Sol Magazine
January 2002 Edition
Sol Magazine © 2002
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JANUARY JUDGES
Martha Kirby Capo
Craig Tigerman
Paula Marie Bentley

JANUARY'S SPONSORS
S. J. BALDOCK
LEO F. WALTZ


Dedication from Mary Margaret Carlisle:  To the memory of my cousin, Joseph Bloesch, a soul in tune with life's rhythms and love's dance.  God hold you close.
Dedication from S. J. Baldock: To Linda and Roger Allbritten -- many thanks for giving me a venue in which to express myself.

Our topics touch a variety of subjects about nature and the nature of humanity.  The purpose of our all-volunteer organization is to educate poets, and to foster the reading and writing of short poetry.  We are not a vanity press.  Not every poem submitted will be published.  We are a family magazine.  Do not advocate the use of alcohol or drugs in your poetry then ask us to consider your work.  Please read our monthly rules before sending us your work.

This poem is deeply felt and comes directly from the heart.  We are grateful Jean Russell, the poet, gave us permission to use it here as an opening to our first issue of 2002.
 

Airport Without Planes

A slow dawning
Last Friday morning
September 21st
Ronald Reagan
the sign says
Washington National Airport
but where are all the planes?

Haven't we seen enough planes
On the tv every hour
In our nightmares every night
In our phone calls every day
In the eyes of little children?

Riding along the Potomac
Driving by this airport
I slow down and try to find them
United and American
Delta and Southwestern
They all have disappeared.

A rally group at sunrise
With signs and flags, they shout
 "Open Reagan Airport"
Amid white media trucks
Lined up like covered wagons
The cameras all are rolling
But where are all our planes?

And then a roar above us
A sound to shake our souls
The rally people silent
And everyone looks upward
A sound not heard for weeks

A roar above our White House
A roar above DC
A roar above the airport
Six fighters in formation
Across their sides we read it
We see it from our cars

We see it from the Pentagon
That's not a mile away
The letters spelling purpose
These letters on our fighters
Three letters - U. S. A.

Jean Russell,  Burke, VA, USA  9/22/01

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CURRENT EVENTS - http://sol-magazine-projects.org/prodigy/sol.magazine/events.htm
 
 


CONTENTS
============

 
 
LETTERS
FROM: J.C. HOLLAND:  Thanks for the opportunity you give us all and the sharing of such talent in SOL.
FROM: LYN BELISLE:  I am so pleased at the growth Sol has made - congratulations!. I could not get along without my "poetry fix", and thank you for the good job you are doing. 
FROM: JUDITH SCHIELE:  I love your publication! My goal this year is to write a form poem from your list. Happy New Year to you all!
FROM: TERRIE RELF:  I'd like to take this time to tell you again how your contests are inspiring.  I'm exploring forms that I've never known about, and reconnecting with ones I'd forgotten! 
FROM: JEAN RUSSELL:  I enjoy your website so much, particularly the Poetry Works and advice. I'm using it as a referral source for students in my creative writing class. Best of luck in the new year and keep up good work! 
FROM: CRAIG SODERQUIST:  When I consider my blessings, I think of Sol Magazine and the many fine people who make it a monthly reality. For those of us with this new found passion for poetry--who dream of writing and being published--this is a dream come true.  Thank you.
FROM: CARRIE PRATTLEY:  This is a great site. It always delights me to see that poetry is certainly not dead, as many say it is. I look forward to submitting some of my work to you, thank you for the opportunity.

SAD NEWS:  Poet Dean Briant, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away in early December.  Gwendolyn Bennett Pappas, artist, philanthropist and the 1963 Poet Laureate of Texas, died December 25th, 2001.
Back to contents


POET'S CHOICE
SPONSORED BY S. J. BALDOCK

POETS CHOICE
============
Sometimes entering a contest is as simple as sending in something you wrote last year to a contest which did not ask for a specific form.  In the case of these poems, our instructions asked for the use of a two-word title.  Many entries were outstanding, but longer titles removed them from consideration for final placement.
============
FIRST PLACE - WINNER OF AN ELECTRONIC $15.00 BOOK GIFT CERTIFICATE

Secrets whisper

whispers of shame
under hidden
layers in you
secrets drive memories and tears
baked in blood
broken words
wrecked minds

Whisper secrets

minds wrecked
words broken
blood in baked
tears and memories drive secrets
you in layers
hidden under
shame of whispers

