
Unrequited Love Poetry Challenge
I am very pleased to present the winners of the “Unrequited Love” Poetry Challenge. The challenge: write a poem/prose/free-verse that best portrayed unrequited love. My thanks to all of you who entered. There were many excellent responses. This was how I ‘reviewed’ the entries.
I am not concerned with any specific type of style or meter. What does interest me is the ease with which each word leads into the next. Some very great poets had their very own individual style but in each case there was a “flow” that the reader connected with. Finally I don’t critique, as such (there are plenty out there who do already), I enjoy or I don’t. For the judging process I considered the following things:
- Is it specific to the topic being addressed “Unrequited Love”, and does it ellicit those emotions
anticipated by the topic.
- Did the poem flow, is there a natural rhythm that carries the reader smoothly throughout.
- The third item I included was Unique. Did the writer approach ‘unrequited love’ from a fresh perspective.
There were more than a few who found a fresh approach. I found that fascinating. There were also well written classic examples. It was difficult to choose from so many. I narrowed it down to three but then realized these final 3 were all winners. Therefore, there are three winners.
LuAnn
LuAnn started out writing an RV (Recreational Vehicle) blog. She and her husband, Terry travel the highways exploring the country of USA. She posts of their adventures. Somewhere along this journey she began to explore the virtual online world as well. She discovered the blogging community, and kindred spirits. Warmly received, she has begun her own creative endeavors with the written word. I for one look forward to her next creations.
Alastair
A single father of two teenagers, Alastair has been blogging for several years while he deals with the daily complications of life, He takes photos each day for his posts. Recently he has been introducing his beautiful poetry (it had been inside him, way too long and was past time to make an entrance, I think). On a more personal note he has dropped his pseudonym and is now using his real name to post. Alastair and his family live in England.
anelephantcant
This writer is clever, witty, humorous, insightful and in some cases (to coin a phrase) “bloody brilliant” with his artistry, his poetry, his narratives and his photography. Take your pick, they’re all good! In the far off craggy lands (if you’re not from around there that is) of Scotland is where he makes his home.
Please take the time to visit each of them at their “Blog” homes. You will not regret it!
LuAnn’s Winning Entry: Unrequited Love I, LuAnn has recently “found” her talent. And I for one am very pleased to see her make her debut here. Her talent presents itself for all to read in each written word. Her poem is so very poignant and rich. No one can mistake the meaning in these very piercing words.
Alastair’s Winning Entry: Unrequited Love II I felt Alastair’s Prose to be cleverly accomplished with his use of the back and forth quality of online conversations. We bloggers can certainly, at the very least, understand this virtual adaptation of unrequited love. Very well done indeed.
Brian’s Winning Entry: Unrequited Love III, The minute I read this poem I knew it would be one of the finalists. It’s message (so very well executed) is timeless. There will always be the predator and there will always be the somewhat naive and foolish who believe there is “something better” out there. To me the true individual (in this poem) that ends with unrequited love is the female’s husband! Very sadly.
While I enjoyed everyone’s entry, there were a few that if space were permitting they would be winners as well in alphabetical order they are:
boomiebol
readinpleasure Celestine
Brother Jon Johnathon
lenwilliamscarver
Books & Art – Spirit & Soul – Lesley Fletcher
strawberryindigo ,Nancy
nightlake Padmini K
RoSy
Be sure and check out their blog homes. Excellent places to visit and follow! For all of you who entered this Challenge I thank you! Your words delighted and inspired me, as always.

Thank You ~ Brava and Bravo!
♥ Penny
Copyright © 2012 by Penny l Howe