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FEATURED ARTICLES

CONTENTS:

• LETTERS
• TOPIC ONE:  SNOW MOON
• TOPIC TWO:  I CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
• TOPIC THREE:  EXCUSES, EXCUSES - LAMENT FOR BROKEN RESOLUTIONS
• HIDDEN CONTEST:  A LONG WINTER'S SLEEP
• EDITORS' CHOICE
• Staff info

Back to contents
 
 

FIRST PLACE - Winner of a $15.00 electronic book gift certificate.
 

mother wolf hunts
beneath icy moon
red snow

Avonne Griffin, Greer, SC, USA

 
Snow piled high
reaching moonward
shifting white dunes

Julie Hartman, Magnolia, TX, USA

below cold moon
enveloping bare forest
blue snow drift ripples

SuzAnne C. Cole, Houston, TX, USA

full moon bursts open
panoramic snow glitter
waxing silent night

Roz Garay, Riverside, CA, USA
COMMENTS:  Charged opening image soon gives way to the peace of "panoramic snow."  Excellent phrasings and careful word choices lend this haiku a sense of motion and stillness all at once.  Nice play on words in the final line.
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HONORABLE MENTION

full moon
its reflection buried
in new snow

Terrie Leigh Relf, San Diego, CA, USA
COMMENTS:  Intriguing twist on a common image;  the juxtaposition of the fragility of a new moon and the equal fragile strength of new snow is well-done.
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HONORABLE MENTION

moon light path
outlines raccoon track
pressed into snow

Katherine Swarts, Houston, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  Haiku exemplified;  a nature snapshot, the contrast of cool moonlight, cool snow, and the quick warmth of the raccoon - however fleeting that was - as he made the tracks.  Beautiful mental image - very delicate.
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OTHER POEMS COMMENTED UPON BY OUR JUDGE
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foreshadows of change
snow powder turned snow slurry
moon waxen now wane

SJ Baldock, Lancaster, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  Nice pacing through the turning, not so much of the seasons, but of the days and nights.  Parallelism between the snow turning to slurry and the moon disappearing in the sky is nicely done.
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honking snow geese
swoop from moonlit sky
signal spring on the tundra

Lois Lay Castiglioni, Galveston, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  Wonderfully kinetic opening, with marvelously dashing words such as "swoop," turn this haiku into a celebration hinging entirely on the arrival of the geese.  In all, a splendid mental image.
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snow moon--
your hand brushes mine
as we pass

Kathy Lippard Cobb, Bradenton, FL, USA
COMMENTS:  Simple, but full of emotion.  The final "as we pass" leaves so much to be said.  Truly brevity in its fullest finery.
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Alicia whispers goodnight
to snowman glistening
in moonlight

Kay Lay Earnest, Smyrna, GA, USA
COMMENTS:  A sweet image.  We wonder - is Alicia a child?  A true love?  Or a ghost?  The whole haiku has an air of mystery, and innocence.  Lovely description of the snowman "glistening."
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sparkling specks of snow
spiral softly past moon
to my waiting tongue

Jennifer Galvin, Mountain View, CA, USA
COMMENTS:  Sweet alliteration in the first line;  a childlike image, mouth open, waiting in vain to feel the snow - not realizing it melts as soon as it touches one's tongue.  Nice description of the snow's flight - "spiral softly past moon" - and a lyrical tribute to one tradition we never outgrow.
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moon on snow
white light fierce bright tonight
snow on moon

Mary E. Gray, Newport News, VA, USA
COMMENTS:  Wonderful internal rhyme in the second line;  very intriguing image reversal (from the opening line) in the third line!
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fresh flakes glitter down
silver snow moon tonight
Eskimo kiss

Maryann Hazen-Stearns, Ellenville, NY, USA
COMMENTS:  Prismatic in its style, this haiku looks at snow in a whole different light, and the interrelationship between the snow and the moon is aptly described in the final line.  Sweetly said.
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at anchor
snow falling
on swaying moon.