Elaine Gentry, Houston, TX, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Vivid images work wonderfully well in both pieces ("memories and tears baked in blood"/"blood in baked tears and memories".) "Layers in you," and "you in layers," are both lovely turns of phrases. These pieces are outstanding. Keen, to the point - full of hidden emotion rawly expressed in precisely chosen words.  A vivid picture of a deep, dark pain, carefully portrayed, but revealing more than concealed.
============
SECOND PLACE - WINNER OF AN ELECTRONIC $10.00 BOOK GIFT CERTIFICATE
Shining Stars

Child, little one smiles
Night light shines
Wash and books read
Warm flannel pajamas
Bears and blankets
Prayers, kisses, hugs
Slumber, head sleepy

Stars Shining

Sleepy-head slumber
Hugs, kisses, prayers
Blankets and bears
Pajamas flannel warm
Read books and wash
Shines light night
Smiles one little child

Maryann Hazen-Stearns, Ellenville, NY, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Tender and sweet either way!  Lovely listing of the elements that make "sleepy" time memorable not only for parent and child, but now also for reader as well.
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THIRD PLACE
first last

greatest is least
love of life
hope of plenty
faith in power
people all serve
time over eternity

last first

eternity over time
serve all people
power in faith
plenty of hope
life of love
least is greatest

Craig Soderquist, Universal City, TX, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  The "little words" in each line really serve as fulcrums in these pieces, working well to subtly enhance the change in emphasis when the richer words are reversed. Trim little presentation of somewhat juxtapositioned philosophies.
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HONORABLE MENTION
Sky Magic

high flying
wings spread wide
scales glistening
sun sizzling
in
dragons
soaring free

Magic Sky

free soaring
dragons
in
sizzling sun
glistening scales
wide spread wings
flying high

Diane M. Davis, Chelmsford, MA, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Weaving a soaring fantasy scene twice-told.  A child's secret world.  These two pieces could be presented independently and each would still make complete sense--good job. Good use of alliteration throughout.
============
moving forward

unchained thoughts
not restrained
rise unfettered
freebird flying
thermals winged
abandoned turmoil
vistas broaden

forward moving

broaden vistas
turmoil abandoned
winged thermals
flying freebird
unfettered rise
restrained not
thoughts unchained

Michelle Angelini, Pasadena, CA, USA

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Mind over Matter

Sirens
water upon
sands
reflect pyramids
crumbling
while Sun
devours Earth

Matter over Mind

Earth devours
sun while
crumbling
pyramids reflect
sands
upon water
Sirens

Ron Blanton, Alpharetta, Ga, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Nice job of reversal and contrast.  First-place material except for three-word title.
============
princess high

kingdom united
lords singing
God is cherished
guards uniformed
words spread
marriage awaits
prince groomed

high princess

groomed prince
awaits marriage
spread words
uniformed guards
cherished is God
singing lords
united kingdom

Keith Burkholder, West Seneca, NY, USA

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Mirror within Mirror

eye to eye
clarity of vision
moments in truth
sublime soul
wisdom through growth
mind open wide
awakens life

mirror within mirror

life awakens
wide open mind
growth through wisdom
soul sublime
truth in moments
vision of clarity
eye to eye

Isabelle Ya Feng, Blacksburg, VA, USA

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Fish Schooling

All together
Slicing water
glide and glimmer
fins sparkling
gills pulsing
water swirling
Group protect

Schooling Fish

Protect group
swirling water
pulsing gills
sparkling fins
glimmer and glide
water slicing
together all

Jennifer Galvin, Mountain View, CA, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Nice use of alliteration throughout the pieces.  Both pieces manage a logical, sentence-like progression between titles and first lines.
============
Roses for May

Joy smiles -
her children growing,
flowers blooming
laughing daughters with
blessed wedding days -
Mother's tears, happy.

May for Roses

Happy tears, Mother's
Days, wedding blessed
with daughters laughing,
blooming flowers,
growing children, her
smiles.  Joy.

Deborah P. Kolodji, Temple City, CA, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Well-done with clever rearrangement of punctuation resulting in an uplifting scene both ways.  (First-place candidate if not for the three-word title.)
============
Good morning

nice days
feeling fine
smiles are lovely
smells are pleasant
face happy
shining sun
feeling good

Morning good

good feeling
sun shining
happy face
pleasant are smells
lovely are smiles
fine feeling
days nice

Alma Linton, Quebec, Canada

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care share

achoo! now I
bless you
cold, wet
toes, nose
bet you
I get

share care

get I
you bet
nose, toes
wet, cold
you bless
I now, achoo!

