============
Sol Magazine © 1999, 2000
============
|
|
|
poetry and thoughts for the new year to come:
Warm sun, fresh air, blue sky, green sea--you comfort, guide and nurture
me; at sunset, though I leave this beach, my prints remain, love's truth
to teach - Craig Tigerman, Assistant Editor
In winter, northern blackbirds circle--wanting a soft wet southern field,
but finding only parking lots, they land, eat discarded french fries and
fortune cookies instead of bugs and grain, then bask on sunny concrete
pads - Mary Margaret Carlisle, Managing Editor
In this sharp edge of skyscrapers & computers, we shall find a place--breath
swirling into the new--and remember today - Betty Ann Whitney, Assistant
Editor
Love extends beyond the honeymoon, embracing weakness, storms of temper,
stubbornness, neglect--love gives, forgives, and takes the faults as if
they were his own - Jean McAllister, Assistant Editor
The morning mist rises, soft and slow, burned off by the heat of jealous
sun; trees bend to the rising wind, purely flow from ground to sky, touching
the world's hemispheres and understanding - Paula White, Assistant Editor
Help nature reclaim abandoned industrial sites by returning them to a natural state--fields, forests and wetlands are more useful than concrete rubble - Leo Waltz, Web Manager |
Twice a month, Sol Magazine sponsors poetry contests, and from the results,
produces an electronic poetry magazine, published on the last day of each
month. The winners are posted to our website at:
http://pages.prodigy.com/sol_magazine
Our topics are on a variety of subjects about nature and the nature
of humanity. Our purpose: to foster the reading and writing of short
poetry, and the education of poets.
============
CONTENTS:
Welcome: Nancy Bertoncelj, Linda
J. Brooks, Ray Cook, Bill Crider, Larry Fontenet, Bea Hugetz, Christopher
Gibrich, Kathleen Anne Gustafsson, Angela Koskie, Jim Hall, Lorene Meadows,
Mona McDaniel, and Diane Marie Yoder.
============
Sad News: On December the 3rd, Naomi Simms lost her mother, Louise
Oliver. Our thoughts are with you, Naomi.
Betty Sue Vickers passed away December 2nd, in Webster, Texas.
We'll miss and remember your big heart and open arms, Betty Sue.
Beverly Stein, long standing member of the Galveston Poets Roundtable,
also left the world this month.
Light and love be with you all.
SPONSORS: Lois Lay Castiglioni, and Jim Lay.
============
JUDGE: Paula White - http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Cafe/1773
============
ABOUT THE JUDGE - One of Sol Magazine's Assistant Editors, Paula White was originally born in Virginia, but recently transplanted to Lexington, Kentucky, as part of her new job for IBM. She is a recent graduate of the College of William and Mary, with a B.A. in English. Paula has studied both here and abroad in Cambridge, England. She loves to read, write, and play sports. She has been published in several anthologies by the National Library of Poetry, among others. Paula's first book, "Words Elude Me," is going into print at the end of this year.
|
Project Bartleby - American & English Poetry: 1250-1920 by Craig Tigerman, Assistant Editor http://sol-magazine-projects.org/prodigy/craig_tigerman
We read the advice of published poets, and may also know from our own
experience, every serious and aspiring poet should regularly read the poetry
of our predecessors in the craft. There is a treasure trove of such
poetry online at http://www.bartleby.com
- the website of Bartleby Library: Great Books Online. This
site, sponsored by Columbia University, New York City, is available for
your reading pleasure.
Above the impressive list of authors, click on "Bartleby Verse" to go
directly to the Poetry index. As you scan the pages, you may feel
as if you are browsing the shelves of a vast, exalted library of poetry.
There are so many tempting titles and authors, all you can do is pick one
and start perusing. There must be thousands of poems available at
the touch of a button here. Authors from pre-printing press days
to the early 20th century have their finest works preserved at this distinguished
web site. They are presented in six collections:
1. The Oxford Book of English Verse (1919) - a fantastic collection
edited by Arthur Quillen-Couch
You will not regret bookmarking this enriching web site.
|
THIRD PLACE - $10.00 BGC from B&N
Where Victory Preys
Slicing a great gory arch
War scythes an altar
Where the Victors pray
Granting the vanquished peace.
