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


HONORABLE MENTION

Kathy Paupore
Kingsford, MI, USA

Kathy Paupore

Kathy Paupore has been a member at Sol Magazine since 2002.  Her poems are published at Sol Magazine, Amaze:  Cinquain Journal, and  Writer's Hood.  A Registered Nurse specializing in Ophthalmology at an Ambulatory Surgery Center, Kathy lives with her husband and children in Kingsford, Michigan.  In her words:  "Writing is an escape from the hectic pace of modern life, a way to record those moments that would otherwise be forgotten."
EDITORS’ & JUDGES’ COMMENTS:  

This poet's boxes are not empty, but are filled with her well chosen tools, her words, and a small dollop of creamy humor tucked into a corner, then packed with extraordinary visual interest and intellectual and emotional stimulation.  Remarkable results achieved by use of contrast.  Touching multi-dimensional scenarios skillfully avoiding over-sentimentality.  Well crafted.  The Haiku here are done well and in the prescribed form.  Skilled writing of concise scenes that allow the reader to view each event in person as if peering into a shadow box.  Kathy Paupore's poetry, poignant in the subtle delivery, is peppered with compelling contrasts, and we wish we could hear more, and more and more.

The Putting Away
 
It starts with boxes full
of empty boxes.
 
Arts and crafts ornaments
wrapped in yellowed tissue,
 
glass balls, delicate cells
of purple or silver
stacked in plastic containers,
 
strands of colored lights
twisted in double-helix knots,
 
packed in cardboard boxes
or festive popcorn tins.
Dry pine needles vacuumed up,
 
she wants to pack away the threat
of cancer.  Wrap it carefully
in lab slips and consent forms,
store it in a box full of empty
boxes, duct tape it shut.
 
Hide it in the attic
covered with cobwebs
of normal test results.

© 2005  Kathy Paupore

COMMENTS:  The poet shows an intensifying sensitivity to the plight of the subject of this story.  An immediately understandable eye opening look at common household items contrasted with the need for life.  Opening line invites the reader into the poem. The poet's extraordinary use of juxtaposition and symbolism is well developed.   An excellent poem, where the reader is pulled directly into the story in the first stanza.  Consonance and imagery works well.  A poignant good ending.  The stark clinicality (if there is such a word) of this poem's subject is leavened by the poet's careful word selection equating vagrant cells with holiday ornaments and snarled wiring of festive lights with DNA gone awry - all to be tucked away and dealt with later, if there is a later. Well balanced contradiction along with word placement make this an excellent metaphorical piece. Very well done.  Poem takes the reader by surprise with a flowing description of a mundane event becoming a life shattering revelation.   Has the ring of a universal truth.  We are unprepared for the unexpected yet still it comes.  Well-crafted chilling piece.  A striking metaphor. Internal rhyme and irony of full and empty adds a poignancy.
stray snowflakes
early green dragonfly
flight delayed
 
© 2005  Kathy Paupore
COMMENTS:  Vivid revelation of nature.    Wistful tone combined with deft handling of diction provide the reader with a delightful vignette.  Perfect form.  The closing line sums it up very well.  Concise poem noting colors, movement and season, resulting in a masterfully done haiku.  Good use of contrast in the white, airborne snowflakes against a still, green dragonfly.
hungry raccoon
rattles full garbage can
restaurant closed

© 2005  Kathy Paupore

COMMENTS:  Good use of sight, sound, sense in this beautiful mini-portrait with an amusing conclusion; well done.   Nicely done subtle twist in third line.  The poet's humor is at work here - we can clearly see the frustrated customer.  Clever solution, whimsical poem.  Dramatic contrast.  Fine writing.
 

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