Allyson Noyes, Longmont, CO, USA

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bird searching

bird singing
listening carefully
creeping closer
near nest
black head
yellow rump
rare warbler

searching bird

singing bird
carefully listening
closer creeping
nest near
head black
rump yellow
warbler rare

Janet Parker, Leesburg, FL, USA

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Still Awake

lucid dreams
daymares and nightmares
gallop furiously
leaning precariously
hands in tangled manes
flanks to knees
sleep chasing

Awake Still

dreams lucid
nightmares and daymares
furiously gallop
precariously leaning
manes tangled in hands
knees to flanks
chasing sleep

Terrie Leigh Relf, San Diego, CA, USA

============
only you

fulfill
hopes and dreams
inspire
wants and desires
make
laughs and smiles
light stars and fires

you only

fires and stars light
smiles and laughs
make
desires and wants
inspire
dreams and hopes
fulfill

Lynne Remick, Nesconset, NY, USA

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football frenzy

game in-play
coach instructing
commentating announcer
whistles blasting
team touchdown
players cheering
dancing fans

frenzy football

fans dancing
cheering players
touchdown team
blasting whistles
announcer commentating
instructing coach
in-play game

Eileen Sateriale, Bowie, MD, USA

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Perseverance and Stamina

Never quit:
Struggle onward,
Strong and true.
Justice for all!

Stamina and Perseverance

All for justice,
True and strong,
Onward struggle.
Quit? Never!

Katherine Swarts, Houston, TX, USA

============
EDITORS' PICK
of pane (pain) of

pane of glass
separated
you from me
cool to touch
icy smooth
impenetrable to
whispers and kisses

of (pain) pane of

whispers and kisses
too impenetrable
smooth icy
touch too cool
me from you
separated
glass of pain

James M. Thompson, Baytown, TX, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Although this entry did not fully follow instructions (we requested a two-word title), it merits special notice as an outstanding effort. The poet takes the whole concept of mirrored verse to another level using homophones in the title, and the use of parentheses is inspired. One can almost visualize folding the titles in half, then folding the poems into each other and having every element match up. Using homophones again in the poems themselves is a wonderful touch. Great job, poet!
============
courage writer

surviving self
destruction torn
tongues mute
language fights
breath bottled
before penstrokes

writer courage

penstrokes before
bottled breath
fights language
mute tongues
torn destruction
self surviving

Andrea M. Zander, Rochester, MN, USA

============
Glad April

soft sun
springing days
blooming smiles
flowering new
buds open
sealing vows
renewing promises

April Glad

sun soft
days springing
smiles blooming
new flowering
open buds
vows sealing
promises renewing

Sarah M. Zang, Weirton, WV, USA
 

Back to contents


ABOUT OUR LIVES
SPONSORED BY S. J. BALDOCK

ABOUT OUR LIVES - CHANT
============
We set out some limiting rules for writing our version of a Chant. Traditionally there are few if any rules, although verbalization and repetition are key in creating the finished work, usually performed in a group setting.
============
FIRST PLACE - WINNER OF AN ELECTRONIC $10.00 BOOK GIFT CERTIFICATE.
Youngest Daughter

Tell me again that I was a child
Tell me again that I was a child

Mother, remember my midnight screams
Tell me again that I was a child
Mother, a shadow was over the sun
Tell me again that I was a child
I hear the tales I can't recall
Tell me again that I was a child

Mother, a part of me stopped at five
Tell me again that I was a child
Mother, I stopped again at eight
Tell me again that I was a child
I don't remember those little girls
Tell me again that I was a child

Mother, I miss the old rocking chair
Tell me again that I was a child
My head on your tired shoulder for years
Tell me again that I was a child
The creaking wood, the weeping eyes
Tell me again that I was a child

Andrea M. Zander, Rochester, MN  USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  From the very first line, this poem captures the reader's attention. The third stanza is both chilling and glorious,  subtle and yet surpassingly stark. Sustained and reserved pathos throughout the piece.  This poet never falls into maudlin language or overwrought imagery. The last 6-line stanza is superbly controlled and rich. A stunningly crafted piece of work.  Absolutely beautiful.  The brief word-pictures fill the reader's mind with much to ponder.
EDITORS' COMMENTS:  Note that this well-deserving poem was also picked by our editors as the Best Poem of January.
============
SECOND PLACE
She-Who-Sings-The-World-Into-Being

She comes to you in times of need.
She comes to you in times of need.

To heal the universal womb,
She comes to you in times of need.
To aid the mother-of-mothers,
She comes to you in times of need.
To bring life to barren worlds,
She comes to you in times of need.