Carole MacRury, Point Roberts, WA, USA
COMMENTS:  Interesting view of snow and moon from a boat;  "swaying moon" brings an entirely new perspective to what is usually a very common sight.  Excellent word choices convey specifics without actually naming them.
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ringed moon
hints of snow
two dog night

Janet Parker, Leesburg, FL, USA
COMMENTS:  "two dog night" - time to cuddle with two dogs for warmth!  Aptly written and precisely stated, this haiku neatly captures the presage of winter's frigid doggedness.
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cold magic
snow moon shine
winter white

Kathy Paupore, Kingsford, MI, USA
COMMENTS:  "cold magic" is lovely, and can be taken different ways.  Nice closing line, as well.
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snowy winter sky
bright crescent moon
shows home direction

Eileen Sateriale, Bowie, MD, USA
COMMENTS:  A lyrical look at the moon as benevolent, yielding from its impassivity, and showing the homeward way.  Lovely feeling of moving from cold to warmth - from wandering to safety, home by the fire.  All kinds of nice thoughts from this one.
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snow days bitter winter fall
following moon beams
sterile light

Craig Soderquist, Universal City, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  Interesting comment in "following moon beams."  Well described quality of winter moonlight as "sterile."
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snow covered meadow
owl takes flight with field mouse
harvest moon vigil

Tony A. Thompson, Lufkin, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  Well stated stop-action moment.  Good contrast in the silent and unmoving harvest moon.  Beautifully stated.
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Back to contents

Every day, we each have an opportunity to bring something positive into the world, and to share that not only with our family and friends, but also with our neighbors, and people around the world.  In this contest, we asked our poets to share their plans to change the world.
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FIRST PLACE - Winner of a $15.00 book gift certificate

Within

I will open the blinds
For all the world to see,
The true reality that exists
For you and for me.

For all the world to see
The blinds must be drawn,
For you and for me
To be what we can be

The blinds must be drawn
To bare flesh and bone
To be what we can be
I will open the blinds.

M. E. Wood, Belleville, ON, CAN

I Wonder If I'm Able

I wonder if I'm able
with love and understanding
to make the world a better place
for those who follow after?

With love and understanding
I'd wipe out all the misery
for those who follow after
by banishing both war and greed.

To wipe out all the misery
I know is speculation
but banishing both war and greed
would bring great satisfaction.

I know it's speculation
but bringing peace to an angry world
would bring great satisfaction.
I wonder if I'm able?

Janet Parker, Leesburg, FL,  USA

Two + Two = More

If but to teach one child
To see the world more clear
No yellows, blacks or whites
. . . that every man bleeds red

To see the world more clear
The "human"ness of humanity
That every man bleeds red
Rich men -- poor men

The "human"ness of humanity
Not difference, but "diversity"
Rich men -- poor men
. . . if but to teach one child

SJ Baldock, Lancaster, TX, USA

A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens
Can do so many things.
It only takes two hands to bury a hatchet,
After all.  One choice

Can do so many things
To make a difference in this dizzy world.
After all, one choice
Links chooser to chosen in a web of change.

To make a difference in this dizzy world
Takes just one moment,
Links chooser to chosen in a web of change.
Take the chance.  It

Takes just one moment
To reach out and pull someone in.
Take the chance.  It
May not come your way again.

To reach out and pull someone in
Requires faith that
May not come your way again.
Save what you can.  Change

Requires faith that
It only takes two hands to bury a hatchet.
Save what you can.  Change
A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens.

Elizabeth Barrette, Charleston, IL, USA
COMMENTS:  The variety in length of lines and patterns adds interest.  Placement of the last line causes the reader to imagine that the poem was written by concerned citizens.
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OTHER POEMS COMMENTED UPON BY OUR JUDGE AND/OR OUR EDITORS
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Return to the Roots

To heal the world of bad-news-inflicted asphyxiation
I abandon anxiety.
In quiet I return,
I lie in the grass under the oak tree I played in as a child.

