First Place!
"Rain, Rain, Raining"
By
Kathy Fretwell Gandy
RAIN, RAIN, RAINING
Rain, rain, raining,
Such a peaceful sound.
Splish, splash, splashing,
As it dances on the ground.
Pour, pour, pouring,
Down from heaven's throne.
It will not last forever
So feel the rain before it's gone.
Rain, rain, raining,
Like millions of tiny tears.
Could it be our Lord is weeping
For those who closed their ears?
Or could it be a blessing
That He's sent to us below?
To revive, restore, and refresh,
The drooping heart and thirsty soul.
Congratulations and thanks for entering!
***************
Second Place
"Getting Over"
By
Ruth Henderson Lowe
It won't be easy getting over you
After so long to start anew
But I've got all the big things under control
Just some little things to take hold.
To be through, getting over getting over you.
Yes, all the big things under control
Change the bedroom from blue to gold
Name on the checks, the mailbox too
Just some little things I have to do.
Can't listen for your key at the door
Remember set the table for one once more
Check the alarm at night
Oh lord it's goin' to be real hard
to turn off the light.
It's these little things to control
the big things, I've got a strong hold
Try not to note when Spring comes
With lovers all around
Keep busy when Fall creeps in
And leaves turn reddish brown
Stay close to a fire on winter nights
Or in the middle of a crowd sounds right
If I can manage these little things
I'll be all right.
I've got to reclaim me
Come to grips with memories
If I'll ever be free, getting over
Getting over you and me
All the big things under control
It's just my heart that's still on hold.
***************
Third Place
"The Sun"
By
Kathy Fretwell Gandy
THE SUN
The Sun lives in the heavens
Cause my God has put it there.
It bursts forth so radiantly
And it doesn't have a care.
It rises in the morning sky
And there it takes a seat.
Nothing can replace its brilliance
Or the warmness of its heat.
It's brighter than the finest gold
And its worth cannot be measured.
And by every living creature on earth
The Sun is greatly treasured.
Again, thanks and good luck in any other contests you may enter!
Uncharted Lines
By Ruth Y. Nott
Copyright 2002
I'll tell you a secret just between me and you,
submitting my poems is the wrong thing to do!
I was born in an age after poetry died,
when the beauty of rhyme has been cast aside...
When words that come unbidden to mind
are dropped upon pages in uncharted lines
that twist or curve or jump back and forth
where no one can figure their meaning or worth...
Their intentions masked in ubiquitous phrases
right out in the open on their typewritten pages,
trying to say in "implying" words
the obvious meaning which is somehow unheard.
Yet judges of contests, and editors too,
have nothing better in this world to do
than shower their prizes and contracts on these
unfathomable writers of jibberish - pu-leeese!
So no more will I write, and stuff, and stamp,
or on the doorsteps of editors camp,
while waiting and wishing for prizes and fame
when honoring that nonsense is their only aim!
I have recognition - from family and friends.
So, on their praises only will I learn to depend.
And whether I write it in pencil or chalk,
Those judges and editors can just take a walk!
