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February Contest!!

UPDATE: PLEASE VIEW THE OFFICIAL CONTEST PAGE:
https://www.neopoet.com/contest/february-2015-contest
BE SURE TO UPDATE YOUR ENTRY SO THAT YOU HAVE ENTERED IT INTO OUR CONTEST (similar to entering a poem into a workshop -- you will see a dedicated "contest" section in the poem edit page where you can select the February 2015 contest)

Welcome to the first monthly "Point of the Spear" Neopoet monthly contest. This month's subject is door(s). Write either a rhyming or free verse poem about either a figurative or actual door(s). If you write a free verse make sure it has some poetic qualities such as alliteration or imagery. Please limit the poem to 30 lines.(A bit longer is acceptable but it better hold the judge's attention). Post your poem here and on the stream. Beside the title put (Feb. contest). No entries will be accepted after midnight (your local time) of Feb 22. This will give the judge about a week for judging. BTW, just because this blog is under my name doesn't mean I'm the judge, only that the operational contest system isn't complete yet.

That's all and have fun..........stan

Comments

I will be in attendance and I know of some doors be they prison cells or Heavens gate great subject and a world of scope and themes, if the prize is good enough I shall be biased in my judgement lol.
I am here when needed,
Yours Ian

.
Give critique to help keep Neopoet great.
Unconditional love to you all.
"Learn to love yourself first"
Yours as always, Ian.T, Sparrow, and Yenti

Looking forward to your entry

author comment

How can there be a contest without announcement of the prize at stake?..lol..

don't worry about what i said Stan...it was just in good humor...

Regards,

raj (sublime_ocean)

check earlier blog of mine concerning contest rules. The prizes are recognition here, eligibility for the yearly contest, an American Indian quartz spear point and a certificate of merit.

author comment

Best wishes to all. May the best one win.

Regards,

raj (sublime_ocean)

Beginning work on this....so excited

Keep Writing,
Carrie

"Quoth said the Raven, NEVERMORE"

Although I'm not eligible to win, I'm going to enter also just for fun. Looking forward to your entry

author comment

The idea of doors as a topic. So much can be drawn from it. Herman Melville wrote the Doors of Perception which inspired the name for Jim Morrisons The Doors. This is a good subject for me.

Keep Writing,
Carrie

"Quoth said the Raven, NEVERMORE"

Agree that this choice of subject is rife with interpretations and possibilities. So I am expecting a lot of participation this month..........stan

author comment

Agree that this choice of subject is rife with interpretations and possibilities. So I am expecting a lot of participation this month..........stan

author comment

I have a poster here of Jim Morrison it has his dates here and the "Riders of the Storm" at the bottom.
Great pic and he looks so young on it. I shall put as my profile pic this week sometime just for a day or so,
Take care,
Yours Ian

.
Give critique to help keep Neopoet great.
Unconditional love to you all.
"Learn to love yourself first"
Yours as always, Ian.T, Sparrow, and Yenti

I would love to see it. I have a HUGE framed poster under my bed at my mothers house. It is one of his famous pics, no shirt, arms stretched out but it was put to tye dye by the artist who adapted it for the poster. It is still under the bed at my mothers as my roommates do not wish to see it out and about in the apartment. I suppose that I will have to wait to put it up when I get a room to turn into an office :)

Keep Writing,
Carrie

"Quoth said the Raven, NEVERMORE"

deleted

raj (sublime_ocean)

I expect to see some really good poetry here. The judge will have his/her work cut out for him/her

author comment

Can I also explore more?
what lies where
behind ''closed doors''
or
this contest is purely
for wooden and iron doors
do clarify which
ere mind does doors switch

This is only an extempore
more will ensue as you open my minds door
Don't worry I won't allure behind closed doors
yours or anyone else's
my dear
maintaining one's secrecy
i surely ensure
more than others
STAN YOURS

This contest is for all kinds of doors,metal,mental,iron, ironic,....your choice and any other type you can come up with.........stan

author comment

I do profess
lets start here
ere all their own doors
process

I expect the judge will have a hard time choosing a winner. But keep in mind these contests are mostly for fun............stan

author comment

garbageing mine
off beat
off colour
off all doors

''Arm all Doors''
the Captains calling ...can you hear him

FLT 298760
Rondevelluuuu to Honullluullooooooooooooo...

