highly Commended: “Cedar Box” a Pantoum by Gail Hennessy. Another form poem written with skill and attention to rhyme and the repetition of certain lines as the form requires, and which serve it almost as a refrain. Beautiful images and memories.
Commended: “Royal Rex” by Catherine Lee Clark - a true bush verse example that keeps to the form, rhythm and rhyme, has a sense of humour in its storyline. It reflects on man’s most loyal friend-Aussie style.
Commended: ‘Dreaming of Uluru” by Catherine Lee Clark –A richness of images describe the grandeur of The Rock, its significance and spiritual wealth. The atmosphere is one of deep respect and awe which permeates the whole.
Commended: “A Poet’s Dream” by Zondrae King - A nostalgic poem in its images and sense of Aussie history. It flows beautifully and the rhythm and rhyme are well executed. |
-- 2011 Poetry Results |