Jackie challenged with needing a new project on the board, suggesting a poetry contest. Carol picked up the call and re-issued it. So, here we go, my friends, let's all go for it. Well come up with a special prize for the big winner and appropriate prizes for the little winners! Post all entries on this thread beginning this coming Monday. Poems can be funny, sad, heartfelt, silly, whatever adjective fits. We may divide into categories if needed. I'm not big on being the judge, so I was thinking about we simply vote. That seems the fairest way.


[align=center]FROM JACKIE TO CAROL AND JOYCE:[/align]

[align=center]Lets get the ball rollin
And start with this contest
We'll see who starts showin
Their poetry conquests

Joyce will be judge
And Jackie will keep it clean
And Carol will fudge
To get in Joyce's book with gleam

So put in your poems
when Joyce gives the ok
And laugh with us Gnomes
As we, seize the day

---Jackie[/align]

Is everyone game??? Let us know...Jackie

[align=center] [/align]


[align=center]FROM CAROL TO JOYCE:[/align]

[align=center]Our agents away
Let the cats play!
As the resident Po-it
Take the lead & go fo-it!

Take your own eloquent dare
Make the rules, keep 'em fair
Start a thread with an invite
We'll see how many bite

There ain't nothin' so de-stressing
as silliness and belly-laughing
So all caregivers get ready
JWinslow keep steady

...as for Jackie's intention
She gets on'rable mention
Her poetic prize should be
to serve as the contest's dep-u-tee!

---Carol[/align]

YA GAME?...Carol


[align=center] [/align]


[align=center]FROM JOYCE TO JACKIE, CAROL AND ALL BOARD MEMBERS:[/align]

[align=center]the ultimate poetry contest[/align]
[align=center]a contest it is to see who's best
in rhyming words like some kind of test.
well, let's take it on; it can't be that hard
to choose the forum's most poetic bard.

what kind of rules jackie seeks to know;
just keep it clean is the way to go.
perhaps submitting at least eight lines
and your choice if you want them to rhyme.

the honor system shall be in place
for original works to win the race;
so, no googling from here and there;
just make it your own words if you dare.

i guess not much else to say or send
except pick a time to start and end;
let's hear from others wanting to play
in this poetry contest of the day.

let's start our rhyming come monday morn,
the day forum poets will be born.
so, come one, come all, let's heed the plea
from budding poets - carol and jackie.[/align]

[align=center]---Joyce[/align]


[align=center] [/align]

I'm game if you'll let me
for sure you can bet me
that poems will appear
from our forum friends dear

Tell us how you are dealing
with all heartfelt feeling;
be it funny or sad,
when it's over, you'll be glad!

Get your thinking caps on;
open your minds to some fun.
Rack that brain of yours now
and make us say, "Wow!"

Joyce

Count me in! But I want to not enter the above poem. Although I have a feeling that's as good as it's going to get!

OK EVERYONE, JOIN OUR POETRY CONTEST STARTING MONDAY It sounds like it will be great fun! But remember, keep it clean. Although a little hint of something is ok!

Jackie

OK, I'm working on it but don't expect much.

Hope it's not cheating to enter something I've posted before,
but it becomes more and more meaningful to me daily...

Daddy

Dear Daddy,
You and Momma gave me my name
Now you don't know my name
You taught me how to be strong
Now you don't know my name
You showed me the value of hard work
Now you don't know my name
You personified integrity
Now you don't know my name...
Daddy,
Thank you for all you have done
Daddy,
Thank you for still loving me
me
just me...
You don't need to know my name.
Love,
Carol

OK, here goes nothing. No laughing.


I remember a time when my world fell apart,
Stressed to the max with a broken heart.
I went searching for solice in cyber space,
When I happened upon a wonderful place.

A place full of caregivers doing their best,
To somehow survive this horrible test.
We clung to each other with comfort and care,
For to find such support was indeed very rare.

So I still stick around though my journey is done,
And pray for the day that the battle is won.

I like it Lori!

Oh Lori - that was just beautiful! And Carol yours too was excellent.

Boy people, we do have alot of competition out there don't we? Joyce must really be proud to see all this talent coming in.

Anyone want to help me with mine? My mind is a complete blank. I hope we have some time yet, I might need another year!!!


Jackie

A poet I am truly not,
that is no surprise.
Maybe if I'm really quiet
and sneak this in
No one will be any the wise(r).

Well....hmmmm. No. *laughs*

I really don't do much rhyming and I'm much better at prose. But I've had the phrase "on my knees" in my head today, so when I came home, I jotted down these few lines. If someone wants to take this as inspiration and run with it, please, be my guest.
_______________________________________________
The worst things in life
and most that must be endured with this disease
are best dealt from the vantage point of on our knees.

Whether washing soiled underwear, counting pills,
or chasing a parent down the street, begging "Please!"
I understand it all much better when I'm on my knees.

God gives me strength to continue when I feel I'm out of steam
Because I take the time to approach him when I'm on my knees.

Love it just the way it is annaberry

Hey, my fellow poets,

Your poems are deeply touching. With the feelings you describe, it's so obvious you either are or have been caregivers under most extraordinary circumstances.

Jackie, you chose a good project!

Thoughts, love and prayers to each of you,

Joyce

OK, I'll start one and someone else can finish it.

When I was young and planned my goal,
I never planned on poop patrol.

But that all changed when she got AD
And now I'm not so fancy free!!

Oh gosh, my mind is still a blank. If thats the best I can do, I won't have a chance in the world of even getting a booby prize!!!

Jackie

OK, folks, don't be shy. Where are those poems?

I'm trying - really I am. My mind just can't come up with much. Do we still have time? Come on everyone, we must finish what we started here. We have to submit something. Lets see if by Monday, we can have a few more submissions. I'll give it another shot again too. Can't tell you how many things I've started and then delete. I really have to start thinking more clearly. Come on lets really really try. I will if you will!!!

Jackie