There sitting in the shadows is a person that fears the switching on of the light, yet the light shines within that person no matter what they do.
We shall await your write, and judge without bias.
Walk into the light that beckons you without that mistrust you have in your backpack, let go of all those fears and walk with your friends who are named "Many",
Yours as always Ian

.
Give critique to help keep Neopoet great.
Unconditional love to you all.
"Learn to love yourself first"
Yours as always, Ian.T, Sparrow, and Yenti

it fell though and through
the open door
at times it happens
as a good omen

''''There sitting in the shadows
is a person (that) WHO! fears
the switching on of the light,
yet the light shines...
hahahahaa
within that person
no matter what they do....'''

Fear is a lost weapon
who none can reckon
I at least am fearless one
Ian are you one?

I see you are enjoying all the fun
come in friend the broken door is still wide open!

I fully expect a Real entry from you lol.....stan

author comment

Stan you will find the greatest door
unlike rajs and world today is after it
guess which door
none can
I lay my life in an open pan
man
what door can you ever imagine
none can
wait for the one in my hand
it's like a Pandora's
O man

One, two, three and four.
Look at all the doors!
Some hanging from the ceiling,
some screwed onto the floor.
Swinging open and shut,
like a two by four.

Which one shall I choose,
memories of the past?
Tearing open old wounds,
reminiscing about love
that didn't last?
Cut off by the slamming of the door!

What about the one
filled with things that
need to be forgotten?
Too many emotions,
not hardly for the downtrodden.
Would someone shut that door?!

Swirling, twirling, whirling,
buzzing in my brain.
Feelings much too hard to explain.
Open and shut, open and shut
slamming, slamming, SLAMMING!
Would someone shut those damn doors!

Keep Writing,
Carrie

"Quoth said the Raven, NEVERMORE"

Good fun write may you never have to open another door, just walk with a free heart into the open structure of the unfolding universe where all things are possible and can be yours, keep writing,
Yours Ian xx

.
Give critique to help keep Neopoet great.
Unconditional love to you all.
"Learn to love yourself first"
Yours as always, Ian.T, Sparrow, and Yenti

I released a bit of tension w this write. It was fun to work on and hope it will do well as a contest entry.

Keep Writing,
Carrie

"Quoth said the Raven, NEVERMORE"

Thank you for your entry. Remember that winning is secondary for this contest. The main thing is the striving to do your best and have fun doing so.........stan

author comment

definitely fun. I am never concerned about winning. I just like to write something enjoyable.

Keep Writing,
Carrie

"Quoth said the Raven, NEVERMORE"

I was about to write poem with that title and then I see you've done it. lol. Good one, Carrie.

Alid

Think alike, Alid!!!! Glad you enjoyed.

Keep Writing,
Carrie

"Quoth said the Raven, NEVERMORE"

Step out the door to clear the doubt.
You'll learn for sure what life's about.
What's good, what's bad you shall explore,
to clear the doubt, step out the door.

Unlatch the lock, lash out the fear.
find out your way through hope and cheer.
The journey is a beach's walk,
Lash out the fear, unlatch the lock.

Knock hard to learn what, where and why.
Detect the world with naked eye.
It doesn't lie, but helps you gain.
What, where and why, knock hard to learn.

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Thank you for this wonderful entry

author comment

a good theme about letting go, not getting cowed down and taking all ups and downs in life in one's stride...clap clap

a clever use of reversing line 1 and 4 of each stanza... more claps

regards,

raj (sublime_ocean)

Thank you!

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

lol - you will see that I have been really inventive with my title
xxx

Doors

When you were just a little child
you left your door part open
so I could always watch you
if ever you were frightened
I could quickly cross the threshold
be right there
and you would be consoled

the doorway to heaven
is not mine to pass through
for now
but, with love and determination
you left it ajar
so I could still see
when I have fear
where you are

judy

'Each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,
shall draw the Thing as he sees It, for the God of Things as They are.'
(Rudyard Kipling)

good entry, thank you.......stan

author comment

I have posted another for the contest title of:-
"Choice of Doors" Send all money prizes to the children of High Falls reservation up country some place in USA.
Have a great evening all Yours Ian.

