Poetry Contest...

Contests between poets is like
choosing between the winds.
Different directions, different intensities
different impacts, different purpose.

When the wind changes directions,
everything in its path feels it’s effect.
Every poet approaches life
from a different aspect. His effect
always depends on his inspiration
for that particular day.

The winds intensity can be
from a breeze to a storm.
The feeling of the poet can run from
gentle to angry and ultimately to rage.
His mood changes with each day.
His work will reflect that mood.

Winds can damage all in their path.
That damage can be repaired.
The words of the poet can mend
or can destroy permanently. Once
written and read, their message or image
can not be removed or taken back.
The poet can make or destroy
the outlook or feelings of the reader.
Far more deadly than the wind.

The winds purpose is the seasons.
Air rises at the equator, falling at the poles.
Same pattern, same effect, no change.
The purpose of the poet is driven
by the muse of that day, whichever
shows up, drives his pen. His pen
gives no quarter and takes no prisoners.

So, is it fair to say we have contests
between poets? Who can judge such
a contest? Who can separate one muse
from another? Who can judge an inspiration?
The answer is no one! Every poet is unique.
His/her work can be criticized
but not judged because it is genuine,
an original, one of a kind, immutable.
All else is just opinion not judgement.