I abandon anxiety.
Discarding a mountain of global worry I cannot mend
I lie in the grass under the oak tree I played in as a child.
I remember how to live my heart,

Discarding a mountain of global worry I cannot mend
to reactivate the One spark that started it all.
I remember how to live my heart,
do the only thing the universe requests: be true to myself

to reactivate the One spark that started it all.
I know that to change the whole, I must journey to the roots,
do the only thing the universe requests: be true to myself
To heal the world of bad-news-inflicted asphyxiation

Lynette M. Bowen, Webster, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  This poet confronts her fears and worries about the world by finding ways to heal herself.  This exacting form fits her logic very nicely.
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Enlightened Journey

Sharing sparks of laughter brightens the world
I recycle joy not woes each day
Snippets of humor make life's journey pleasant
Old and young respond to my smile

I recycle joy not woes each day
Merriment in checkout lines is contagious
Old and young respond to my smile
Pleasant words are not only for friends

Merriment in checkout lines is contagious
Strangers say, "It was nice seeing you again."
Pleasant words are not only for friends
Sharing sparks of laughter brightens the world

Lois Lay Castiglioni, Galveston, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  This gentle poet plans to change the world one person at a time through friendliness.  A lovely idea presented in a very personable  way.  Nicely done.
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Closed Entrance

Underneath faded photographs,
The world could evolve.
Famine becoming the past;
I could change it all.

The world could evolve,
Not one more life to bid farewell.
I could change it all,
A new history to tell.

Not one more life to bid farewell.
None consider few,
A new history to tell
Underneath faded photographs.

Stéphanie Christieans, Spring, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  Positive wish presented in a dramatic way.  The constraints of the form and the poet's choices allow a nice rhythm to surface in one stanza, then emerge in a new way in another.
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Possibilities

From just a mound of dampened clay
I can create a world
of fantasy and child play
that lets my heart unfurl.

I can create a world
through lines and shapes and memory
that lets my heart unfurl --
Become anything I want to be.

Through lines and shapes and memory,
a visual communique--
Become anything I want to be
from just a mound of dampened clay

Diane M. Davis, Chelmsford, MA, USA
COMMENTS:  The thought processes of a ceramicist revealed in a hopeful, playful way.
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Paper Wings

I grew up with a love of words,
Reading all my mind could hold:
A traveler to far flung lands,
Soaring on paper wings.

Reading all my mind could hold,
I felt the words push out again,
Soaring on paper wings
Over worlds of my design.

I felt the words push out again,
Alive and ripe for sharing
Over worlds of my design,
Mapped without border lines.

Alive and ripe for sharing,
A traveler to far flung lands,
Mapped without border lines -
I grew up with a love of words.

Betty Dobson, Halifax, NS, CAN
COMMENTS:  Insightful writing.  The form is less evident in this piece, as the poet's choices make each stanza seem fresh and vibrant.
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Pleasant Place

I grow flowers to make the world a pleasant place
Plants brighten paths and lighten hearts
Humming birds and butterflies feed in my garden
Lilies speak without words of friendship

Plants brighten paths and lighten hearts
I express congratulations and sympathy with roses
Lilies speak without words of friendship
My garden blossoms tell folks I care

I express congratulations and sympathy with roses
Neighbors' gardens are perfumed by clippings I share
My garden blossoms tell folks I care
I grow flowers to make the world a pleasant place

Kay Lay Earnest, Smyrna, GA, USA
COMMENTS:  Gentle reminder that making the world a more pleasant place may be accomplished garden by garden.
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Head Over Heels

I shall not fall falsely out of love
nor turn my back upon such change
where falling might empower fear
or lead me, broken-hearted, there

nor turn my back upon such change
where sorrow yearns to be called, Leader,
or lead me, broken-hearted, there
into an ever darker future. I shall not fall

where sorrow yearns to be called, Leader,
nor trip too light nor march too quick
into an ever darker future. I shall not fall
truly into the opposite of Lover's lives

nor trip too light nor march too quick
where falling might empower fear,
truly, into the opposite of Lover's lives.
I shall not fall falsely out of love.

Maryann Hazen Stearns, Ellenville, NY, USA
COMMENTS:  Written with strong beat and meter, this poem marches from stanza to stanza in a commanding way.
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Instrument

Where poets illuminate darkest night,
each day another twist to world war
on terror, I implore the leaders of strife
for peace and I walk a God-conscious line.

Each day another twist to world war,
enlisting the poets to write to form
of peace; and I live a God-conscious life
so my children of the future can dream.

Enlisting the poets to write to form,
God fills minds with indelible words
so my children of the future can dream
in color, the hope that lived in my time.

God fills minds with indelible words,
An instrument of kindness I write
In color, the hope that lived in my time
where poets illuminate darkest nights.