.
Give critique to help keep Neopoet great.
Unconditional love to you all.
"Learn to love yourself first"
Yours as always, Ian.T, Sparrow, and Yenti

You will need to make a choice because, if you read the rules, only one poem per contest per member is allowed. Poor ol' judge will have enough trouble picking a winner without having to deal with more than one poem per contestant lol.......stan

author comment

the door I entered from
and by which I'll eventually leave
is destiny,
in between, I live
verily

raj (sublime_ocean)

For your entry raj.

author comment

It is no big deal, especially being a mini poem, so short that it may go unnoticed by the judges..just like in and out of the door...lol...

Regards,

raj (sublime_ocean)

The Southern Door

Close it!
Don't let it open.
I don't want to leave here
where peace resides.

The darkness here is bliss,
the gentle beat of the heart,
the sweetest lullaby.
The warmth here signifies life.

I know I won't stay here forever
A time will come for me to leave
when my body is complete
and I'm too big to stay but..

let it be a whole nine months
before the southern door is wide open
and I leave to meet the world
with all of its beauty and ugliness.

For now let me be here,
embracing peace.

Alid

This is a very nice poem and what a way to describe being in the womb. The safety and security a baby feels or should feel, the peace, love and warmth. Very clever use of the idea of a "door"

Keep Writing,
Carrie

"Quoth said the Raven, NEVERMORE"

It just came to me. Ideas are like that. comes in a flash or at a turtle's pace.

Alid

That is definitely clever.

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

glad you liked it.

Alid

Open the door

Remind me ere it’s too late

Who will this task for me undertake?
life is not yet at stake
which door will open
after does the main gate
I don't want to be late
where is in any case
that gate
where doors remain open all day all night
this door is like an open well
enter in and no one will tell
who came in
the door will record all your snaps
taken within
so close the door behind
ere in stark nudity you are caught
the one who you always had in mind
which door is that
I have yet to find
but friends I still have one in mind
this is just a sparring kind
at door opening
which is embedded
deep in my mind

a lot of poets are putting their entry here I shall check to see where my entry is but have put it here also, just in case, lol

Choice of Doors. (Feb contest)

He sat there at his meagre desk.
Quill in hand, pausing as I entered
“There are the doors young one” he said.
“Just choose the one you feel is best”

There were three doors in the room.
One I had just entered and two others
“Which do you suggest” I asked,
“I am unable to decide for you” came the reply.

“I feel that this is just a visit to talk to you”
The monk put his quill down and turned to me.
“Young Alexander, this is not the place to be”
“There are many other places for you to go”

He used a name I had been called years before,
But only when I asked the children of my name.
“These doors, keeper of the quill” I said.
“They have no name or point to guide me?”

“Then you are not supposed to be here young one”
“Does it come to this and doors?” I asked.
“You ask too much of this place young traveler”
“When it is time there will be no questions” he said

“What shall I call you sir” I asked in muted voice.
“There is no need to call me by name” he said.
“But you are the one that guides me in writing”
“The thoughts are from the universe as it rests”

“Thank you” I said and turned to leave as I had entered,
The door opened as I approached its space.
“We shall talk again young traveler” came the thought.
I thought “Over my dead body” then I heard him laugh.

.
Give critique to help keep Neopoet great.
Unconditional love to you all.
"Learn to love yourself first"
Yours as always, Ian.T, Sparrow, and Yenti

It is NOT Stan's contest. It's just plain February contest lol. So please erase my name and if you haven't already done so also post this poem on stream with Feb. contest next to title. Appreciate your entry......stan

author comment

Seven entries so far and the month's not half over yet! Don't be shy, I'm sure there are others who can figure out a poem about doors lol.
PS there has been an upgrade to this contest thread. If you have troubles using it just let me know.....stan

author comment

It is noted that under Contest Tab, Next to Workshop Tab -> find a contest -> the message reads "There are unfortunately no active contests..."

Wanted to bring this to your attention...

Regards,

raj (sublime_ocean)

I have already notice that bug as well as the problem with trying to use the new link in the revised contest introduction here which when hit says access denied. Andrew has been made aware of the bugs and I'm confident they'll get stomped on soon.

author comment

This was just to bring myt observation to your notice. I agree we can rely on Andrew and his team will fix it,,,they are definitely a dedicated team we are privileged to have while we partake in the features of this site...

In fact, as I write i notice that they have already fixed it and it has your name as the Contest Sponsor and judges as TBD...does that mean "To be decided"?....i wish i knew them to try and influence them...lol..