Ron Blanton, Salt Lake City, UT
JUDGE'S COMMENTS: This poem shows peace as being achieved through
battle, fight, pain and war, the goal long sought. Nice play on "prey"
in the title, and the verbs throughout are appropriately kinetic.
============
My Anchor Rocks
Decision's hurricane is facing me.
Breakers rise and winds increase.
Lord, calm the angry waters, still the sea,
my judgment quakes in need of peace.
Roberta Pipes Bowman, Fort Worth, TX
============
HONORABLE MENTION
Big Bang
If I were God, I'd take this fragile world,
Corrupted so by mankind's wicked wars,
And throw it in the air. I'd let it break
In little peaces, scattered like the stars.
Martha Kirby Capo, Houston, TX
JUDGE'S COMMENTS: Interesting viewpoint in "If I were God." The
idea of breaking chaos into little "peaces" is wonderfully done.
============
Crossover
Kind words and understanding
Form stepping stones
Over trouble waters
Toward peace
World Challenge
When governments employ wordsmiths
To chisel out peace treaties
Rather than builders of war missiles
Global tranquility will reign
Lois Lay Castiglioni, Galveston, TX
============
SECOND PLACE - $20 BGC from B&N
Secondarily
To seek serenity, whether amongst people or of mind,
emulate still water. Sharp of tooth may roil from below,
talons grasp above, but quiet pool, seeking calm, restores its face
infinitely like a prayer for peace.
Warner D. Conarton, Zephyrhills, FL
JUDGE'S COMMENTS: With Zen calmness, images of water contrasted
with sharp talons and teeth provide an image of peace as an untouchable
soft prayer, never ending, always seeking calm.
============
Finally
If it is that peace is not a human possibility. If
there cannot be adequate love of others to still war.
When such moment arrives as cruel humanity overwhelms,
let's still be holding hands, singing a prayer for peace.
Warner D. Conarton, Zephyrhills, FL
============
Truism
Domestic stress and office infighting,
jangling markets and killing fields--
may our toil transform them to tranquility,
for peace is never given, only earned.
SuzAnne C. Cole, Houston, TX
============
Howling Gale
As city streets are filled with snow
And Winter winds begin to blow
We pray the blizzard soon will cease
So we can sleep at last in peace
Shelley L. Crabtree, Enid, OK
============
Soldier's Prayer
Encircled down in trenches fowl
The stench of death gesticulates
The enemies cry with hot hate howl
I pray my heart to peace sedate
Nico Crisafulli, Seattle, WA
============
Riot Night Security
There's panic on the streets tonight
A rattled peace to shake the bones
We need not succumb to this psychosis
But indulge at our collected might
Nico Crisafulli, Seattle, WA
============
Lawn Shadows
Candles in the windows
cast long shadows on the lawn.
Tiny glowing prayers
for peace in a troubled land.
Diane Davis, Chelmsford, MA
============
FIRST PLACE - $50 BGC from B&N
Remembering the HolidayJUDGE'S COMMENTS: This poem epitomizes peace, evoking memories and images of the Holocaust and of the pain that must have been felt, yet also speaks of hope. Even in the midst of war and horror, that "thin tenor voice" sings, encouraging others to pray for peace. This poem takes peace from an intangible spiritual value to something real, touchable and powerful. Beautiful.
In the quiet of the jail cell
a thin tenor voice trembled as it sang,
gradually growing stronger as others
added prayers of peace to his own.
Diane Davis, Chelmsford, MA
Hear the prayer of your people Lord
As we beg for peace this year
Let our children grow within your love
Safe from hate and fear
Kathleen Anne Gustafsson, Eskilstuna, Sweden
============
HONORABLE MENTION
A Final Gift
Gramps, with heavy heart I sadly watched
Your state of health slowly decrease.
