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January 2024 Poetry Contest - $500 Cash Prize

January 2024 Poetry Contest - $500 Cash Prize

Published: January 5, 2024

January 2024 Poetry Contest Semi-finalists

These poems have been submitted to the January 2024 Poetry Contest. Below this list you will find the semi-finalist poems.

January 2024 Poetry Contest, Prize $500 Cash!
Submission Deadline is January 31. CLOSED.
Semi-Finalists Published here through February 6th CLOSED.
Winner Announced: February 7th
The Winning Poem is - Falling Deeper by Doug W. Benson. Congradualtions!

These poems have been submitted to the January 2024 Poetry Contest.

AWAKEN by Lisa Rosenthal
Faith by Clifford B. Summers
For You, And Nothing Else, Are My Home. by Hannah
Our Dreamland by Hanan E. Abdel Latif Fouad
All Of The Sound Of Her Voiceless Shouts by Moira Villamanca
MDFIGBNF by John M. Fergerson
Your Mother Should Have Named You Apollo 16 by Bruce W. Lider
Every Day Is Different. by Alex Sarich
Gratitude Ode by Joseph Iacobellis
My Father's Love by Muriel Maxis
Give! by N8Booker
The Pendulum Of Night by Sylvia Stults
In Season's Trust by Susan A Capozzi
I Finally Met Habit by Doug William Benson
Nature's Therapy by Clifford B. Summers
Finally Found Her & Became Enough by Audra A. Allensworth Parsons
Beyond by David J. Herring
Home From The War by Pauline Faller
Reflection by Judi Twomey
My Place In The Universe by LUANN WINKLE
OUR FATHER by Raelene J. Elliss
Every Dream Leads Me To You by Marcia A. Newton
ECHOES by Lisa Jessie
Only For A Season by Eric English
Note To Self by Donna Marie
DROWNING by Elvis Giles
Falling Deeper by Doug William Benson
The Street by Christi Van Zyl
Scattered Thoughts by Eunice Lucero
Chaos by Marie Matheny
She Is . . . by Charles J Booker
Among The Stars by Ann D. Stevenson
The Loss Of Wonder by Sarah E. Dell
2023 Limerick Year-end Review by Don Coyne
Sorry, I'm Not Home Anymore by Sara Hollie
Life Is Puzzling by Carolyn V. June-Jackson
The House by James Dagger
STORY-TELLER by TEAH L. KAYNE
Lovestruck by Charles J Booker
Her Healing Smile by Charles J Booker
Steel Tendrils by Charles J Booker
Welcome Home by Regina M. Elliott
Carpe Diem 7/2008 (2nd Edition) by Lyndee Champion-Ivey
Peace Within Our Hearts by Cheryl L. Johnson
Betrayal by Cynthia C. Naspinski

The poems below have been selected as semi-finalists for the January 2024 Poetry Contest.

We look for poems that have a clear message, Are heartfelt, Appeal to a wide audience

Our Editors determine the winning poem based on content, but you can let us know your top poems by rating, sharing, adding to your favorites and commenting on your favorite poems.

View our Previous Poetry Contest Winners

13 January 2024 Poetry Contest Semi-finalists

Note To Self
- By Donna Marie
- Published by Family Friend Poems January 2018 with permission of the Author.
A short inspirational reminder to flow with changes.

Metaphor For Dealing With Change

in Inspirational Poems

Be like the willow that bends,
shade that it sends,
peace that it lends.

Be like the willow that bends,
shade that it sends,
peace that it lends.

During the breeze
its leaves will appease
and shift with ease.

Enduring, alluring, maturing.
Be like the willow that bends.
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This is an amazing poem - saying so much in very few words. Things don't always go the way we want, and sometimes we have to adapt and do so cheerfully - a very important lesson. It is also...

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Chaos
- By Marie Matheny
- Published by Family Friend Poems November 23, 2022 with permission of the Author.
I wrote this poem to describe what it feels like having my two grandkids come and visit for the weekend. They are already older now and don't come as often as they once did, which saddens me, but I knew it would happen as they grew older. Those weekends are cherished memories for me and ones I'll always remember although pretty hectic while going on. It wasn't just chaos because we had a lot of fun too. I hope they too will look back someday, when they are adults, at these fun-loving memories also.

