The competition has been held, the poems entered judged, and winners announced. Now it is time to show the judges’ reports, and details released to the public.
Judge’s Report Open Section Adelaide Plains Poets Inc
Poetry Competition 2021 “Recovery”
Our competition topic has proved to be very relevant to our nation’s circumstances today. I was very impressed with the high standard of the 50 entries received. The poems entered expressed the idea of recovery from quite a variety of troubles and misfortunes.
It was not easy to choose the finalists. In the end I looked for poems that were emotionally or intellectually moving. I also looked for good descriptive writing and positive messages about recovery. I have to say that there was not much between these poems and I congratulate the authors on their excellent writing. With these factors in mind, I have chosen the following place getters and commendations:
First Place; Salvation by David Campbell
I was impressed by the use of “needlepoint” as a metaphor for the process of recovery. It describes a deeply personal recovery from great suffering which has much relevance to life for far too many people in the present day.
Second Place .An Honest Man by James Kent
This poem I felt would easily bring a tear to the eye of many a reader of this well-told story. Although set in our past times, it encourages the present-day espousal of such values as honesty, kindness and compassion in the process of recovery.
Third Place Healing by Shelley Hansen
Although short, this is an excellent portrayal of the need for patience and the giving of comfort in assisting in a person’s recovery. I was impressed with the form of the poem.
Commended
In addition to the above awards, there were four poems which deserve commendation, but not listed in any particular order.
Determination: by Claire Watson. A great story describing personal determination. Well told.
Asperger’s Eyes: by David Campbell. Excellent portrayal of a deeply personal story.
The Stranger: by Nathan Curnow This prose poem has such a positive message about showing care and concern in providing assistance in a person’s recovery.Raindrops: by ‘Toni Brisland, nee Antonette Diorio. Good use of metaphor to describe the transformation of a city as it recovers from lockdown.
Judge’s Report Student Section Adelaide Plains Poets Inc
Poetry Competition 2021 “Recovery”
I don’t think I can ethically nominate a secondary poem winner. They all spoke of pain and tragedy with a time mention at the end of recovery, but didn’t speak of actual recovery or that process.
My primary ones were ; 1st prize Emily McCarthy as it was unique and quirky : 2nd prize went to Isha Mittal and Sophie Dowsette as commended
Carolyn Cordon - Creative 