Are we now supposed to post the contest poem there?

Regards,

raj (sublime_ocean)

the identity for of each month's judge is not being made public. This is so he/she can make un-pressured decisions. But ut Can be revealed that for about the first 8-12 contests the judge for each month will be chosen from among a pool which includes all workshop directors, contest director and his assistants. It is my hope that eventually the contest judges will be chosen from among the general membership pool. TBD means to be determined which is a good way I guess of saying the position is determine and changed monthly.

I think the reason they have listed me as "sponsor" instead of director is because I think I'm the one who first proposed contests, ran a trial contest and have also agreed to take on the responsibility of furnishing and mailing out prizes for the first 11-12 contests. I also expect the directorship to change periodically. At this time the preliminary term of office is tentatively set at 6 months but it might eventually be extended to a longer period. The contest director is chosen by a combination of the AC, Trustees and site owners.............stan

author comment

Thanks for the detailed information....honestly what i had said about influencing judges was just out of pure humor...

Regards,

raj (sublime_ocean)

But I also figured it wouldn't hurt to give this information again

author comment

I posted to The Stream as instructed. Am I to post on this thread also?

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

You are supposed to post here as well :)

Keep Writing,
Carrie

"Quoth said the Raven, NEVERMORE"

The reason for also posting on this thread at this time is to make it easier for the judge to find the entries. I'm hoping by the next contest it will be like the workshop poems where you will be able to have a tab labeled contest just like we have one labeled workshop now and by hitting it you will only have to post once.
And yes also to the 'Contest" tab tech problems being mostly taken care of. Andrew is very busy right now so the "about contests" thing is still not in place but if you want to see what Will and up there just look on stream for my blog titled "sharpen your pencils". This tells the rules which govern all contests.

author comment

there is so much conversation on this blog, that I think the judge will go spare having to find the entries

can I suggest you open a stream poem site - not a blog, then it will be accessible to all - with 'february contest' as the poem (and title) - and we can all add our poems to the comments there

the judge, i am sure would thank you for collecting them all together with no conversations to disrupt his/her reading

of course, we would then still post our poems to the stream for comments

love judy
xxx

'Each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,
shall draw the Thing as he sees It, for the God of Things as They are.'
(Rudyard Kipling)

Judyanne has made a valid point...if as per her suggestion you move all poems to the new thread...mine being the shortest is likely to get overlooked...lol...

Regards,

raj (sublime_ocean)

I had not really meant that this stream turn into a comment blog. And I wonder what would keep yet another string into becoming such? But I'll give this some thought and will definitely have a poem only string for next month's contest.

author comment

In Rome an arch was like unto a gateway to
a realm unlike Eternal Rome could hope to be.

Two Pillars make one unknown door that will be crossed
despite that on the other side will evil be.

So what then is a door but passage on and toward.
Departure and Arrival is gross meant to be.

So open doors, you must you know or life stands still.
Most doors are changes, ruts are ended, I at last am free.

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

thank you. I can already tell this month's judge is going to have a tough time choosing a winner.........stan

author comment

VIRTUAL DOOR

I press a key and instantly,
with a flash of transformed sand,
a screen threshold opens up for me
and carries me from my homeland.

A chosen tap decides just where
my electron self will go today
and with whom my thought I'll share.
To which key shall my finger stray?

For each one is a different type of door
lined up like portals down a hall.
"Pick me!" they each seem to implore
with their beguiling silent call.

So at last I make my choice
and my destination flicks into view
where I'll bid greetings sans a voice
then step through this door to be with you.

author comment

then how can I with my hands draw
and try to open secretly coded electronic doors
I know no less of electrons and protons
not any more
out dated is my mind of yore
but I can depend
on your open door
salvage me if you find me
lying on the floor..
(as in laying okay Stan)

So according to your last line you're planning on getting laid? lol. For either the contest director or the month's contest judge to be announce winner would give the appearance of a conflict of interest. Minor sacrifice to see friends having a bit of fun writing...........stan

author comment

not lie falsehood
hahahaha
ur pun well Stan
didn't notice it ere

Why are most bricks red?
You'd blush too if you were laid in public lmao

author comment

Under contest>Feb. Contest >I could find everyone's submission except mine.
Should I resubmit under that Tab?