Grandkids At Nana's House

in Grandchildren Poems

Getting the grandkids
For the weekend
Starts out sweet and calm
Soon it turns to chaos

Getting the grandkids
For the weekend
Starts out sweet and calm
Soon it turns to chaos
As time lingers on

Sleep deprivation
Too many sweets
Turns to aggravation
Between them and me

They play good for five minutes
Then argue for twenty
As the day wears on
It never is too pretty

My patience goes out the window
I'm yelling at both of them
They are crying and fighting
Total chaos to the end

I tell myself
After it's done and over
It'll be a long while
Before I have them over

But one weekend comes and goes
I forget the chaos and then
Before I know what I have done
They're back with me again

It's a never-ending cycle
Coming to Nana's on weekends
This chaos and confusion
I fear will someday end

Love, love my grandkids
Love them to the core
Love the chaos and confusion
And the memories even more...
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I remember it well! You've summed it all up beautifully. I must look up more of your poetry. Best wishes, Ann D Stevenson

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Among The Stars
- By Ann D. Stevenson
- Published by Family Friend Poems September 2020 with permission of the Author.
When I look up at a clear night sky and see the stars, I feel as if a loved one is looking down. As a child, I was taught to wish upon a star, and that special feeling has stayed.

Copied rhyme ends from The Tiger by William Blake

Inspired By The Night Sky

in Creative Poems

I see your star, it's shining bright
amongst the others of the night,
a sight so blessed, as by my eye
your soul now rests in symmetry.

I see your star, it's shining bright
amongst the others of the night,
a sight so blessed, as by my eye
your soul now rests in symmetry.

How I love the night time skies,
such magic drifts before my eyes,
these are the times when I aspire
to write what sets my heart on fire.

To write in rhyme my chosen art,
words all coming from my heart,
like my heart they need a beat,
metric poems in measured feet.

Words start forming in a chain,
tumbling round within my brain,
about the love I tried to grasp,
the love no longer in my clasp.

Grief attacks with many spears,
piercing holes for leaking tears,
but gazing at night skies I see
the one lone star I think is thee.

I see your star, still shining bright
amongst the others of the night,
a sight so blessed, as by my eye
your soul now rests in symmetry.
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That's a real compliment from you, who writes so well, thank you. Best wishes, Ann

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Nature's Therapy
- By Clifford B. Summers
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
I have always mused over the effect nature has on our psyche, evoking an introspection we typically do not possess. It can summon the full range of human emotion but often centers on the more melancholic: a bittersweet thought, a poignant reflection, long-forgotten memories, wistful reminders of a happier time. Nature provides for us a safe and secure environment to process our feelings and to resolve internal conflict. It soothes our hurt and pain, heals our broken hearts and makes us whole.

in Beauty of Nature Poems

There are some drawn to the ocean,
Its boundless depths and mysteries,
Where crashing breakers sound like thunder,
And gentle breezes kiss the seas,

There are some drawn to the ocean,
Its boundless depths and mysteries,
Where crashing breakers sound like thunder,
And gentle breezes kiss the seas,

Where moonlight falls upon the water
Like shards of mirrored glass coalesced,
Pointing souls to far horizons,
Away from trouble and distress.

Hear the ever present rhythm,
Of waters dancing on the shore.
Inviting all to share their sorrow
So joy and peace may be restored.

There are some drawn to the prairie,
Its endless fields of wind-blown grass,
Her wide and open ranges calling
Burdened souls to home at last.

Feel the freedom of the cloudless
Skies that share their heavenly lights,
Shining truth with sun a'glaring,
Beauty, too, in starlit nights.

See the ever present rhythm,
Changing seasons underscore,
All life's toilsome pain and sorrow
So joy and peace may be restored.

There are some drawn to the mountains
Her brooding forests, darkest green.
Craggy cliff and peak majestic
Babbling brook and deep ravine.