I held your hand as you slipped away,
Whispering a prayer for your peace.
Kathy Kehrli, Factoryville, PA
JUDGE'S COMMENTS: This poem showcases prayer for a soul's peace,
and brings emotion to the reader in a very real way. Nicely done.
============
All Things Good
That my children may look up to the stars
and know no thoughts but wonder
of dreams and peace and all things good
without fear that "man" would tear asunder.
Angela Koskie, Washington, DC
EDITOR'S COMMENTS: Good sentiment, well-written.
=============
HONORABLE MENTION
In Every Language
In every language "peace"
is good and right and true.
Close your eyes and pray for light
for Earth, our womb, and you.
Angela Koskie, Washington, DC
JUDGE'S COMMENTS: This poem tells us peace means the same thing
in every language. It furthers this image through the plea to pray
for light for everyone, implying that if we did, it would bring unity,
and peace's prayer would be answered.
=============
To Mother Earth
May I press my face of soul
against your soil so cool and right
and be one with the spirit and stars
and the way back to peace tonight.
Angela Koskie, Washington, DC
EDITOR'S COMMENTS: Sweet universal prayer that includes not only
humanity, but also the world around us. Wonderful.
=============
Peace Accords
Throughout the world, in every land
there is no need for peace accords.
For in the heart of all mankind
there lives peace with no discord.
Lorene Meadows, Ft Worth, TX
============
Harmonious Living
May love, respect, honor and truth
be learned so early in life
that the world of man is blessed
with the peace of perfect harmony.
Lorene Meadows, Ft Worth, TX
EDITOR'S COMMENTS: Complex idea expressed simply. Elegant.
============
Building Blocks
Similar to the way America was constructed
With builders of all colors and cultures
And mortar of hard work and opportunity
One world could share peace.
Lena S. Norman, Saginaw, TX
EDITOR'S COMMENTS: Truly a way to build world peace.
============
My Wishes
Freedom to develop as an individual or nation
With encouragement to excel;
Existing in a peaceful environment
And helping others to reach their goals.
Lena S. Norman, Saginaw, TX
============
Where to Look
Peace is found in the blue of the ocean
In the stars that shimmer in the sky
Peace can be anywhere around you
But the place to look first is inside
Lynne Remick, Nesconset, NY
============
Returned to Sender
Silently I make a vow
Hoping to find peace, somehow
I send this prayer up above
And it rains down, disguised as love
Lynne Remick, Nesconset, NY
============
Boughs of Love
Gently string wide evergreen boughs with love
And decorate it limbs with everlasting peace
Add a dash of kindness with the star you place above
And pray all dissension now, in every land, to cease.
Corrine HG Schlessel, Woodbridge, CT
EDITOR'S COMMENTS: Beautiful portrait of the season, painted
with peace.
============
Touch of Caring
Besieged with weltered loneliness
sensitivities reeling in pain
may the touch of softest caring
bring peace to hearts that need repairing
Beverly Steward, Santa Barbara, CA
============
Rescue Required
Left by wayside of indifference
Resurrected from trashbin of hate
Pray that peace love and affection
Be resurrected before it's too late.
Beverly Steward, Santa Barbara, CA
EDITOR'S COMMENTS: A universal plea.
============
Each Precious One
Let us hold all life so dear
And understand its worth.
Treat each with love and much respect
And peace will be forever near.
Patricia A Tabella, Providence, RI
============
Wounded World
All extend a helping hand
And mend the broken dove of peace.
Care for it till conflicts cease
And bring accord to every land.
Patricia A Tabella, Providence, RI
============
Wholly Alliance
Join! Red, black, yellow, brown and white!
Raise up in sacred request
For peace to all upon this mortal earth.
Let us leave the richest of all bequests.
