Over the last week, contestants have been flexing their poetry muscles in my contest, Write Me a Sonnet.
I have a strange obsession with iambic pentameter, and I was interested in learning if there were others like me in Steemland.
I've also been winning the occasional contest prize for the last few months writing my own poetry, so I figured it was time to give something back!
In fact, I'm running another poetry contest right now, accepting entries until Friday, December 8th. This one is called Revenge of the Words. In this contest, I'm looking specifically for angry poetry. Stay tuned for an update post!
Anyway, Back to the Winners!
I received so many more entries in this contest than I expected. I really appreciate the support from the poetry workshop folks at #thewritersblock with this contest; they helped promote and submitted some great entries!
The Big Winner: 
! - 5 SBD
Your face is more covered in hair than most
Your nose reminds the muppets of their own
These physical details are no mere boast
They help you succeed at the Autozone
Employees are eager to offer deals
Admiring all your wacky, tacky clothes
They flirt with you and take you out for meals
Inviting you to fancy Broadway shows
The cast of Avenue Q thinks you're lost
You strut upon the stage and sing your best
And when the curtain falls a rose is tossed
You clutch it closely to your heaving chest
At last adventure came and you loved it
Alas you wake a minnow on Steemit
https://steemit.com/poetry/@improv/sonnet-4-for-chrisroberts
The Medium Winner: 
! 3 SBD
A Sea of Currencies
A mermaid draws her money on account
from vaults her banker tucked beneath the quay.
The teller, told to charge a small amount:
“Incur and seize a fee as though a day.”
This fishy bank inflates the mollusk stores,
and troves of treasure chart a downward steep.
With current, seas seduce her from the shores
and move her clams from safety to the deep.
As currants ease her hunger, so a loan
assuages all expansionary urge.
The books reflect what auditors aren't shown
the clams, on ledger, suffer from a surge.
Once penalized for saving all her stash,
the mermaid swims away to spend her cash.
https://steemit.com/poetry/@geke/a-sea-of-currencies-entry-for-write-me-a-sonnet-contest
The Little Winner: 
! 2 SBD
Who is this man I see across the block?
This one who offers prizes for my love;
He even claims it is fine if I mock,
The concept and the mastermind thereof!
I write for pennies, maybe twice a dime,
A vapor steam mist in this crowded storm;
So I will peddle, sell off my good rhyme,
Through metered verses that stay true to form.
I see you reading all these words aloud,
To hear yourself speaking my skillful art;
You might say now I sound a bit too proud,
But tell me, Roberts, did I win your heart?
This may get nothing, though if I'm denied,
I'll vote myself up to be satisfied!
https://steemit.com/poetry/@ellievallie/love-poems-for-prizes-a-sonnet-for-chris
A Few Honorable Mentions
Loving us on deaf frequencies and fixed gazes
While the frames are accelerated
I dedicate my time in being static
these four walls stop the time
the power of the moment would be pragmatic
We are going to manipulate the matter
changing your double caresses
Loving us on deaf frequencies and fixed gazes
to surrender to the cycle of galaxies
If love entangles you in my sheets
and my defects leave you stunned
"The religions" you ran out in the morning
I hope that path is pleasant for you both
I'm sure that you will hear the calling
https://steemit.com/contest/@yusaymon/poetry-contest-chrisroberts-loving-us-on-deaf-frequencies-and-fixed-gazes-eng-spa
"Surprised by Love"
Post and context can be found HERE
For years on end I’ve relished pleasant days,
Without a single need that went unmet,
Immersed in satisfaction, love, and praise,
My life lived large, no trace of sad regret.
Then, like the rising suns, you lit my world.
A brilliance emanates from your dark eyes.
The universe around me, now unfurled,
Your presence leaves me breathless, mesmerized.
Now suddenly, I’m speaking out of turn,
Envisioning adventures we may find,
Let’s sail on past the point of no return,
To times and destinations out of mind.
Since finding you, I’ve come to long for more,
Surprised by love I’d never known before.
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
First, your dark eyes, and those lashes so long.
That look that you give, that sweet loving gaze.
Second is how you can sing any song
Or write a poem to set to a tune.
Third, you must know, well, it's private, you see.
Hint, I reveal: It's delightful at noon.
Fourth on the list is your love just for me.
Each time a bird sings, I know it is true.
Fifth thing that I love, the way that you dance.
But why you chose me, I haven't a clue
It could be destiny or happenstance.
Whatever the reason, I still must cry,
"My life would be nothing without this guy!"
https://steemit.com/contest/@carrieallen/a-sonnet-for-my-guy
Man Overboard
"Abandon ship!", that's what everyone screams.
No time to think, I've heard we must jump ship.
What in the past would have been deemed blaspheme.
Or they, I fear, will from me my life strip.
A sailor here I did become, I did;
With rotten beams and quite weak winds, we sailed.
And we could see the end was near, I did;
My friends, this crew, through squall and calm, we sailed.
We see our ancient mates, they yell, "Ahoy!"
From better ships, where proper captains lead.
Some welcome us, some don't, with flags of joy.
They drift away, if we waste time we'll bleed.
Oh, this sinister end I won't embrace!
Another ship with my strong hands I'll grace!
https://steemit.com/writing/@steemedchitty/man-overboard-write-me-a-sonnet-poetry-contest
