World Poetry Day contest winners announced

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This article was published 20/03/2022 (1358 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

From the editor: In honour of World Poetry Day today, The Brandon Sun has agreed to publish the two winning entries and the two finalists of the Western Manitoba Regional Library’s World Poetry Day contest. Programming and outreach librarian Alex Rogowsky would like to thank all participants for being part of this year’s competition.

Over 18 category finalist

 

Forever a Mother

By Renee Cronley

 

It is a life with an early ending;

the fluttering in her stomach stops

and with a smear of crimson on toilet paper

all the color in her world disappears.

 

Contractions build behind a lost future,

she pushes out between sobbing breaths

and births an empty space in her soul.

Abdominal cramps pass to her heart

where she will carry them forever.

 

She’s hugged with a two-day bereavement leave

and a reminder that she could try again —

barbed words that scream into her hollow

making a million cuts as they echo back

agony that tries to claw its way out her throat

but she bites it back in stoical silence —

nobody wants to hear from castaway mothers.

 

But she has glimpsed through the door

the elusive entrance into motherhood

where her mind already did a lap

around kisses, cuddles, and milestones

that suddenly slammed shut—

the pitter-patter of tiny feet vanishes behind it.

Alone, she mourns the intangible,

illusive little being no one knew but her.

 

Over 18 category winner

 

These Hands

By Olive Walker

(In honour of my 90th birthday — Aug. 18, 2021)

These hands ain’t the hands of a lady,

These hands are spotted and old.

These hands have made homes,

These hands have scrubbed floors,

Now they’re reaching the end of their time.

These hands have knit socks for the soldiers,

Blankets, hats, and mitts for the young.

 

These hands have milked cows.

These hands cooked the meals,

What more can we ask of them now?

These hands have been held by my loved ones,

And lucky to have been so blessed.

 

But these hands are old,

These hands have slowed,

And these hands are ready to rest.

I give thanks my hands have been useful,

But now, they are content just to be.

 

Just think kind thoughts,

Of my old spotted hands.

Still love me, as you have, o’re the years.

 

Under 18 category finalist

 

Snow and Spring

By Bhakti Vaiday

 

Soft at first, brilliant it seems.

But soon you will never see a spot of green.

On and on it goes falling from the sky.

Oh will it ever end you cry!

But soon it will, no need to fret.

Spring is coming, I forget!

 

 

Under 18 category winner

 

Friends

By  Violily Jeffrey

Friends are important in Life

Even in Narnia

Where friends are made

Some lie in the shade

While others stick together.

Like the Beavers in the book

That settled by a cozy brook

Friends help us find our way

Even on our darkest day.

Like Mr. Tumnus, Lucy’s friend

They loved each other to the end

He tried to protect her from the witch

Even though in his plan there was a glitch.

Friends are important, good or bad

Even when they make us mad

No matter what the nasty weather

They will always make us better.