To awaken you to the path,
She comes to you in times of need.
To deliver you from yourself,
She comes to you in times of need.
To show you how to be human,
She comes to you in times of need.

To nourish hope for all the tribes,
She comes to you in times of need.
To dance the joy of this earth walk,
She comes to you in times of need.
To sing the world into being,
She comes to you in times of need.

Terrie Leigh Relf, San Diego, CA, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Wonderful chant!  Rhythmic, mystical, deeply reassuring.
============
THIRD PLACE
Shape Down

Gym goddess keep calling me
Gym goddess keep calling me

Lure me past the Donut Queen
Gym goddess keep calling me
Guide me to the nearest spa
Gym goddess keep calling me
Even when I balk and whine
Gym goddess keep calling me

Spur me on my trainer's path
Gym goddess keep calling me
Twenty laps across the pool
Gym goddess keep calling me
Hit the Stair-Mill and the bike
Gym goddess keep calling me

Prod this old lady into shape
Gym goddess keep calling me
Trim my middle-age bulge
Gym goddess keep calling me
Steer me on my quest for health
Gym goddess keep calling me

Lois Lay Castiglioni, Galveston, TX, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Wry humor makes this piece sing gleefully through the verses! Losing weight does seem to be a goal of "epic" and "heroic" proportions--coupled with the epic/heroic elements of the form, the subject matter takes off flying. Witty and laugh-out-loud funny--should be printed and taped to refrigerators across the English-speaking lands providing all of us "old ladies" with a handy prayer during our "quests for health." Wonderful!  Humorous and so very relevant, a mantra unto oneself.
============
HONORABLE MENTION
Somersett's Tomorrow

This I must do to halt the power of hate
This I must do to halt the power of hate

Forgive the priest who calls it sin
This I must do to halt the power of hate
Forgive the friends who chose up sides
This I must do to halt the power of hate
Forgive the woman he left me for
This I must do to halt the power of hate

Forgive the loss of inlaws loved
This I must do to halt the power of hate
Forgive the bills that go unpaid
This I must do to halt the power of hate
Forgive his drunken rage and maul
This I must do to halt the power of hate

Forgive the violation of rape
This I must do to halt the power of hate
Forgive the cowardice of lies
This I must do to halt the power of hate
Forgive the arrogance of the courts
This I must do to halt the power of hate

Forgive the child support paid late
This I must do to halt the power of hate
Forgive the ignorance of the child
This I must do to halt the power of hate
Forgive myself ... forgive myself ... forgive myself
This I must do to halt the power of hate

SJ Baldock, Lancaster TX, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Powerful writing, revealing.
============
HONORABLE MENTION
Hush

Hush now if you will.  Be still . . . be very still.
Hush now if you will.  Be still . . . be very still.

Know that certain words remain unspoken here
Hush now if you will.   Be still . . . be very still.
Do not taunt me with some long forgotten fear
Hush now if you will.   Be still . . . be very still.
Do not touch away my tantalizing tear
Hush now if you will.   Be still . . . be very still.

View me wisely.  Leave me safe within my cage
Hush now if you will.  Be still . . . be very still.
Pet me lightly.  Keep me locked inside my rage
Hush now if you will.  Be still . . . be very still.
This is not your game. My life is not your stage
Hush now if you will.  Be still . . . be very still.

My fire is warm, although my flame burns unclear
Hush now if you will.  Be still . . . be very still.
Respect my silence ... and I'll allow you near
Hush now if you will.  Be still . . . be very still.
Know that certain words remain unspoken here.
Hush now if you will.  Be still . . . be very still.

Laura Heidy (Lo), Highland, IN, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  The poet's decision to use rhyme works well in this effort. The second six-line stanza makes full use of the association the poet knows the reader will make. Leaves an interesting visual impression upon the page that serves to underscore the fractured feelings expressed in the lines.  Well done.
============
Allahu Akbar

God is most great, let all wars cease.
God is most great, let all wars cease.

I see the world a killing field
God is most great, let all wars cease
Where men plant Freedom's seed
God is most great, let all wars cease
After clearing Liberty's wood
God is most great, let all wars cease

My eyes see past the promises
God is most great, let all wars cease
My ears hear hymns betrayed
God is most great, let all wars cease
My heart feels truths Lie dead
God is most great, let all wars cease

I hope in Heaven not in men
God is most great, let all wars cease
In War they implore His hand
God is most great, let all wars cease
At their feet will War be lain
God is most great, let all wars cease

Ron Blanton, Alpharetta, GA, USA

============
Fighting for Truth

Believe in the magic of our lives.
Believe in the magic of our lives.

