Competition
A contest of winners and losers4 total reviews
Comment from karenina
Congratulations on the win! You had my vote, for sure... This is fine free verse that traces the arc of competition from the first thrilling seconds of anticipation, through the intensity of the effort, the awareness that one may not be the fastest or finest, the bittersweet tang of envy and ambition that can steal the joy of participating -- as well as the see-sawing of emotions between pride and fear.
Most importantly! We're left to ponder if the point of competition is in the camaraderie, or is it solely the victory that matters?
I'd only say that this poem would have been as impressive within your portfolio if it was NOT the winner ~ but wasn't it a thrill to compete and win!?
Karenina
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2024
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Congratulations on the win! You had my vote, for sure... This is fine free verse that traces the arc of competition from the first thrilling seconds of anticipation, through the intensity of the effort, the awareness that one may not be the fastest or finest, the bittersweet tang of envy and ambition that can steal the joy of participating -- as well as the see-sawing of emotions between pride and fear.
Most importantly! We're left to ponder if the point of competition is in the camaraderie, or is it solely the victory that matters?
I'd only say that this poem would have been as impressive within your portfolio if it was NOT the winner ~ but wasn't it a thrill to compete and win!?
Karenina
Comment Written 26-Oct-2024
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2024
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Karen,
Thank you for the congrats. I was not sure I would win this one. I shared first place with an entry by Karen Cherry Threadgill. But I'll take it. Your reviews are always helpful and reflects your other special talent, the gift of insight.
All the best,
Eugene
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A tie for first is still a first...
I loved drilling down on this poem and embracing all the nuance!
Comment from Y. M. Roger
Yes, as a 'good' competitor, we always battle that envy, but the majority of your offering tells why it is all worth that battle! ;) A wonderful free verse for this topic including great formatting for such -- Thanx for sharing and best of luck in the contest! ;)
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Yes, as a 'good' competitor, we always battle that envy, but the majority of your offering tells why it is all worth that battle! ;) A wonderful free verse for this topic including great formatting for such -- Thanx for sharing and best of luck in the contest! ;)
Comment Written 26-Oct-2024
Comment from tempeste
Ciao mystery poet, you now have 5 votes.
I enjoyed reading your poem which brought to light all the positive and negative feelings that arise when we compete.
I always loved sports and for me winning was a big deal.
I recall at school teachers would say :the important thing is to participate.. I thought that crap they spewed was for those who were not very athletic...to make them feel better.
In sports, you play to win, period.
I most probably came across as an asshole but I always played to win.
The few times I lost ( or reached a tie) I was angry with myself because I failed.
I guess it was a good thing that I was not competitive even at work.
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Ciao mystery poet, you now have 5 votes.
I enjoyed reading your poem which brought to light all the positive and negative feelings that arise when we compete.
I always loved sports and for me winning was a big deal.
I recall at school teachers would say :the important thing is to participate.. I thought that crap they spewed was for those who were not very athletic...to make them feel better.
In sports, you play to win, period.
I most probably came across as an asshole but I always played to win.
The few times I lost ( or reached a tie) I was angry with myself because I failed.
I guess it was a good thing that I was not competitive even at work.
Comment Written 26-Oct-2024
Comment from Cindy Decker 3
Bernie,
Great poem about competition and win g and losing. If I could run a marathon, I would just be happy to finish.
You raise great questions about competing, and the desire to win at any cost. In the Olympics, for example, some athletes show true respect for the other competitors, while others, try to win at any cost.
It's that way in other walks of life too.
Exceptional poem, Eugene.
Best wishes and good luck,
Cindy
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2024
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Bernie,
Great poem about competition and win g and losing. If I could run a marathon, I would just be happy to finish.
You raise great questions about competing, and the desire to win at any cost. In the Olympics, for example, some athletes show true respect for the other competitors, while others, try to win at any cost.
It's that way in other walks of life too.
Exceptional poem, Eugene.
Best wishes and good luck,
Cindy
Comment Written 23-Oct-2024
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2024
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Cindy,
Thank you for your 6 star review. I was not athletic in school growing up and could not run even the cross-country race back then. But today I do like to compete but only for fun. All around us today the emphasis in competing in all walks of life to to win at all cost. This contest offered an opportunity to highlight the positives and negatives of that particular competitive attitude.
All the best,
BermyBye50
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Eugene,
Congratulations on your win!