Spring is here, and with the blooming flowers and misty rains, we have a veritable feast of environmental emotion for all you tragic or elated writers.

After the sorrowful (but not, I admit, unexpected) failure of "So You Think You Can Argue", I've rebounded to bring to you yet another contest; one that I hope will garner a good number of submissions (and quality submissions at that). I was very pleased with all of your work for the first contest, "So You Think You Can Write", which is still up for those who want to read the submissions.

For this contest the style of poetry is open, whichever you would like to use. Submissions will be judged based on overall quality, not on the subject being discussed in the poem. Write about whatever you'd like, just make it... poetic. ^^

The contest will begin tomorrow, March 27th, 2008, and will end on May 8th, 2008.

Again, those dates are:

START March 27th, 2008
END May 8th, 2008

Submissions will be accepted at any point within that timeframe, and should be posted in this thread. I look forward to reading your work, and wish you all the best of luck.

-Treize Khushrenada

Paper-Thin

PAPER-THIN SOUL

My heart is equivalent to shattered glass
Broken by the fists of time
Not quite useless but with mortal wound
Ugly appearance to the eye
My reality is like a fire’s blaze
Burning up my mind
No such thing as a paper-thin soul
But without mine I’m hardened clay
I look through a window
The one to my soul
My soul that’s paper-thin
I see through the window
The me that’s trapped inside
But that’s not the me within
The me I see is paper-thin
Its my soul that tells me so
The 2-D me screams in pain
As the reality fire causes agony
My reality is like a burning flame
Melting my shattered glass
The fists of time are put to rest
But I still must face my past
It reaches in and takes a hold
And I’m flung far away
But my paper-thin soul does as it’s told
And I’m brought to my senses very fast


STORY OF A PAPER-THIN BOY
I’m all alone
In this world, not mine
Wishing for something to happen divine
I try to catch up
But I’m left behind
Looking for love
But nobody’s there
Seems to me as if
Nobody cares
Left hoping and wishing
My thoughts are stripped bare
Bare to the bone
In the world, out there
Too bad I’m alone
And looking for love
‘Cause now I wont get
So much as a hug
My mind is all shady
Not thought can seem clear
I’ll never find love
Because I cant face my fear
Not fear of a girl or fear of being denied
But the fear of the pain
Pain of loss after time
Long times of peace
And times of joy
Can be ripped apart
Like a paper-thin boy
With a paper-thin soul
He hides all emotion
So that no one will know
The love that he seeks
The pain he holds near
And the only sound
Is the sound that he hears
A sound that he fears
But a sound ever clear
It’s the sound of a paper-thin soul
Ripping with tears
Ceramic tears
Of glass and clay
The shatter and break
With each leap that they take
Off the face of a boy
With a paper-thin soul
He wishes for love
But nobody knows
The reason for why
He is always so cold
So the paper-thin boy
With the paper-thin soul
Writes poems down
To never be told
Now, if you paid attention
To the story I tell
Of the paper-thin boy
Who is lost in himself
He wades in decay
Of his social meltdown
And his mental distress
Nobody is safe
Till his mind is at rest
You’ve heard the tale
Of a paper-thin soul
So now, I suppose
You’d want to be told
Who is this paper-thin boy
That nobody knows
The story is over
And now you will see
That the paper-thin boy
I speak of is me

Sanguisuga

Once vivacious; now deceased
Deprived of everlasting peace
Through time and space my burden borne
A penetrating psychic thorn
Restively within my grave
Tormented by these dreams depraved
Sustaining inauspicious curse
And suffer from immortal thirst
From dawn to dusk diurnal sleep
In shadows through the night I creep
Amidst the dreaded witching hour
Penitent for flesh devoured
In the dark you sense my presence
I deplete your sacred essence
Psyche softly dissipated
Portentous daimon consecrated
Metamorphic perforation
Brings to light this revelation;
Capitulate, embrace the beast
And join the sanguinary feast

..him..


in his room..he sits there smiling
as the world around hims dieing..
lost to us but not to him...the things in life worth living for..

watching..waiting...drawing near..
relishing all others fear..
rocking slowly in its craddle..sleeping hatred simmers more..

brooding in his dark abyss..
glaring out oer the mist...
that mystic rivers give up freely..leaving it to stories lore..

laughing at our peacefull bliss...
smiling out oer its mist..
but now the brook does babble see..the name that it does harken for..

screaming from inhuman pain..
turning swiftly in disdain...
returning to from once he came..
and now he weeps...for evermore...