When the world seems scripted, controlled
Believe in the magic of our lives
When conversation grows jaded and old
Believe in the magic of our lives
Don't worry if friends seem distant or cold
Believe in the magic of our lives

Take up the wand and change your course
Believe in the magic of our lives
Look deep to find your sorrow's source
Believe in the magic of our lives
And fight with all your magic's force
Believe in the magic of your lives

For evil tries to sway our mind
Believe in the magic of our lives
And make the world seem cruel, unkind
Believe in the magic of our lives
But magic makes our hearts unbind
Believe in the magic of our lives

Diane M. Davis, Chelmsford, MA, USA

============
Wind Song

Blow blustery wind, clear dreary doldrums
Blow blustery wind, clear dreary doldrums

This gardener is a prisoner of the season
Blow blustery wind, clear dreary doldrums
I sink on sofa searching seed catalogues
Blow blustery wind, clear dreary doldrums
Whirling mind whips up plans; creates spring visions
Blow blustery wind, clear dreary doldrums

Warm upturned soil awaits summer seeds
Blow blustery wind, clear dreary doldrums
I smell fresh earth and gently remove weeds
Blow blustery wind, clear dreary doldrums
Sun kisses my cheek as I search for leaf chewing bugs
Blow blustery wind, clear dreary doldrums

Pull warm breezes from their southern retreat
Blow blustery wind, clear dreary doldrums
Bring purple martins and honeysuckle blossoms
Blow blustery wind, clear dreary doldrums
Grant my plea, release me from my dark cell
Blow blustery wind, clear dreary doldrums

Kay Lay Earnest, Smyrna, GA, USA

============
Repulsion

Calm down, breath, focus
Clam down, breath, focus

Something just ran down the hall against the wall
Calm down, breath, focus
This time when I see the flare I must stare
Calm down, breath, focus
If my eyes did not fail I saw a tail
Calm down, breath, focus

It appears to be a mouse inside of the house
Calm down, breath, focus
Aware of the diseases it might carry things become scary
Calm down, breath, focus
Calling the main office with disgust about to bust
Calm down, breath, focus

Maintenance comes with glue traps in wraps
Calm down. breath, focus
Have you been to this door with mice problems before?
Calm, down, breath, focus
These apartments are old was the cancer like answer
Calm down, breath, focus

Audrey Hardy Fullerton, CA, USA

============
Incantation of Affirmation

I move forward in peace, I move on and on
I move forward in peace, I move on and on

I believe in your truth, may you trust me in mine
I move forward in peace, I move on and on
I believe in your heart, may your trust be in mine
I move forward in peace, I move on and on
I believe in the truth of the trust of the peace of our hearts
I move forward in peace, I move on and on

I close my eyes to be near you, may you be near to me
I move forward in peace, I move on and on
I close my eyes to see your face, may you see mine
I move forward in peace, I move on and on
I close my eyes to dare a glimpse to be near you your smiling face
I move forward in peace, I move on and on

I believe in the spirit of love, I believe in the spirit of joy
I move forward in peace, I move on and on
I believe in the power of prayer, I believe we should dare
I move forward in peace, I move on and on
I believe that our trust is the source of a gift that we share
I move forward in peace, I move on and on

Maryann Hazen-Stearns, Ellenville, NY, USA

============
Talking About My Food Now!

Don't tell me what I can and cannot eat
Don't tell me what I can and cannot eat

I'm a hard working man who grew up on a farm
Don't tell me what I can and cannot eat
From the crack of  morn till the sun goes down
Don't tell me what I can and cannot eat
I work my fingers to the bones
Don't tell me what I can and cannot eat

Even though I am heavy around the waist
Don't tell me what I can and cannot eat
I like my food I deserve to eat good
Don't tell me what I can and cannot eat
I like my pizza, pie, gravy and fries
Don't tell me what I can and cannot eat

I've had a hard life of poverty and pain
Don't tell me what I can and cannot eat
It's comforting for me to enjoy a little treat
Don't tell me what I can and cannot eat
At the end of the day when my work is done
Don't tell me what I can and cannot eat

Alma Linton, Quebec, Canada

============
The Lord Is There

The Lord is there
The Lord is there

In the rosy glow of dawn
the Lord is there
in the glorious sunrise
the Lord is there
in the middle of the night
the Lord is there

In the growing throbs of spring
the Lord is there
in the heat of summer's day
the Lord is there
in the nakedness of fall
the Lord is there

In the busy days of life
the Lord is there
in the awesome moments seen
the Lord is there
in the challenged hours of life
the Lord is there.