See the glory of creation
Heaven reaching, touching earth.
Beauty here will make the heart ache,
Showing her inherent worth.

Know the ever present rhythm
Of the winds where eagles soar
Inviting all to share their sorrow
So joy and peace may be restored.
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Falling Deeper
- By Doug W Benson
- Published by Family Friend Poems January 4, 2024 with permission of the Author.
There's no recipe for love. And the concept of this poem is not by any means meant to come across presumptuous. I simply feel these suggestions, multiple moments and, dare I say some requirements, have proven to be essential at achieving a deeper and more meaningful love in my life. Not just the numerical "what" but the "how" and "why" behind each theme are, for me, what have built the foundation for the relationship with my sweet companion. The most important thing in the world to me!!

Suggestions, Thoughts And Moments For Deeper Love

in True Love Poems

Twelve red roses;
best when unsuspected

Eleven vows spoken;

Twelve red roses;
best when unsuspected

Eleven vows spoken;
deepest thoughts reflected

Ten interlocked fingers;
longing then reconnected

Nine vulnerable moments;
never to feel rejected

Eight emotional disagreements;
both parties respected

Seven laugh-til-you-cries;
priceless and unexpected

Six trips across the pond;
cultures to be injected

Five love languages learned;
unknown needs now detected

Four eyes looking forward;
though the past not neglected

Three Godly forces;
new roads Heaven-directed

Two hearts forged together;
now forever connected

One purpose in mind;
love always protected
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Lovely romantic winning poem for the month of hearts, Doug. Congratulations on your win.

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My Place In The Universe
- By Luann Winkle
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
I began writing poetry to process my emotions over the loss of my dear husband in 2015. After navigating that loss and finding new love, the unimaginable happened again four years later when my (now) life partner died unexpectedly soon after we retired. "My Place in the Universe" chronicles my journey as I, alone, one step at a time, walk through unfathomable grief and fear of the unknown to my place of serenity and joy. Today I am whole, at peace with my life choices, and always grateful.

Obstacles, Choices, Resiliency, Peace

in Courage Poems

One time there was a mountain,
and I said, "I can't climb that mountain,"
and I turned back and took a different path.
And along the way I encountered wild beasts,

One time there was a mountain,
and I said, "I can't climb that mountain,"
and I turned back and took a different path.
And along the way I encountered wild beasts,
beasts with fangs and horns and razor-sharp hooves.
Yet, they didn't harm me.

And one time there was a raging river,
and I said, "I can't cross that river,"
and I turned back and took a drier route.
And along the way I viewed veins
of diamonds and rubies,
emeralds embedded in rocky crags--
jewels that glimmered and shone,
ripe for my picking.
Yet, they didn't enrich me.

And one time there was a valley,
a valley, deep and foreboding--
a godless well that beckoned me to leap in,
and I said, "I can't traverse that chasm,"
and I turned back and followed the sun,
then the moon, and then the stars as night fell.
And then I rested in utter darkness
when I wearied of walking.
Yet, I was never lost.

And soon, there was an ocean before me,
and I said, "I don't need to cross the sea. I've had my time
with wild beasts and riches and the stars of the night sky."
So, I stayed on the shore
and let the warm waves wash me
to my place in the universe.
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Welcome Home
- By Regina M. Elliott
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 23, 2023 with permission of the Author.
Our Vietnam Veterans deserve all the honor and respect owed to them.

A Welcome Home To Vietnam Veterans

in War Poems

When I met the tall and amiable Vietnam War veteran,
my shyness showed,
yet, my throat dried and tightened when he softly
spoke the words, "The war never goes away."

When I met the tall and amiable Vietnam War veteran,
my shyness showed,
yet, my throat dried and tightened when he softly
spoke the words, "The war never goes away."
All these humanity destroying wars never cease,
soldier's names, faces, their eyes so well-worn.
Their love letters sent home never faded in their
immortality,
the soldiers who made it home alive weren't
given a hero's welcome.