Tanya Ruth Larson, Kamloops, BC, CAN
COMMENTS:  A strong call to peace.  Nice evolution of the form from stanza to stanza.
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In Training: Muse-in-Residence

The universe is a glorious place
when filled with poetry and prose.
Perhaps I could make a difference
by being a Muse-in-Residence.

When filled with poetry and prose,
oh--the ideas just swirl around!
By being a Muse-in-Residence,
I could open the doors that silence.

All the ideas whirling around,
there is so much excitement.
There's so much that could be shared,
in this glorious place, the universe.

Terrie Leigh Relf, San Diego, CA, USA
COMMENTS:  While maintaining adherence to the structure
of the form, a slight variation in the last quatrain adds interest to the whole.
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Let's Try Understanding

For the joy and betterment of all
let all of us people understand each other,
putting aside prejudices for the sake of harmony
loving those who are not like ourselves.

Let all of us people understand each other
so everyone in the world benefits.
Loving those who are not like ourselves;
then and only then, the world will change.

So everyone in the world benefits;
no more strife, conflict or war.
Then and only then, the world will change
for the joy and betterment of all.

Eileen Sateriale, Bowie, MD, USA
COMMENTS:  This universal plea for harmony, joy, and betterment transcends the constraints of its form, and touches the heart of the reader.
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A Beginning

Changing the world for the better:
The task is painful to contemplate.
Changing even myself for the better
Seems nothing short of impossible.

The task is painful to contemplate.
Could I ever help people stop hating?
Seems nothing short of impossible.
Perhaps I could stop hating them.

Could I ever help people stop hating?
So many seem beyond redemption, yet
Perhaps I could stop hating them.
One person changed is better than none.

So many seem beyond redemption, yet
Every soul touched makes a difference.
One person changed is better than none.
And one person may win others eventually.

Every soul touched makes a difference.
Tiny drops of water wear holes in stone,
And one person may win others, eventually
Changing the world for the better.

Katherine Swarts, Houston, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  Nice development of the central idea to a valid conclusion at the end of this nicely done Pantoum.
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Can I Chance?

How can I chance to change this world
To reach beyond a sense of touch
And know a soul, a heart within
To feel the plight, each weight of life?

To reach beyond a sense of touch
My fingertips to read their Braille
To feel the plight, each weight of life
Walk the rocky path each will tread.

My fingertips to read their Braille
Understand and accept each one
Walk the rocky path each will tread.
How can I chance to change this world?

James M. Thompson, Baytown, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  This poet questions, and in doing so, shows how one may change the world through understanding and acceptance.  Nicely done!
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Growing Up With Experience

From my youth,
I have walked the path.
Of learning from steps trod.
With age, came change.

I have walked the path.
Where experience awaits.
With age, came change.
Smiles, and heartaches.

Where experience awaits,
The more alert I became.
Smiles, and heartaches.
Remain of constant.

The more alert I became,
The lessons brought new wisdom, and change.
Remain of constant,
From my youth.

Daisy Autry Worrock, Abingdon, VA, USA
COMMENTS:  Good use of the form.  Nicely developed idea.
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Poets were asked to share with us their lists of broken resolutions from 2002.  Here are the winning poems.

FIRST PLACE - Winner of a $10.00 electronic book gift certificate

Melioristic

Down the long tower, a glittering ball descends
as intentions glow in sober contrast
to the night, far and away from light
promises fade with time, memory and will.

Still, a guilty twinge unhinged from the rust:
the pounds never lost, the empty glass filled
paths never walked and books not read
instead hovers, waiting patiently for an excuse.

Unintended vows somehow uttered in vain hope
the hours will still stroll silently into night
tomorrow will come and go, same as before
ignored for the long lost memory of resolution.

James M. Thompson, Baytown, TX, USA

But I Tried!

I know I said I would exercise,
That I'd never skip a day.
But the summer's always so hot outside,
And the winter's full of rain.

I know I said I would lose some weight,
And I did--for a little while.
But those business groups serve so much to eat--
Got to be professional.

I know I said I would spend more time
With my friends and my writing pals.
But their meetings last late into the night.
You see, nothing's all my fault!

Katherine Swarts, Houston, TX, USA

Finally!