Janet Parker, Leesburg, FL, USA

============
Juno's Jazz

The musical theme is not just a dream.
The musical theme is not just a dream.

The memory of our mothers' heartbeats
The musical theme is not just a dream
Connects us all to cosmic clockworks
The musical theme is not just a dream
Subtle as spacedust, as relentless and reliable as Time.
The musical theme is not just a dream.

Some recognize that resonance in childhood
The musical theme is not just a dream
Reeling from revelation to revolution to resolution
The musical theme is not just a dream
Some give their music to others. Some never hear it at all.
The musical theme for them just a dream.

Our merged melodies, freed from metronomic margins,
The musical theme is not just a dream
Bounce to Brubeckian beats of wild five/four waltzes
The musical theme is not just a dream
Time thus briefly broken, resonates in mirrored memories
The musical theme is not just a dream.

John E. Rice, Houston, TX, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Fascinating survey of the role of music in our lives, replete with rhythms, internal rhymes, alliterations.
============
One More Chance

Let me show you that I love you.
Let me show you that I love you.

Please don't turn and let me go.
Let me show you that I love you.
I cannot forget your face.
Let me show you that I love you.
One more chance is all I'll need.
Let me show you that I love you.

My heart can't bear to let you go.
Let me show you that I love you.
I know you can't forget my face.
Let me show you that I love you.
One more chance is all I'll need.
Let me show you that I love you.

I know I'll get it right this time.
Let me show you that I love you.
I know with you I can't go wrong.
Let me show you that I love you.
One more chance is all I need.
Let me show you that I love you.

Lynne Remick, Nesconset, NY, USA

============
Growing Up. Growing Old

To the child in me, they seemed so grownup.
To the child in me, they seemed so grownup.

When I was little my adult relatives knew so much.
To the child in me, they seemed so grownup.
They guided me and taught me best as they could.
To the child in me, they seemed so grownup.
They were wise and all knowing to naive, little me.
To the child in me, they seemed so grownup.

I watched their examples, their speech, their mannerisms.
To the child in me, they seemed so grownup.
Like a kid in a candy store, I absorbed some and rejected others
To the child in me, they seemed so grownup.
For better or for worse, they helped make me who I am today.
To the child in me, they seemed so grownup.

Seasons blended together and the decades rolled on.
To the child in me, they seemed so grownup.
I became an adult and they got on in years and needed help.
To the child in me, they seemed so grownup.
Times have changed, now it is me who has to care for them.
To the child in me, they seemed so grownup.

Eileen Sateriale, Bowie, MD, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Successful movement in poem allows the repeated line to go from an awed tone at the beginning to a wistful tone at the end. Overall, a solid piece of work.
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Set Me Free

You nurtured this life, then set me free
You nurtured this life, then set me free

Out of the dust He gave me this life
You nurtured this life, then set me free
You watered and tended this little bit of clay
You nurtured this life, then set me free
Your hand on me--a sweet remembrance
You nurtured this life, then set me free

You tended me as you tended your first
You nurtured this life, then set me free
With a sweet caress in spite of your pain
You nurtured this life, then set me free
You understood what no one else did
You nurtured this life, then set me free

I grew and I grew as you stayed the same
You nurtured this life, then set me free
I remember now as I look at my own
You nurtured this life, then set me free
And soft, gentle earth receives you today
You nurtured this life, then set me free

Craig Soderquist, Universal City, TX, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Beautiful poignant eulogistic chant.
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Empty?

I'm empty, I have nothing to give.
I'm empty, I have nothing to give.

I've poured so long my porcelain is dry.
I'm empty, I have nothing to give.
My 24-karate rim is chipped, and my handle is marred.
I'm empty, I have nothing to give.
Where will I find the filling when the demands clamor on?
I'm empty, I have nothing to give.

How does one do the bidding of duty's needful ones?
I'm empty, I have nothing to give.
Dare I grasp a moment or clutch a tingling drop?
I'm empty, I have nothing to give.
Can I linger until filled to the brimming top?
I'm empty, I have nothing to give.

Wait while I pause for succulent refilling.
I'm empty, I have nothing to give.
Tarry, and just think how I'll pour so much more.
I'm empty, I have nothing to give.
Instead of bone dry china, I'll fill you up again.
I'm empty I have nothing to give.

