For writers most comfortable in the world of prose, writing a poem can be a jarring task. But what's the fun in an easy challenge?
The top four finalists in So You Think You Can Write, the Times Colonist's third annual writing contest, were asked to explore the form in their second assignment.
The poems held a link with prose, how-ever, through subject matter: They could be about a favourite book, a book that inspired our finalists to write, or a memorable book from childhood.
Last week's winner Pat Parker dove into his memory of reading Peter Pan as a child:
"With me by his side we'd fly far and wide, / Looking to fight Captain Hook. / Yes! Every night was Neverland's flight / To that place I had found in a book."
Judge and Times Colonist editor-in-chief Dave Obee called it a clever rewrite of an old, familiar story.
Frankie Blake crafted her poem, inspired by the Brothers Grimm, in the form of a recipe. In her comments, judge and City of Victoria poet laureate Janet Rogers said she liked how the writer opened herself up and gave herself over to the silly, creative and child-like wonder found in fairy tales.
Thirteen-year-old Fiona Luo took inspiration from Ellen Hopkins' Burned for her poem. Judge and University of Victoria writing instructor Matthew Hooton said Fiona was obviously passionate about the book and suggested using more specific details, rather than sticking to words that convey emotions.
But the winner of this week's challenge was UVic marketing director Nick Clewley for his poem, commended for its vivid detail. I Was Billy Coleman is published below, along with the judges' comments.
Go to timescolonist.com/writingcontest to read the other three finalists' poems and complete feedback from the judges, as well as a chance to vote for your favourite. [email protected]