Unwritten



For anyone who has read my poetry
You are probably aware that I don’t use
Innuendos that are sexually explicit
Very often, anyways
That’s because it’s against the rules… of my life
I’m not allowed to write what I feel
To write what is real
So I write what I think and I rhyme so that my mind
Isn’t too much like mice in a cage on wheels
It makes me feel like I can feel
Here, I’ll make it simpler
Have you ever had a blade to your neck
So that if you even breathe without consent, you die?
…no?
Me neither, so I’ll tone it down a bit
Have you ever had something that you hold dear
Taken away by higher powers with a capitol “P”
Because you were with someone they don’t like
Forbidden to have friends that are “freaks”
AKA Goths, punks, Emos, and pretty much anyone else who follows any sort of rock culture
Have you been unable to feel any type of affection for
Or at least show affection for
A member of the opposite sex, because they are
“Niggers, chinks, or wetbacks?”
Have you sold your soul?
Not to the Devil or the Backwards doG
But to your worldly creators
The bad part about selling your soul
Is that they can't buy it with currency
So you end up with nothing
Except the hollow, empty shell
That was once
In a vague memory
Human

Poetry flows from my hands
To let out the excess from my brain
I feel nothing when I write
Just as a good little human drone should
Feel Nothing
Like a soldier in a movie
Act now, think later
Without the thinking
That’s what people say is the problem
I think too much
But I know something that they don’t
I know the truth
I think too much to make up for my lost emotion
My lost soul
I think so much, its as if I don’t think at all
Thoughts come and go so fast
That unless my hands move in perfect synchronization with them
They get sent to the Recycle Bin
The trash can of Unthunk Thoughts
And since I can't love a beautiful creation
Or at least I can't pretend to do what my heart tells me to
I will sit in a chair
I will eat Little Debbie’s
And grow fat just like every other American
I will do nothing for the human race
Except what they pay me to do for them
Then I will grow old and die
To be just another unwritten page in a history that never was.

Endless masquerade never meant to degrade
Maid to aid the hindrance of getting laid
Okay her as mayor of legs, though I'm just one of the regs
two blocks away n' I can see the sway'en
my bro wont give up, for both of us it gets better
never say never, I gotta keep goin
Because what you say has us knowin
But its growin, low'n I know this jelousy
is killing me just to know somebody out trickin' me.
god damn just out of reach, all the while actin' like preach
this fuckin georgia peach, reduces me to a leech
Displaying my game, for full fledged lame
I angle my position to strangle the opposition
but she'd rather his brother on this condition



Imma go smokabowl

The Madman


Dark and Dreary,
The rain falls down
The Madman walks
into the lonley town
His hands are wet
with blood and tears
His very images
create nightmares and fears
The rain falls hard
on the boulevard
The taste of blood lingers
as he licks it from his fingers
He sees them and he grins
He slowly takes them in
The Madman strikes again!

The Final Thread

The wear and tear of daily life
Forces words to shape a knife.
Friendships questioned with a flame,
Reveals the true one who is lame.
A final shot when one is downed
Is like the last breath from the drowned.
Flashing mem’ries shoot the eyes
Show no truth, only lies.
The final string, on this mask,
Is torn and downed, with the flask.