Marsha (Chantaclair Rose) Steed, Roseville, CA, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  The first 6-line stanza is a wonderful extended metaphor. "Succulent refilling" is a grandly provocative image.
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No More Lonely Islands

Set me free from self-centeredness
Set me free from self-centeredness

Far too long have I sought my will alone
Set me free from self-centeredness
Far too long have I refused respect to other views
Set me free from self-centeredness
Far too long have I been insensitive to others
Set me free from self-centeredness

Others turn away and I find myself alone
Set me free from self-centeredness
I cannot continue to live in a bubble of selfishness
Set me free from self-centeredness
I must open myself to the feelings of others
Set me free from self-centeredness

Multiply kindness and compassion in my heart
Set me free from self-centeredness
Drive away impatience and conceit and thoughtlessness
Set me free from self-centeredness
Give me freedom to love others with all I have
Set me free from self-centeredness

Katherine Swarts, Houston, TX, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  The subtle reference to John Donne's masterwork in the title allows a host of associations to enrich the body of the poem.
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My Dearest Friend

I am calling on you.
I am calling on you.

My only friend
I am calling on you.
My first love
I am calling on you.
My greatest companion
I am calling on you.

Where did you go?
I am calling on you.
Why did you leave?
I am calling on you.
May I follow behind?
I am calling on you.

I need you beside me
I am calling on you.
I want you near me
I am calling on you.
Always feel my love
I am calling on you.

Venus Tadrzak, Lakewood, OH, USA

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A Gift

I embraced a gift of you
I embraced a gift of you

frozen mornings I looked to you
I embraced a gift of you
a story, a joke, a mist of song.
I embraced a gift of you
words that warmed my coldest days.
I embraced a gift of you

as the world exploded our night
I embraced a gift of you
screaming sirens, then the silence.
I embraced a gift of you
as the dark of night slipped away.
I embraced a gift of you

through years and miles, distant calls
I embraced a gift of you
as your ageless face slowly aged
I embraced a gift of you
so soft, so still, you slipped away.
I embraced a gift of you.

James M. Thompson, Baytown, TX, USA


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PICK ONE
SPONSORED BY S. J. BALDOCK

PICK ONE - REDONDILLA
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The deceptive simpleness of the Redondilla, an eight-syllable quatrain rhyming either abba or abab, may lead you to feel it would be easy to write well to this form.  The poets published below, certainly make it look easy, but much hard work went into honing the winners' work so the sing-song effect of having eight syllables per line would not overpower the final product.
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FIRST PLACE - WINNER OF AN ELECTRONIC $10.00 BOOK GIFT CERTIFICATE

Thaw

The gloveless fingers, frigid ice
bleed into crystalline sunlight
sparkling warmth, a liquid spice
loosed winter's grip until the night.

James M. Thompson, Baytown, TX, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Vivid poetic word picture, fine alliteration.  Interesting phrasings convey a dualistic meaning.  Is this about nature's thaw, or about the thawing of a cold heart as illustrated through the humanness of a single hand?  Beautiful way to convey the power of warmth, whether from the sun or from love.
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SECOND PLACE
Christmas Blessings

No gifts from you under the tree,
oh yes--there’s the one I carry...
I know you don't want to marry.
Agreed. Two is better than three!

Terrie Leigh Relf, San Diego, CA, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  This little piece packs a lot of action and layered meaning within the rather severe restrictions of the form. The author drops us midstream into the action. Can be interpreted differently with each reading. Of all the entries, this particular piece exhibits a quirky character that makes it stand out.
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THIRD PLACE
No Room at Our Inn

Candles; cookware; school picture; muff
Each one something to put away
I'm hoping next year Santa's sleigh
Is filled with consumable stuff

SJ Baldock, Lancaster, TX, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Oh so true, with a clever title, humorous expression. Super nod to the weariness of "stuff" which only seems to grow more
and more with each passing holiday.  Concise, yet full of meaning and
imagery.  Excellent illustration.
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HONORABLE MENTION
What Santa Didn't Bring

I looked so hard but could not see
A lonely space confirmed my fears
No "you" beneath my christmas tree
Just my hope, my dreams and my tears.

Lynne Remick, Nesconset, NY, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Consistent rhythms and simple pathos work well. Carefully avoids excessive sentimentality.
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Off Season

Bright icicle lights swing and dance
In time with the swaying palm trees
Choreographed by a coastal breeze
Galveston's holiday romance

Lois Lay Castiglioni, Galveston, TX, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Paints a quaint picture of the old Texas town with charm and verve.
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Long Range Plan

Next year in early December
I must be sure to remember
To say:  While gadgets are handy
I prefer chocolate candy

Kay Lay Earnest, Smyrna, GA, USA

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Freeze-Or-Burn

How quickly droplets freeze as each
slides down the other's sides to swing
and grip the utmost tip in reach
and waits for warm young tongues to sting!