Just a year ago today,
I vowed I'd have that novel done -
but, it seems, along the way,
poems became a lot more fun.

And what about those twenty pounds
I vowed I'd lose by Summer's eve?
I made other condescending sounds;
we're each so easy to self-deceive.

So, here we are with last year past.
My New Year's vows (en protocol) -
there's only one: I've learned at last,
Do Not Resolve A Thing At All!

John E. Rice, Houston, TX, USA

Last year I made a solemn vow,
My temper I would hold.
Yet every time I'm rattled now,
I lose it, truth be told!

I swore I'd practice patience more,
Try counting first to ten.
But rationality's gone before
I get to two ­ again!

I guess composure's not for me,
Self-restraint I seem to hedge.
That's why this year ­ 2003
Less control's my somber pledge!

Kathy Kehrli, Factoryville, PA, USA
COMMENTS:  That's one way to approach it!  Light-hearted.
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OTHER POEMS COMMENTED UPON BY OUR JUDGE AND OR OUR EDITORS
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Two Uh-Oh Two

I resolved to eat less sweets
To eat less fat and less red meat
Resolved to reign my temper in
And spend more time with kith and kin

I resolved to gossip less
To listen more, to not digress
Reduce my waist, my hips, my thighs
Get off my butt and exercise

A year of 'firsts' if I had stayed
With resolutions glibly made
Yet old habits refused to die
So now I'm making alibis

SJ Baldock, Lancaster, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  Chatty confession written in a down-to-earth style makes the reader feel as if the poet is sitting in the same room revealing secrets she'd rather not have shared with anyone else.  Well done!
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Quick Fix

Clearing closet clutter was my goal for 2002
I planned to do this monthly beginning on the first
Calendar pages turned but I found better things to do
Year slipped by and the situation is now at its worst

All closets metamorphosed from walk-in, toss-in to peep-in
I've struggled with this problem for over thirty years
Odds seemed stacked against me and I never seem to win
Having clutter creep out is one of my greatest fears

Today, my new approach is to write for Santa's elves
He can shut down the workshop and give my stuff away
All his little helpers can scoop items from my shelves
For I've enough glitzy gifts to supply the entire USA

Lois Lay Castiglioni, Galveston, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  Very funny approach to the topic.  Not only is the "walk-in, toss-in to peep-in" line memorable, each new stanza brings another chuckle.  The last stanza might make readers want to visit her closets to find out what goodies are stashed there!  Fine writing from one of Sol Magazine's Poets Laureate.
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My No Years Resolutions

Resolutions waste my time
They are just scribbles on a page
Resolutions are no friend of mine
They don't even better with age

The simplicity of a hope
And the wish of a matter
Brings me to whine and mope
When every last one shatters

So there are no resolutions set in my mind
For they will never be done
I'll get along just fine
Without that hovering gun

Stéphanie Christieans, Spring, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  The resolution seen here is in the determination of the writer refusing to make promises she does not feel she can keep.  Realistic, personal.  Nicely done.
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The List

I said I'd lose that fifty pounds
instead, I gained some more.
I said I'd organize the house--
I learned to shut the door.

I promised that in my spare time
I'd write a famous novel
instead I go to conferences
beg autographs and grovel.

I said I'd never pledge again
a list of resolutions
but January's come, and I lament
no new solutions.

Diane M. Davis, Chelmsford, MA, USA
COMMENTS:  Shares a glimpse of this poet's evident inability to keep past resolutions, but while she laments, there seems to be some hope.  She's learned to "shut the door,"  a good beginning on the journey to accept one's personal limitations.  Nicely written in a way that allows the reader insight into this person's private life.
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Unresolved

I made no resolutions,
Spoke no promises aloud,
Yet held expectations
In quiet reserve.

So much for not smoking
And for watching my weight.
I missed every birthday
And lost a friend.

Still stuck in a day job
That pays too many bills
And can't exorcise the harsh
Critic inside.