People
Are very much people in that they think they know something
And yet
I would like to impress, for your sensible taste, that
you do not know so much as you may think, but
that what you know is shaped by intent and desire, and
intent and desire are shaped by chemical impulse

I know about setting suns, however
I remember when culture was enjoyable, and when I laughed-
when I cried, I--

I'd just like to tell you about a couple of thing for a while.
When you're insane, and can't shape an essay
a sentence, a word--
-that's when you'll know about what I know of human reason
What I've tasted of sensation, sanity and mirth
that's when you'll know you've met the edge

Of existence, of sanity--
OF SIMPLY BEING!
that's when you'll know

You'll writhe and cry
and wither and die
We'll have your funeral, and give little speeches
Before seeing you off, to burn brightly, a stoic boat
on the ocean
nothing mightier then you and that

Because that's the kind of people that we are

And that is what poetry IS.

Inspiration.
It was with an ironic sense of pride
You said, "This is my thing."
Like you'd stumbled upon some perpetual brilliance,
Some radiating solitary answer
To every fucking question that hasn't been asked yet.
You're two steps ahead, nay, by the end of this three.
Schemeless and rhymeless, like jazz coked up on K and speed.

All the colors, every single blinding tint, like this kaleidoscopic
Fucked-up mish-mash of words and phrases from which
Meaning is too obscure to catch when you're raved up,
Even with your answers to the questions unasked.
So went your tone: angry, speecheless, vibrating vocal attenuation
This ain't your "thing," sweetie.
This ain't your "thing."

It's a necessity that you abuse your right to protest
To manifest, to profess and distress, but you.
You were under the influence of another mistress.
Every word spilled, every solitary fucking syllable
Everything for which the people were clapping,
All that fucking clapping,
That was no soul, no heart, no spirit. That was no jazz.
That was disappointment.

I can do this alone.
You need inspiration.

Maybe we'll find love.
I don't know how well you catch these things.
Always reaching and stretching and grasping
More than anybody else in the world ever will.
But I think that, maybe, there's something more
The reality beneath the surface,
So instead let's study that a bit,
Maybe we'll find love beneath it all.

They tell me I can be rather convoluted, at times.
For reality to seize the heart,
We could offer, mutually, an unrequited comfort
Something more than the eye first catches.
Its tugging at your heartstrings,
Trying to find out just what's there

Although I don't see what's so difficult
To whisk us away into a paradise where
If we really truly wanted to.
As one two souls could be,
But I don't think you want to give in.

When talking about love and affection,
We can always be alone.
So that towards eternity we can go
If only we both could see

Because simply put, I know
She can recognize when unrestricted,
Together, her and I.

The one who offers tranquility to conclude my day, she oft does
Peruse a piece and understand

Smile for me. She's special, I think.

Now somebody please figure that second one out and justify my existence.

~* Awkward Emotion

I like to sit and talk,
On all the ways we vary.
Till one of you point out,
A loosened shoelace in my life.
Tie it up, tie it up, up up up.
Tie it up, tie it up, up up.

I laugh and say, "Let go,"
The rest of you keep going.
You trip and fall on me.
I'm crushed and damn I'm horny.
Tie me up, tie me up, up up up.
Tie me up, tie me up, up up.

By how you blush, it's plain,
You've felt my raw condition.
Get up, get off of me.
I'll tie you shoelace, you go home.
Tie them up, tie them up, up up up.
Tie them up, tie them up, up up.

Alone, I'm in the grass,
Beneath the ferris wheel.
It spins while I relax.
Scolding me for how I fell for you.
Tie it up, tie it up, up up up.
Tie it up, tie it up, up up.

Damn emotions, go back home.

Haunting Ghost in the Horizon

In the distance
bleak and endless time
never ending
infinite as the universe
(oh, but is that so?)
In beauty lies no truth
cast away such folly
(love is that folly)
Empty as barren lands
The coldness that has consumed
A gaze as blank as stone white wall
(that shall never fall)
Ghost creeping up from hidden shadows
even in the white wash they hide
they were always lurking somewhere inside
seizing the heart
such fresh pain of an open wound
(stand steady, don't you swoon, it'll pass.. oh yes it'll pass)
Let it devour
then let it go.
(And fade to black.)