Maryann Hazen-Stearns, Ellenville, NY

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Metamorphosis

Removed from its bucket, set free,
its Holiday duty now done,
in the garden warmed by the Sun,
becoming good compost, our Tree.

John E. Rice, Houston, TX, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Strong rhythms propel this piece to its end.
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I Wish

I wish there'd be an unwrapped prize
tucked in the holiday decor.
The marvelous noble surprise
of just simply being adored.

Marsha (Chantaclair Rose) Steed, Roseville, CA, USA

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What I Want [Be]for[e] Next Christmas

Peace on earth so simple to say,
Yet so hard to ever achieve:
But if we start small and believe,
We may yet achieve it someday.

Katherine Swarts, Houston, TX, USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  Clever title; lovely sentiment.
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For More Than This

The gift you gave, to my delight,
Is not the greatest of this night;
I thank the One who loves above
For this Christmas and for you, Love.

Gary Wade, Williston, VT, USA

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ONE DOG WINTER'S NIGHT
WINNER OF A $10.00 ELECTRONIC BOOK GIFT CERTIFICATE
SPONSORED BY LEO F. WALTZ

FIRST PLACE

Why Argue?

A "three-dog" night was tremendously cold
When dogs warmed their masters in days of old
Their bodies entwined to conserve rare heat
From nose to tail; from head to feet
A far cry from that, this "one-dog" night
With Charlie curled up by our fireside bright
He's maintained an eve in his doghouse mean
So we're letting him dream whatever dogs dream
In front of the fire ..... then when backside is fried
Maybe he'll agree that he's going outside!

SJ Baldock, Lancaster TX


This competition was a "hidden" contest, and appeared only in our newsletter.

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BEST POEM OF JANUARY
Youngest Daughter

Tell me again that I was a child
Tell me again that I was a child

Mother, remember my midnight screams
Tell me again that I was a child
Mother, a shadow was over the sun
Tell me again that I was a child
I hear the tales I can't recall
Tell me again that I was a child

Mother, a part of me stopped at five
Tell me again that I was a child
Mother, I stopped again at eight
Tell me again that I was a child
I don't remember those little girls
Tell me again that I was a child

Mother, I miss the old rocking chair
Tell me again that I was a child
My head on your tired shoulder for years
Tell me again that I was a child
The creaking wood, the weeping eyes
Tell me again that I was a child

Andrea M. Zander, Rochester, MN  USA

JUDGES' COMMENTS:  From the very first line, this poem captures the reader's attention. The third stanza is both chilling and glorious,  subtle and yet surpassingly stark. Sustained and reserved pathos throughout the piece.  This poet never falls into maudlin language or overwrought imagery. The last 6-line stanza is superbly controlled and rich. A stunningly crafted piece of work.  Absolutely beautiful.  The brief word-pictures fill the reader's mind with much to ponder.

There is no immediate prize associated with a poem having been picked as the Best Poem of a particular month, only the knowledge that our editors picked it over all the other prize winners of that month.  However, all poems chosen for BEST POEM of each month in the year 2002 will be automatically entered in the BEST POEM OF THE YEAR 2002 competition, voted on by Sol Magazine Members at the end of the year.  The winners of that contest will be awarded prizes and will be invited to enter Sol Magazine's Poet Laureate 2003 Competition.

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SOL MAGAZINE'S VOLUNTEER STAFF
CRAIG TIGERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
BETTY ANN WHITNEY, POETRY EDITOR
PAULA MARIE BENTLEY, FEATURES EDITOR
LEO F. WALTZ, WEB MASTER, PRIZE MANAGER
MARY MARGARET CARLISLE, MANAGING EDITOR

Sol Magazine will mail no book prizes to poets outside the United States of America.  Book gift certificates from Barnes & Noble will be substituted.  No exceptions.
============
E-mail us at:  Sol.Magazine@prodigy.net

Or at:
Sol Magazine
P.O. Box 580037, Houston, TX  77258-0037
Phone number:  (281)316-2255 weekdays 8-5 CT

Note: Please do not send us poetry unless it is within our guidelines, and is in response to an open competition posted to our website or in one of our newsletters.  Our editors do not accept poetry or articles on speculation.

About our hidden contests:  This category of contest is not published on our webpage.  Hidden contests only appear in some of our monthly e-mail notices.
============
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.
 
 

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Sol Magazine, P.O. Box 580037, Houston, TX  77258-0037
Phone number:  281-316-2255       Call weekdays 8-5 (CT)
Send comments, questions, advice to:
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