Betty Dobson, Halifax, NS, CAN
COMMENTS:  In an insightful and personal way, this poet shares her feelings of self-disappointment openly with the reader.  Nicely put.
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Bookworms

I planned last January to complete every chore
And not read books for hours as I had done before
Day one it became clear that housework was a bore
For books took me traveling to an exciting shore

The family decided to follow my lead
They found cozy corners to hide and read
But at mealtime they'd come to me and plead
Until it was obvious we had a serious need

We read up on building robots that could clean and cook
Robbie worked out fine for months cleaning every nook
He prepared new foods giving our meals an exotic look
All went well until one day we caught him sitting with a book

Kay Lay Earnest, Smyrna, GA, USA
COMMENTS:  This writer points out the foibles of programming an artificial intelligence with all-to-human tendencies.  Cute narrative, touched with humor and an understanding of the poet's own wish to read rather than attend to house chores.
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Incentive

I vowed to have more patience
with Nana through last year
and with each visit struggled
to keep my promise near.

She crabbed about her laundry
and shouted at her nurses,
I read her mail till I grew hoarse,
ignored most of her curses,

and when I found I'd faltered
and felt my patience wane,
she'd take my hands in both of hers
and said, "Thank God you came."

Maryann Hazen Stearns, Ellenville, NY, USA
COMMENTS:  This poet highlighted one resolution she was able to keep only through strength of character and the holding power of caring deeply for someone even in the most trying of times.  Wonderfully descriptive writing puts the reader right in the picture.   Touching.
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Resignation

I'll lose some weight and exercise.
I'll firm my belly,  slim my thighs.
I'll run some more - I will not quit!!
Just watch me make that Size 5 fit!!

I'll listen to my thinner voice
and always make the healthy choice.
No chocolate cake or apple pie
will tempt my tongue or turn my eye.

Although I promise faithfully,
I'll break each vow eventually.
The New Year comes - it goes too soon,
You'll find me eating junk by June.

Laura Heidy, Highland, IN,  USA
COMMENTS:  Interesting phrasings and rhymes in "thinner voice," with "healthy choice" and "apple pie" with "turn my eye."  The reader cannot help but sympathize with the plight of the narrator as she resigns herself to a junk-food fate.
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it's not my year

Well, since I'm not from earth,
time affects me differently.
I got started kind of late,
and ok, not all that fervently.

But I'm all for amalgamation,
so I've made a sort of list:
unwanted pounds is on it,
and learning a game called Whist.

I tried to learn the hula,
to visit the South Seas,
but all I seemed to master
was the art of shooting the breeze.

Terrie Leigh Relf, San Diego, CA, USA
COMMENTS:  Cute laundry list of not yet followed resolutions in the perspective of an other-worldly visitor to earth.  Enjoyable rhyme/almost rhyme sequence in list/Whist and Seas/breeze.
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Adieux

A year of lists.
New boundaries
to cross over
after repentance.

I held you near
in my heart
but your soul escaped
back to old habits.

I took a path
and left you
at the crossroads
with Lancelot, defeated.

Tony A. Thompson, Lufkin, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  Rather than discussing his own resolutions, this poet chose to speak about those of someone close to him.    Interesting beginning with the use of the French word for "goodbye" in the title, neatly paralleled at the ending as the narrator leaves the loved one with Lancelot, the amorous French knight who stole the heart of King Arthur's wife.
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Mochache Or Mo Cake

Three hundred and sixty five revolutions
of dirt, flora, fauna and oceans have spun
and not one, not even one ounce of resolution
have I kept, tried to keep, lost or done.

So, here I am wearing one eights trying in o three
resolving again to lose weight like I promised in o two
trying to change my rather large derriereric history
of turning those don't skip anything fudgy into do's

I will not give in to these mocha weaknesses!
I remain strong, resolute and caloricly mighty!
What? You say you have homemade chocolate cake?
With chocolate icing too? Well, hey! Alrighty!

Claiborne S. Walsh, Montrose, AL, USA
COMMENTS:  Wry humor tells the tale here, as the poet shares a rather spotty background of giving in to that seemingly universal craving for chocolate.  Nicely done!
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We asked our poets to write about winter hibernation and the natural world.  Here are the results.
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FIRST PLACE - Winner of a $25.00 electronic book gift certificate.

Alarm of Spring

The bear awaits the alarm of spring
in perpetual fall of his sleeping mind,
dreaming sonnets that the birds shall sing
and devouring summer's berry-finds.

Whiskers twitching, nose wet, he roars,
awakens like a bear to winter's end;
Wiping nature's sleep away he pours
himself out the darkness of his den.

