Sol Magazine's
Poet Laureate 2005 Edition
© 2005 SOL MAGAZINE
http://www.sol-magazine.org


HONORABLE MENTION

Jeanette Oestermyer
Roswell, NM, USA

Jeanette Oestermyer

Jeanette Oestermyer has been a member of Sol Magazine for two years, and has taught several poetry classes at Roswell's local adult center.  Her poetry appears in Candlelight Poetry Journal and other magazines.   She is both poet and writer, and serves as President of the New Mexico State Poetry Society, is a member of the Haiku Society of America, and lives in Roswell with two tabby cats and her husband. Jeanette says, "I write to release the stories that dwell inside and to paint scenes with words that capture the images and beauty that surround me to share with all who care to read, listen and enjoy."
EDITORS’ & JUDGES’ COMMENTS:  Jeanette Oestermyer's contemplative poetry is filled with wonder and appreciation of nature, who shares her love of words and nature with the reader, a generous gift indeed.  Descriptive poetical voice speaks expressively, examining details that provide a vivid impression of the living presence of beauty.   Strong and well-chosen words create images that are often quite unforgettable.  The diction is elegant, without being condescending, and analogies are often veiled, yet not obscure.  Exceptional ability to turn ordinary events into extraordinary word pictures.  
This is an "outdoor" poet who uses careful word selection and well planned word placements to take us where she goes, allows us to see through her eyes.  This creative and talented writer’s work is unforgettable.  

Nature’s Mysterious Modes

She is elusive – keeps
her children concealed,
yet not obscured
as to never be found
in the earthly scheme of life.

Do her young emulate
a scene in the garden
hiding themselves,
ashamed of their nakedness?

Mating of her young is cunning;
they hide the primitive impulse.
It is not veiled to conclusion,
only the excitement and flurry
of final rituals remain obvious.

Demure seedlings
covered gently in soft humus
left to germinate alone
break soil as sunlight --
like a magnet –
forces the grasp for freedom.

Her seasons enter and leave
with stealth, elusive hints
of changes to come.

Nature’s cognizant eye
her miraculous realm innocent
of original sin,
teems in pristine elegance.

© 2005  Jeanette Oestermyer

COMMENTS:  Attention to detail and nuance as well as consistent illustration dramatically portray Mother Nature at her finest.  Strong visual content gleams with consciousness, interconnecting past, present, and future in its search for truth.  A lovely example of personification without over-description.  Lyrically pleasant to read.  Strong images and beautiful language create an ethereal scene of Eden.  Creative presentation of Mother Nature and her children.  Good flow throughout.  Shows a strong control and a pleasing cadence.  Beneath the feel of wonder lies a clear, observant and questioning tone.  Well thought out word selection and placement backed by subtle use of alliteration take us above and below ground into Nature's secret places.  Well done.
each raindrop
on lake surface
small round pool

© 2005  Jeanette Oestermyer

COMMENTS:  Tranquil setting courtesy of the poet's careful word choices, as she paints a pretty watercolor using comparison as the brush.  Composed in the true spirit of haiku.  Deceptively simple.  This evokes images of the circuitous and never-ending ripples that a single raindrop can initiate.  Soothing.  Brings the action of rain to the reaction of the lake, and the result is both lively and serene.
sparrows chirp at dusk
sounds echo from high branch
mockingbird
 
© 2005  Jeanette Oestermyer
COMMENTS:  Good balance of form mixed with a playful quality.  Vivid, concrete images, with a nice emphasis of the echo with the revelation of its source.  A charming snapshot of a quiet twilight moment.  Intriguing twist in last line cunningly turns echoes into mockingbirds.  Nicely done!  Pleasing to the ear.  Well thought out - we clearly hear the sounds in this non-traditional haiku.
 

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