To read the winning poems, Click Here
Organiser Notes –
Another year, another set of difficult decisions. In the role of Chief Judge we were graced by the talented and prolific Alison Chisholm, whose opinion is very much respected in the world of poetry (and is also an ex-member of SWC!). The International part of the competition did not fail to surprise us again, with entries from France, Germany, and South Africa. The shortlisting was a hard process with so many excellent entries, but somehow we got it down to the final filter of twenty or so. The downside of an anonymous system also struck, as the 1st Prize winner also turned out to be the Humour Prize winner. I’m sure you will agree though, that both poems are worth of taking the prizes, as well as the 2nd 3rd and Commendeds. For those who did not make the final cut, we hope to see your work again next year, as in such a tight competition, anyone could swing it next time!
Judges Report from Alison Chisholm –
My big problem was with the humour section. The hilarious pieces were badly crafted. The beautifully crafted pieces weren’t funny. I’ve ended up picking a poem that has some wry touches of humour among pretty dark layers, and is without doubt the best contender for a humour prize. The results, then, are:
Humour
Your Call is Important to Us
by David Mark Williams
The repetition and delicious images work well, and while there is clear humour in the recognisable frustration of the repeated announcement, there are neat undercurrents to show this is not just a poem about an annoying phone call, but has a much deeper significance.
First Prize
Insomnia Soliloquy
By David Mark Williams
Anyone who has ever spent a sleepless night will identify with this poem. It uses imagery with precision, and it’s an object lesson in how to craft a free verse poem in which slant rhyme and lineation are applied beautifully.
Second Prize
The Curse
By Elizabeth Horrocks
Another free verse poem, this takes an original subject and clothes it in finely crafted free verse. The route from innocence to Mammon is charted perfectly.
Third Prize
Allowing the Light
By Sheila Aldous
This piece, written in response to a recent tragedy, can hardly fail to touch everyone who followed the story.
Highly Commended
Cold Egg
By Jenny West
This brilliant evocation of family life is image-rich and enormously appealing. The only thing wrong with the poem is its lack of punctuation, which is such an important factor in the poem.
Commended
Edges of Autumn
By Lynne Taylor
On This Summer Day
By Sue Kauth
The Edge of Alderley
By Elizabeth Horrocks
Clacton 1967
Susi Clare