Summerfaire poetry (note addition of rule 4)

[Topaz]

During the Sunrifter Summerfaire, let us celebrate human warmth as well as the warmth of Sunrifter.

This year's poetry contest may be either on the subject of Friendship, or a poem specifically dedicated to a friend. In the case of the latter, it is strongly suggested that the writer obtain the permission of his or her inspiration, because the name and character number of that person should be provided along with the entry.

The rules:

1. Entries should be posted in this thread for all to read.

2. One entry per character. Alts are welcome.

3. Two friends may submit poems about each other, e.g., if Damon the Warrior submits a poem about Pythias the Cleric and Pythias the Cleric submits a poem about Damon the Warrior, both entries are allowed.

4. If you are fortunate enough to have a best friend to whom you are bonded, you may submit a poem about that person, emphasizing the relation of friendship. And see (3) above.

5. Prizes will be awarded both to the winners and to their inspirations (if any). It is my hope that the prizes can be awarded and the poems performed publicly during Summerfaire.

6. The deadline is Friday, May 30 at midnight EST.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Topaz
39789

[AKA Azure]

Held in the twilight of not knowing,
friends here then gone.
Caught between the way it could have been
and the way it was.

Silibents and silences, friends around.
trying to meet.
Drink some lemonade and make
the sour sweet.

Our misses arc like stones into air -
from sky to ground -
producing clouds of dust, drifting up
together then lost.

Knock on the door of your own house
to speak to yourself.
Friends are a treasure that cannot
be shut away or saved.

We take secret fire from the stars,
place them in friends,
too awful or too bright to see.
We still know it’s there.

There are truths we should tell each other,
silver sounds.
Memory of friends in mind and heart.
Critical list not forgot.

[902]

Thoughts held, a dark bequest
lost in the light, the memory of a word,
warm hands held in the grip of shared fear
Gone from sight, seeking rest.

A name known, no longer spoken
In the face of evil, we two stood,
travelers of dark miles on a road
like the spokes of a wheel now broken.

#150115

[Shirila Blades]

We wish that we could see them
For just a little while.
We wish that we could talk with them
And maybe glimpse their smile.
But wishing gets us nowhere.
Longing is in vain.
So we will hold them always in our hearts,
Until we meet again.

[Ellyana Lilli]

A friend is like a warm glowing light,
on the wings of a soaring bird in flight.

Close with a strong shoulder on which to cry,
and a gentle hand to help the tears dry.

A friend is like a field of fireweed flowers,
or soft and soothing summer showers.

There to inspire and there to laugh,
there to stand up on our behalf.

A friend is like an ocean wave,
always standing true and brave.

Lifting our spirits when hope seems lost,
and restoring our faith at any cost.

A friend is the greatest of any treasure,
with a price in which you can not measure.

They fill our lives with love and with joy,
though sometimes they do annoy!

Friendship makes the world a happier place,
and all of my friends I cherish and embrace.

[Jael]

Two mountains stood tall, side by side,
Divided by unbrigable distances,
Alone together . .

Circumstances dictated a fate not their choosing:
They could not move, and thus were forever doomed apart.
Yet in their grieving, they found ways to touch . . .
The morning sun woke the Eastern peak,
The arms of his shadow caressed his companion
Until later she returned the favor
By tucking him in first at night.
Both tipped sleepy faces to the heavens
Beneath the pale glow of silver
And shivered shared dreams.

Often they snuggled discretely unseen
Wrapped in a cottony quilting of fog.

And as they grew older,
They learned to let loose . . .
Small pieces sometimes,
And sometimes in thundering waves
That mingled together at their feet .

Char # 116102

[Topaz]

Please note that "midnight, May 30" means Friday night.

[Gar Windgust]

I sit at the edge of a lake that I’ve found
While on a leisurely walk, while I wandered around
I can see the reflection of forests grown high
As well as the clouds in the translucent sky
On still, deep blue water that sits smooth as glass
Until it gets broken by wind, or a bass
In the far distance a waterfall tumbles
All that can be heard are the deepest of rumbles
Then a deer stops to drink, as I’m sure is his habit
And I’m startled by a rustling in the brush, just a rabbit
You might think I’d be happy, on such a beautiful day
To find such a sight, while all stress is at bay
All is not as it seems in this wonderful scene
Though it may seem tranquil and plenty serene
There is something missing to make it complete
On the log at my side is a cold empty seat
Yes, seeing this sight causes tears without end
For there is no one to share it; alas, I’ve no friend.

[Blythe]

Triolet for Friends

Friends are something we all treasure,
For sharing all our joy and sorrow.
Loyal beyond all form of measure,
Friends are something we all treasure.

Friends in times of strife and leisure
With lots of plat and ale to borrow
Friends are something we all treasure,
For sharing all our joys and sorrow.

[Fleur]

I've rather frustratingly had net issues, which meant although this was completed I couldn't post until now. I think I've missed the deadline by an hour or two so I will understand if this is not accepted - but as I'd written it, I thought I would post it anyway.
Fleur

I combined two poetry forms in this poem, and it is un-named.


Some treasures are too rare to have a price,
Unlikely though it seems to those without.
Much riskier than cards or toss of dice;
Makes fools of those who reach for it with doubt.
Each babe is born to have the gift, devout
Recipients of loyalty and love,
Start lives thus favoured by the gods above.

For they have not begun to fear, nor yet
Recede in trust with every misplaced thought.
In truth and faith there can be no regret;
Endowed with light, this blessing must be sought.
Now two clasped hands in white-gold circle set
Do signify this joy, this hope, this pain.
Sweet friendship: much to lose, but all to gain.

[Topaz]

Thank you all for these impressive entries. This may have been the most difficult contest I have judged; in fact, I had to call in some outside help, without which I might still be making up my mind.

The results:

First: Legionarius
Second: Fleur
Third: Azure Greenhills.

Winners should contact me in order to schedule the prize presentation.


Topaz

[Blythe]

Congratulations!!

There were some very very good entries and it must have been hard to pick Congratulations winners and well done all participants.

[Jael]

Congratulations to the winners. Well done!

[Ellyana Lilli]

Oh well done! =)