Conformity

I have tried to work within parameters
set forth in competitions on our site
but no matter my effort
I can never get it right
 
My words seem so contrived
like I was applying as a Hallmark man
creating a pithy phrase
for what the occasion demands
 
All praise to the trophy winners
you see them on the profile pages
embolden by competitive juices
masterpieces for the ages
 
But my muse has problems with structure
counting syllables and such
the end result I am afraid  
is just a bunch of mush
 
So my friends that have the gift
you have nothing but my respect
show mercy on this wanna be poet
whose reaction to a contest is neglect!