A very helpful reminder! I had this in a back-to-front way a few years ago, when I read my Highly Commended poem at the Torquay Competition (judge Imtiaz Dharker )Celebration. There I met my star favourite Rilke translator/poet, Martin Crucefix - his poem was only Commended!!! I felt very embarrassed and told him so, and why. We had a good laugh and he was delightful. Subjective and fickle indeed! You hit the nail on the head again, Ian! Zanna
The best thing about competitions is they have only two possible outcomes. The same with publications. It’s our skin that’s growing thicker and our will to get through stronger, I think…
A very helpful reminder! I had this in a back-to-front way a few years ago, when I read my Highly Commended poem at the Torquay Competition (judge Imtiaz Dharker )Celebration. There I met my star favourite Rilke translator/poet, Martin Crucefix - his poem was only Commended!!! I felt very embarrassed and told him so, and why. We had a good laugh and he was delightful. Subjective and fickle indeed! You hit the nail on the head again, Ian! Zanna
Thanks Zanna.
The best thing about competitions is they have only two possible outcomes. The same with publications. It’s our skin that’s growing thicker and our will to get through stronger, I think…
I agree about competions, it is a subjective process. Occasionally though you can read the winning poem and know why it won. It was simply very good.
Absolutely - though I fear this is a decreasing trend...