Claiborne S. Walsh, Montrose, AL
============
A Spectrum Falls On The Mind's Eye
Through the ice chaffed windows
Fractalized like some infinite coral fatigue
Like December's whine, there is a prism
Light filtered acute, laser tight
And just for that belated moment
Just for that passing iota
Of time, whites wax to blues
And I feel a clasp of comfort
The ways of the world perhaps
Are too beautiful for my blushing eyes
Nico Crisafulli, Seattle, WA
JUDGES' COMMENTS: The poet is in true touch with that in nature
which brings him back to balance. This poem begins with the imagery
of whiteness everywhere, evoking feelings and ideas of blankness, coldness,
starkness, then contrasted with a single shaft of prismed light.
This light becomes a ray of hope, and ice that once threatened becomes
the harbinger of glory. The final lines are achingly beautiful. Excellent
diction, stunning turns of phrase. The image of "blushing eyes" is
surprisingly fresh.
|
by Betty Ann Whitney, Assistant Editor http://pages.prodigy.com/dandelionsoup Language is the basis for communication. We wake up with it daily--use
it in our everyday conversations. We read newspapers, magazines,
books. Whether it be mystifying, surprising, thrilling--provoking
happiness or tears, language shapes our private thoughts and even drifts
into our dreams.
Language can inspire. It holds a force which transports from the
heart. Often, small things make a great deal of difference.
Thus, language can also hurt. We observe the power of language
in every sentence. Choose a cheerful message and see a smile.
Watch the head go down with a negative comment.
It is said that mental attitudes more than mental capacities cause success
or failure. If language can change mental attitudes, cause success
or failure, why not concentrate on putting happiness into the meaningful
framework of daily living through poetry?
We can't change the world, but we can make a difference by using language
in that will heal hearts.
Betty Ann Whitney
|
Have a comment? Want to be added to our list? Want to be taken off our list?
Write to us at: Sol.Magazine@prodigy.net
Sol Magazine's Website: http://pages.prodigy.com/sol_magazine
============
So you want to be judge, guest editor, interviewee? Tell us.
We may have just the spot for you. Judges are asked to write a guest
editorial on a topic we set before being asked to judge a contest.
============
All poetry remains the property of the poet, except Sol Magazine reserves
the right to publish all poems (once) at a future date, and/or to post
them to a web page. NONE may be reproduced without permission of
Sol Magazine. Electronic forwarding is permitted as long as no portion
of this magazine is changed and all credits are given.
=============
See our contest website or last contest for current guidelines.
We do not accept entries that make use of graphic language, touch on partisan
politics, or support particular religious views. Yes, we allow poems
about God and mythological gods or goddesses. No, we do not allow
mention of figures out of any holy book. Please do not expect us
to publish something that might upset a younger reader. We'd prefer
that everyone be comfortable here.
=============
19th Century words, such as "Tis," "Til," "Thine," and "Thou," belong
in another venue. Poems using these words will probably not appear
in Sol Magazine except in articles or essays.
=============
We correct grammar and spelling errors and sometimes change punctuation
without asking for permission or forgiveness.
============
Sponsors of the Poet Laureate 2000 Contests: Mary Margaret Carlisle,
Lois Lay Castiglioni, Jim Lay, Leo F. Waltz.
Angels in 1999: Lois Lay Castiglioni, Leo F. Waltz.
Sponsors in 1999: Don Castiglioni, Emily Katherine Earnest, Kay
and Milton Earnest, Sharon Goodwin, Jim Lay, Brad and Mary Millar, Naomi
Stroud Simmons, Leo Waltz.
Book donors in 1999: Joe Blanda, Roberta Pipes Bowman, Jim Casey,
Lois Lay Castiglioni, Betty Davis, Guy Le Charles Gonzalez, Sharon Goodwin,
Lianne Mercer, Carlyn Luke Reding, Kathleen Elizabeth Schaefer, Naomi Stroud
Simmons, Rita Smithuysen, Craig Tigerman.
Corporate book donors: Flying Cow Productions, Barnes & Noble.
New sponsors and angels always welcomed. Thanks for your support.