...Oh, and another love lost to the sea.


Oxygen is a Choice

Go out with a blaze of glory
you faze me so well
so close
bodies crushed
as if the world was closing in
on us
oh and your lips on mine
they were everywhere
here and there
coming and going
pressing and pulling
painful pleasure
from your bittersweet love bites
I couldn't move
oxygen was a choice
because I had you.
tangled in each other
let this last forever
its. too. fucking. beautiful.
It hurts.

Prenatal Angst

Oh too early ripped from the womb
thrust into the so cold (polluted) air
take me back! take me back!
that is why I cry

Encroaching Pleasure

Touch
I feel you everywhere
every
where
invading quite so wonderfully

The Rainbow is nothing without you, my love


Shout colors
so bright
bursting with such strength
only to climax
and fall back
fading into contempt
for only yourself
and
no
one
else.

Enchant me, Oh Magician of Lies!


I only ask to be loved.
Pretend at best.
Enchant me with your illusions

The Atom Bomb Baby

I’m going to explode
and terrorize your town
with that mushroom cloud
as I go down
(I’m taking all of you with me)
Show no mercy
I’m the new generation
better faster stronger
deadly mass destruction
If I don’t kill you
you’ll wish I had
I’m death in disguise
of a small compact vessel
dropped from above
with out a second thought
this is what you deserve.

A Shattered Wonderland Rehabilitated

Lets fuck shit up.
Destroy the world
and reanimate it with our own likeness.
You and me baby.
We’ll create a new world order.
Fuck the past
We’ll make beauty true.
And in the end it’ll just be me and you.
Oh what a luxurious fantasy
that may be.
But alas!
We shall settle into the sands of time
Your words speaking to me
through muted song
moving, flowing, fucking taking hold
What can I do for you?
My lovely
such beauty
its such a stretch to comprehend
Just promise me this won’t end!
"Everything ends."
Turn my words on me
make them my enemy
Lies! Deceit! Filth!
take me into your decaying wonderland
lets restore it to its once splendor
be pure
white as untouched snow
"Oh, but taint soon shall follow"

We keep you alive because you’re pretty

In beauty lies no truth
words that scar skin
and
tearing at the terrorist
suicide bombing your heart
Tired of the sun
and the forced empathy
exuding from empty souls
You need something to make you feel that wrong
bruised knuckles an array of colors
a rainbow of tender pain
colliding clashing and comforting
dulled eyes
once too bright
you have to fight to get past
such a dead stare

Consumption of the Child.

lets make, make believe
like children in the playground
going on a great adventure
so contrived
but at least they were happy
those children grow
and they never know
how the years, no doubt, will change them
looking back wishing
playing pretend was enough.

...sucked into the rabbit hole...

..doesn't it seem like that?..
..the deeper you read into this...the more engrossed you become..

..caught in my web of words...

..like a fly..helplessly struggling..as the spider approaches..

..you can almost feel it...can't you?..

..the feeling as the hairs on the back of your neck begin to rise...the cold sweat slowly breaking out on your neck...
as all your worst nightmares begin circling through your mind...

..the clown hiding in your closet...smiling face with blood dripping down its razor sharp teeth..

..waiting..patiently...because he has time..

..or maybe its the spider under your bed..quietly laying eggs...
so that when you fall asleep..they can feast upon your exposed flesh..

...for they are always hungry..and in need of food...


..the monster..hiding in the darkness outside your window..hiding in the splash light the computer gives off..glaring against the window...
..knowing it can take you at anytime...but waiting for you to turn your back..because it loves hearing you scream...

......and even now...as you read this..and blink on occassion..
you can see in that total blackness...things moving...

...ever so slightly....a child..bleeding from its eyes and ears...
..screaming in pain...and smiling in joy..
living off of your fear...feasting on your soul...