Their nightmares flashing as they wake up
sweating in their sheets in the dark,
yelling for respite from still hearing and being
in the firefight,
still seeing the VC,
and witnessing the life breaths leaving mortally
wounded brothers.
Descending into the night's loneliness,
the blue-gray of the t.v. on low volume,
the sobbing of a loyal wife.
Some marriages, families split apart with
crushing sadness,
many veterans homeless on U.S. streets,
such a heartbreaking shame shadowing over
the face of America the beauty.

Surviving veteran's hair becomes snow-white,
war wounds achingly arthritic,
memories of their war buddies still sweetly
preserved in their mind's images.
Vietnam War veteran's reunions as their
bones stiffen,
but still salute their brothers and sisters in arms,
their hats with the name of the war,
the pride of their service.

Many barely out of high school with brothers
of the same town,
the same state,
so much youth called up,
joining brothers from other regions of the U.S.
Blessed by God in their fraternity,
their bravery.
The deep red poppies represent their
precious blood.
I remember the 1960's-70's searing scars in
my mind,
weeping for the loss, the hurt in our hearts
over the Vietnam War.

MIA's, POW's,
disappeared as aging families still pray,
still wait.
In the local Veterans Cemetery,
I met a woman in her eighties,
she was a little confused,
couldn't recall where her Vietnam Veteran
son's grave was located.
She told me her daughter-in-law couldn't
bear to visit his grave.
We found his grave,
his name glistening in the dew of that gentle
May morning,
as wrens and sparrows sang on blossomed
boughs.
A chance encounter became such a gift to
honor her son,
and his mother.
To let her know he was not forgotten,
but cherished.
Welcome Home.
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Every Dream Leads Me To You
- By Marcia A. Newton
- Published by Family Friend Poems November 24, 2023 with permission of the Author.
This poem is about envisioning a life and realizing that all of your dreams are connected to one special person. This poem is about realizing that in order to make dreams come true, you must be willing to risk everything.

Dreams That Lead You To One Special Person

in Romantic Poems

When a vision of perfect happiness comes into view,
I know every dream leads me to you.
As I lie down to sleep under the stars that shine,
I dream of a time when you are mine.

When a vision of perfect happiness comes into view,
I know every dream leads me to you.
As I lie down to sleep under the stars that shine,
I dream of a time when you are mine.

I desire to know your soft loving touch
and for you to know I love you so much.
You are my love and heart's greatest dream.
You are every wish I make it seems.

I dare to envision a time together
and a chance to share our bodies in pleasure.
You're what my fantasies are always made of
as I'm lost in dreams where we love to make love.

I have a dream and only time will tell.
if all my aspirations are alive and well.
I will fight for my dream and risk everything
if that's what it takes to live out my dream.

I am a dreamer believing dreams can come true
knowing every dream I have leads me to you.
This sensation of excitement can only mean
I'm feeling I'll soon be living the dream.
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Reflection
- By Judi Twomey
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
As an ageing senior having trouble accepting the inevitable changes of ones outside appearance and feeling invisible I needed to reassure myself that its what's inside that counts and that will never change.

Getting Older And Accepting Yourself Just As You Are

in Aging Poems

I stand before the mirror
A stranger stares at me
I've been replaced by someone else
They're standing where I used to be.

I stand before the mirror
A stranger stares at me
I've been replaced by someone else
They're standing where I used to be.

This person's hair is fading
Her breasts point to the floor
Zips and buttons straining
Nothing fastens anymore.

Her face is worn and wrinkly
Her lips have lost their pout
Some would call her cuddly
But the word I'd use is stout.

This image large and bloated
Her waist has disappeared
She never thought would happen
What she really always feared.

I tried to sympathize with her
Used all the right clichés
But I could now relate to her
In many many ways.

We promised to be buddies
And join as one strong team
Our body image worries
Weren't as bad as they may seem.

We made a pact to lighten up
And take it on the chin
And promised to remember that
What matters is within.
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Betrayal
- By Cynthia C. Naspinski
- Published by Family Friend Poems January 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
Having gone through this myself, I've attempted to draw comparisons between the feelings of betrayal by one's own body to that of an unfaithful lover.