Tanya Ruth Larson, Kamloops, BC, CAN

Onward Toward the Spring

Maple trees, their fire hidden,
Sleep beneath the snow as bidden,
By the winter blizzards ridden
Onward toward the spring.

While the world around them slumbers,
Blanketed in whites and umbers,
Deep inside them one dream lumbers
Onward toward the spring.

Elizabeth Barrette, Charleston, IL, USA

oak

disrobed by autumn
of your colorful cloak
you stand full naked
against the chill attack

while winter bundles
your furry friends
you stand aloof
awaiting spring's wrap

Tim Floto, Scotts Valley, Ca, USA

Frostbitten earth
warms to tepid soil
deep beneath the roots
of the ancient pine.

Down lined dens
cushion tired claws--
an insulated hovel
slowing hearts to sleep.

Diane M. Davis, Chelmsford, MA, USA
COMMENTS:  Lovely lyrical diction.  Of particular note is the dual meaning of "down lined dens."  Interesting conceptualization of the progression from frostbitten earth to the warm coziness of the dens.  "Tired claws" is a smile-provoking phrase.
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OTHER POEMS COMMENTED UPON BY OUR JUDGE
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Little Spies

Closely trimmed edges
Slowly growing grass
Sharp around the hedges
Never does it last

Pine scented greens
Growing in moist dirt
Making the home a scene
Never does it hurt

Stéphanie Christieans, Spring, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  Very nice rhythm to this poem, with a lyrical quality to the lines.  The comparison between the greens of summer and greens of winter is well-drawn, with a resultant vivid mental image.
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Hidden

Wildflowers sleep
in earth-quilted beds;
far beneath the icy wind
and snowy fire.
 

Sunlight splinters
this frozen world,
as a stray daisy sprouts
from the thawed patch.

Kathy Lippard Cobb, Bradenton, FL, USA
COMMENTS:  "Snowy fire" is just one example of the wonderful phrase-turnings in this piece.  Nature comes alive with the kineticism of these words, with beautifully lyrical imagery.  The final stray daisy is more apt than surprising when one arrives there, for it is the "just-so-rightness" of it all that drives this poem.
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As Unpredictable

From Punxsutawney's frozen soil,
Brown-haired Phil greets the day,
But caught in nature's harsh spotlight,
Scurries away from his darker half.

While farther north in Wiarton,
White-haired Willie lingers above,
Comforted by a softer light and
Optimistic about the coming spring.

Betty Dobson, Halifax, NS, CAN
COMMENTS:  A definite commentary on how none of us can ever really predict the end of winter!  Very nice usage of two "famous" critters to get the point across, with one diving back down to signal a delay in spring's arrival, while the other one sallies ahead to welcome an early spring.  Nice use of internal rhymes and personification of the animals in a conversational tone.
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Nature's Huggle

Wisteria waits patiently
with brown-bone branches
entwined in trellis;
she beckons snow's blanket.

Rose-of-Sharon shivers
as dried pods empty seedlings
at Wisteria's frigid feet;
they huddle for safety.

Maryann Hazen-Stearns, Ellenville, NY, USA
COMMENTS:  Love the title!  Beautiful personification of the wisteria, and Rose-of-Sharon, vividly awaking an image of the two twining close by one another, yet so different.  Wisteria is strong, beckoning the snow (wonderful image) while Rose-of-Sharon shivers and sends its seedlings out for safety and warmth.
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Cold Buffet

The moles won't sleep, or try to sleep;
the moles will only tunnel deep
beneath the garden's snow.  They know
the highway-builder's craft, and go

where, also deep, the tasty seeds
await the heat and light they need.
It's sad; so many seeds must meet their fate
because the moles won't hibernate.

Ron Lavalette, Barton, VT, USA
COMMENTS:  The woe of every gardener, captured in clever meter and rhyme!  A highly amusing tribute to those non-hibernating critters, the pesky moles, whose sole goal in life is to sabotage seedlings! Very clever turns of phrase and diction properly convey the despair (and perhaps a smidgen of respect?) this gardener-poet feels.
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Ask The Daisy

It seems as the last petal fell
snow started falling softly,
gently covering the plant
for its long winter's nap.