..even now...it draw near...claws out...
..closer...silent..hiding every time you turn to look for it...

..but dont be fooled..it comes on..

...blood flows from its mouth..over its bizarre pointed fangs...
..the stench of death clings to it...like the bloodied clothes that hang loosely from him...

...closer.....

...closer....

...in my web of words...you struggle...

..as the spider nears....



...riddle...

Soul Death

In my heart I hold this light...
This one small light where I place my hopes.
You will not see it's content no matter how much I choose to reveal.
You eyes are blinded by love for another yet while
my heart and soul burn for you and only you.
Why must you feel the same way, for another girl?
While here I hold my light.
Why must you turn your face away? I try to
capture your soul for my own, I try to ensnare your
heart in love for me, but you evade me at every
turn. Why do you hate my love? Why can you not
see it? Stars are falling around me, leaving only my
one small light. I knew you were the one, ever since I saw your face.
If you will not love me I wish you to lose your love and
keep it locked away. Stay away from me if you will not have me.
My light is already failing.
Please give me some hope or lose all love.
Why do you not respond to my call? My light... The one light
left in my world is fading fast.
Give me some sign! Every moment my life
is dwindling Night and shadows grow longer.
As you deny me my time on earth is growing shorter.
As I grow paler I see his face leaning over my bedside.
My eyes fill with tears as he holds... Her... Close. All hope is gone
I feel it in my Soul. The way he looks at me, his eyes filled with sorrow.
he knows as well.. My light is gone.
All hope has faded. I close my eyes and he is gone.
I feel my wings spreading as I fly... Into the sky

Words.

Words on a page,
could there be some hiden meaning?
Are you over-anlaysing these things I say,
Or are you not looking deep enough?
You will never know the answer,
I'll never reveal the truth.
My thoughts will remain mine alone
And to you this poem always will be
A mystery, just..
Words.

Words on the page,
Like strokes of a brush
Designed to give a bigger picture?
Or random acts of whim?
Could there be something deep and magical
Lurking beneath them?
Are poems glimpses into the soul,
A clearer view of who I am?
Or are they only..
Words?

I'll probably write original poems for this sometime, but for now I'm gonna cheat and take a couple from the poetry book I wrote on Hurricane Katrina. xP

The Pain

Toxic Art

And, hell, here's one more. Please read it out loud so my laborious syllable counting doesn't go to waste. xD

The Secret

The killer hides in vibrant blue
and oh! The tales are too true.
Adventurous are ever-more-
another body flows to shore.

The killer hides beneath the wave
and oh! The people rant and rave.
The guns sharp click, the motor's roar-
another body flows to shore.

The killer hides within the sea
and oh! if only we were free.
Instead, we're drawn by waves of gore-
another body flows to shore.

To hunt, the killer does but wait
and oh! I fear we'll learn too late.
For here is natures lurid lore-
the victims always crave for more.

( I'm not much of a poetry person so I don't know if this is good or not, but hey i wrote it. also it's free verse so no rhyming,well on purpose at least.)

You feel the Noose around Your neck.

It's Tightening...

It's Tightening...

You feel the Water above Your head.

It's Rising...

It's Rising...

You feel the Flames lick Your skin.

It's Growing...

It's Growing...

Now You feel Alive again.

It's Over...

It's Over...

You feel his Lips brush Your own and now You're...

You're Dying...

You're Dying...

Well, it's been a long time, and I'm sorry for making it so, but at long last the submissions have been judged and a decision has been arrived at.

We will of course go in descending order:

The third place winner of this poetry contest is Zillah with his poem "We keep you alive because you're pretty".

The second place winner of the contest is Psychonomaly with "Sanguisuga".

And now, the moment you've all been waiting (a month >.>) for, the first place winner.

And it is...

Kouketsu with his poem "Inspiration"!

Congratulations to all of our winners, and also to all those who submitted poems to this competition. It was a joy to read all of your work, and I hope you participate next time.