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

in good sporting spirit, even though you are a strong competitor, I recommend you to check mark your poem under contest category...:)

Regards,

raj (sublime_ocean)

Done. Appreciate your concerns
I think Carrie should do the same as her poem does't show in the list of the submissions.

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

I resubmitted mine using contest but don't see it in the contest section. Can someone add mine to where it needs to be. I forgot to put February contest in the heading this time.

Keep Writing,
Carrie

"Quoth said the Raven, NEVERMORE"

No worries. I can see your submission there. But you could have kept your original submission with all comments. You only need to include the contest's name from the drop.

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

You are the only one who has access to your work.

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

I needed to copy and paste my comments as well..

Keep Writing,
Carrie

"Quoth said the Raven, NEVERMORE"

Even I am confused. Contrary to what Rula has said, even though I check marked the box at the end of the poem for the contest, I still dont find mine listed in "Submit", "Find" or "About" drop down menus of the Contest tab ...

Anyways, I just hope mine has been registered as a valid contest entry even though it may not even get noticed...lol..

Regards,

raj (sublime_ocean)

Both yours and Carrie's are listed now. It takes some time to be listed, but I am sure everyone's is there.
Don't worry :)

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Carrie. It's up to you if you want the comments or not.

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

In retrospect it might well have been better to delay the update until next contest and to have completed this one as it was begun.

author comment

please don't blame your self ...we appreciate your good intentions....

Regards,

raj (sublime_ocean)

so if something goes wrong it's my responsibility. I'm just fortunate to have a support team to straighten out problems which are beyond my skill range lol.....stan

author comment

This is the perfect opportunity to find out what works (not much it sounds like) and what does not (and how to fix it). Everyone needs to keep trying to use the system until the bugs get worked. We need to perhaps consider sacrificing something to Andrew. It might please him enough to put this high on his list.

W. H. Snow

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Learn how, teach others.
The NeoPoet Mentor Program
http://www.neopoet.com/mentor/about

That sounds like a politician's motto lol. This hardly a crisis and with everything involved in a new venture the type thing to be expected. It will all work out in the end and hopefully by the end of this first contest all the bugs will be eliminated

author comment

Arm all doors

The most delightful words
ever heard
ere take of
the wages start.

But this time there will be an exception,
a young King is being brought.

Tutankhamen
The Egyptian 18 year old King
laying in a solid golden coffin,
three thousand years since.
He is still embalmed!

They don’t want to his silent soul alarm
they will get him in
through the rear emergency door,
ere they finally fly off.

No one should know,
the King is sleeping still,
maybe they will extract a cell
yes they will
to resurrect the young kid,
who still sleeps since ages
behind closed jungle doors.

I found him there alone for sure
I won’t like to share the secret any more
lest his soul flies out
of the only unarmed door.
Glad all doors are sealed
and the pilot has
now towards the tarmac reeled.

All doors of earthly humans too sealed!
Now his DNA will to humans never be revealed...

lovedly

author comment

HOMED IN
NOW WHERE DO I COME to collect my prize..
At least do read it its different
hahahhaaaa

The last day to submit a poem for Feburary contest is the 22nd.

author comment

have you formally closed the door to the door contest?

raj (sublime_ocean)

maybe 25 ur place where's the doubt raj last day was 22 u know ?
raj sublime ocean _ etc

because the contest tab still shows it as active with "1"

raj (sublime_ocean)

Guess I better get to contest tab and see if I can change it to closed

author comment

I am not sure if you would be able to do it unless Andrew has give you the master key to close that door...lol...my comment was just in fun ..

Regards,

raj (sublime_ocean)

for you Stan.

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

I didn't know you had the master key to that Door. Perhaps that's why it's said, "never underestimate woman power" :)

(Grinning}

raj (sublime_ocean)

at least not me! :)

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

lest my humor be misunderstood...i will correct my statement "don't under estimate a woman's prowess"..

Regards,

raj (sublime_ocean)

I got the humorous pure intention.

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

The contest director needs to be able to close a contest to new entries to keep folks from thinking it's still open. Just another minor bug. I suspect Andrew will just put in an edit tab.....stan

author comment

Stan.

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

How did you do it?

author comment

Like concluding any workshop
Edit> "conclude"
but your name (sure mistakingly) wasn't listed, so I added it to the list of those who can edit.

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

I had overlooked this in haste lol

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