I must admit I felt a twinge of envy
as the world grew less colorful,
asking the daisy would I, would I not,
like to sleep the winter through?

Janet Parker, Leesburg, FL, TX
COMMENTS:  When the final daisy falls, we know winter is upon us;  or, at least, the feeling of it.  Here, winter is soft and gentle;  particularly nice is the use of the "love me love me not" idea in relation to the daisy.  Final lines echo what we have all felt at one time or another!
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not spring

each month the bats awaken
for a moment, perhaps two
then return to shallow breath
the tuck of wing, of tail

gathered for warmth, for winter
clinging to branch, to rafter, to cave
do they share the same dream
of spring-fattened mice?

Terrie Leigh Relf, San Diego, CA, USA
COMMENTS:  A little-known aspect of bats' hibernating habits is revealed here!  Wonderful imagery, such as "tuck of wing, of tail/ gathered for warmth."  Great closing pondering!
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Looking Ahead

Old, black bear
wanting to get warm,
fur shedding everywhere,
ambling in winter's storm.

Furiously, it snows
whitening the ground so fast.
The arthritic ursus goes
where he can sleep at last.

Eileen Sateriale, Bowie, MD, USA
COMMENTS:  Great rhythm to this piece.  Wonderful images, and the poet successfully creates a sympathetic image in the fierce, often feared black bear.
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Beauty Under Beauty

Under the moon,
All that's seen by the eye
Is a glimmering field
Dressed in pure silver-white.

Under the white,
Only seen by the soul,
Lies a rainbow of life
Waiting spring's wake-up call.

Katherine Swarts, Houston, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  Nice progression from the broad (night-sky) to the specific (coming spring) by gradually closing in.  Lovely images, as well.
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The Bear's Winter Song

A warm and cozy cave
For no more food will I slave.
I will be resting my head
Within my winter's bed.

As the cold months go by
Here will I lie.
Dreaming dreams of spring
Which my awakening will bring.

Venus Tadrzak, Lakewood, OH, USA
COMMENTS:  Wonderfully conversational, this captures what the bear may feel at the point of his hibernation.  Interesting twist on the coming of spring implying that the bear's awakening is what brings spring, not the other way around.
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Hibernaculum

Elder pin oak
Limbs bare
Hollow near top
A natural home

Bounty stored
Nourishment
Wind blows softly
Fox squirrel chatters

Tony A. Thompson, Lufkin, TX, USA
COMMENTS:  A neat snapshot of life as winter approaches, for the squirrels' preparations are not in vain, and the old oak helps them survive by providing a "natural home."
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Shape Shifter

Snow dappled trees lean from the weight
Huskies travel with a speedy gait
Crystallized lakes creek and crack
No beast takes the time to look back

Nature blazes a plan of its own
Duration and character are never known.
Winter sleep conceals the land,
A forced rest from a sometimes bitter hand.

M. E. Wood, Belleville, ON, Canada
COMMENTS:  Great rhyme.  Nice encompassing of every aspect of nature, from the trees to the dogs to the lakes and land itself.  Interesting analogy of winter to a roaring fire advancing on the land where "no beast takes the time to look back," for the two are equal in unpredictability.  Excellent closing lines.
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Melioristic

Down the long tower, a glittering ball descends
as intentions glow in sober contrast
to the night, far and away from light
promises fade with time, memory and will.

Still, a guilty twinge unhinged from the rust:
the pounds never lost, the empty glass filled
paths never walked and books not read
instead hovers, waiting patiently for an excuse.

Unintended vows somehow uttered in vain hope
the hours will still stroll silently into night
tomorrow will come and go, same as before
ignored for the long lost memory of resolution.

James M. Thompson, Baytown, TX, USA
 

 
There is no immediate prize associated with a poem having been picked as Editor's Choice in 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 EDITOR'S CHOICE of each month in the year 2003 will be automatically entered in the EDITOR'S CHOICE OF THE YEAR 2003 competition, voted on by Sol Magazine Members at the end of the year.

Questions?  E-mail Mary Margaret Carlisle, Managing Editor: Sol.Editor@prodigy.net
Please refer to this page for Sol Magazine questions & email contacts:
http://sol-magazine-projects.org/prodigy/sol.magazine/question.htm
 

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