JokerGem's comments

we are talking about a free contest pass

They don’t get approved or denied until right around the time before submission time is closed, so don’t prematurely attempt to pay without being patient to receive their verdict –unless you are redeeming a coupon.

I’d like to add that, although you were accepted into October’s contest, submissions are to be in English per contest guidelines. more »

*jewel of a poem*

An ineffable epiphany expressed poetically. Did Eliot ever fulfill his metaphysical quest?

Crows are the mediums and messengers of our world –I believe sighting them is simply a call for self-reflection and evaluation –they ARE smarter than people would credit them though some tactful mindfulness is required to see them (and your own situation by extension) beyond an annoying nuisance....maybe this would have been a more apt poem had you written about the incessantly barking, indulgent lapdog. more »

Savvy and discerning....
you’re just about batting a thousand in these contests --way to bring it, Jon.

yeah, still here extracting the meaning and connections from contradiction, much like the great Dane would have (though surely his thinking and analysis were more profound than my poems).

Thank you for putting a smile on my face with your flattering compliment. I was definitely fooled and not aware you wrote the 'crow' poem but it was witty in its own right. I’ll have to reread it when l get a minute ...
I heard you had some physical setbacks (through the grapevine) and I hope you’re healing well....patience and prudence more »

grand and captivating

A most exhilarating entry

Might I suggest also, as genres here, humility and tolerance?
....l have to say l do the same upon supposition of choosing to not despise another when considering their faultlessness in arriving in undesirable circumstances...thus subjectively becoming of a ‘lower,‘ or unpopular nature or disposition...it’s almost as if, if it isn’t in your nature to not judge, you’d have a tough time comprehending how others don’t naturally do it.
I found this thought-provoking....good to see ya back around bud  more »

Holy cow, I love your style!
This is like Ginsberg and Eliot rolled into one and yet with flair all its own.
Superb poetry by a professional - awesome reading!

ah yes, a true state of unfetteredness....I perceive you may be alluding to the attainment of christ-consciousness - the surrender of ego and even thought...
and if you weren't, my apologies for the misinterpretation. more »

It is unfathomable you are not winning these contests --just gonna leave it at that...

I thought you would like it based on the similarities and compatible theme between the two! I think you outdid me though with your more descriptive wording but l appreciate your reaction and kindness!

YES! YES! You came along with this shortly after I submitted my poem, "I Still See You (Dad)" which mirrors the theme here but on a more individual level. Feel free to check it out - but I love yours and is exactly how I feel! more »

Yes, the phrase is actually displayed on the wall right where players enter/exit the playing area at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

That they were. I think the band may have brought the term out of an early retirement.

Intriguing poet you are Charles. There is almost a comedic sarcasm infused here and yet, to me, it's almost as though this wouldn't be out of place amongst the classical poets.

Almost seems like this could be synthesized to become an alma mater for a school or college. Not sure how I missed this one but it hits on all cylinders...
~ Poetic brilliance!

Forgive me for bashfully admitting to my intention of meeting my incentivized comment quota but l also felt the need to drop some feedback on my friend (who l believe to be adept and accomplished at this poetry thing), so l’m killing two birds with one stone.

This poem definitely can be taken and interpreted a multitude of ways but, in the end, it cuts to the quick of what hope is about. These types of poems should be drawn on for strengthening this very thing. “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things and no good thing ever dies.”

Thank you Sue! more »

This echoes what I think is, to some, just hinted to on the surface as they are largely asleep at the wheel. But, l hope you take this as a compliment, l truly feel like you - at least definitely as a poet -get it. more »

Darlene, thank you for the recognition -- but I’m not taking credit for being 1st runner-up. The runner-up order is actually randomized every time anyone views the results page, and I don’t honestly think I got more votes than the others. I’m telling people I was ‘4th runner-up’ just to average (and not leverage) it out. more »

Great poem carrying truth itself - and the envoi really reverberates.
I’m partial to this one and you have so many more good ones to mine.
Still planning to read another of your short stories as well!
~Jeffrey => more »

That is awesome!
You have my support!

I like the theme and the subject here.
I do believe there is alot to be said about the bonds that form among those, as you aptly dub, ‘the fractured.’
This is believable to anyone who’s been through the trials. more »