Dealing With Feelings Of Betrayal

in Cancer Poems

You betrayed me.

While I went about my days,
Blithely oblivious,

You betrayed me.

While I went about my days,
Blithely oblivious,
You kept your dark secret.
It festered, insidious.

Had I missed any signs
Of your covert activity;
Too smug in my assumptions
And foolish naivety?

Once the truth was revealed,
I was left reeling.
Didn't know how to process
All that I was feeling.

Your treachery was exposed,
Examined, excised.
Though tough times ensued,
I got on with my life.

Now I keep watch for signs,
Another smoking gun.
This breakdown in trust
Can't be undone.

I want to go back
to being carefree,
But cancer has stolen
That innocence from me.

I can't look at you the same,
There are scars that remain.
You betrayed me once,
Will you do it again?
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Followed right along, well versed and emotions well described! Keep Healing

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Only For A Season
- By Eric S. English
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
I used a traditional poetical pattern which is unusual for me. I am usually a lyrical poet and it does come through in this poem. The richness of the poem is when it is read aloud.

Poem On The Death Of A Spouse

in Wife Death Poems

I set aside a season for my love
And a garden to remember her by;
So that upon the chime of the new moon
My dear love would arrive.

I set aside a season for my love
And a garden to remember her by;
So that upon the chime of the new moon
My dear love would arrive.

Where has the time gone
Since she last passed?
I have been lost for so long,
And so long, lost in the past -

It leaves me wounded from the years
Of a time lived without her love.
My war-torn soul is still soaked in the tears of
Her memories.

The breadth of autumn's
Beauty is no match for
The depths of her eyes,
Which were as deep as the sky
Is wide.

And rare, like the winter flower,
Showering my soul like a warm summer rain
And devouring my heart every hour,
Of every day.

Not so different was her smile,
Which radiated like the sun.
For thousands and thousands of endless miles
She was light for everyone.

She was my love, and my world;
She was my heart, and my girl;
She was my sun, and at times my night;
But she was always my soul's delight.

My sweetest love, how I have missed her for so long
That I barely exist with the loss,
Forcing me every night to pray
for another chance but my prayers fall back to earth like rain.

And still, there is one thing I know for certain,
That if I had to do it again, I would gladly carry the burden
A thousand times over a thousand lives
Just for the chance to love this woman, one more time.
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Lovely and beauteous elegy poem about your beloved late wife. A fine and tender tribute, Eric. My very best wishes for the contest.

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Beyond
- By David J. Herring
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
My poem uses a Shakespearean Sonnet form, which seems to lend itself to some of my life's experiences. The poem was born after periods of deep pain over the years, followed by my marriage where some things were resolved, but new troubles appeared, as, no doubt, in every life. The message is one of hope born of Love, through all life's trials; the wonder and beauty of life and its promise, despite great suffering when hope seems gone for ever, but ever lives and calls us to the end, and beyond.

Life's Joys And Sorrows

in Hope Poems

If you could see beyond your weeping tears,
To where the sunshine sparkles once again,
Then would those drops of pain be free from fears,
And you'd recall that gardens need the rain.

If you could see beyond your weeping tears,
To where the sunshine sparkles once again,
Then would those drops of pain be free from fears,
And you'd recall that gardens need the rain.
If you could see beyond despair and sorrow,
To where the veil is lifted, mercy flows,
Then would today be blessed by faith's tomorrow,
And thorns be valued for tomorrow's rose.
For tears can give love's rainbow many hues,
But life's sun burns if taken to excess;
Love's kind wisdom often forbids us choose,
Lest we seek sun before the rain can bless;
And were no tears, no rainbow could unfold,
No journey's end treasure, no crock of gold.
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Home From The War
- By Pauline Faller
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
I wrote this verse a few years ago for my friend, who has two sons, one was in the army and the other, in the navy. They both ended up in Iraq, fighting in the war. My friend needed something to help her take her mind of her sons both being in a war zone at the same time. It helped a little, and yes, they both made it home ok.

in War Poems

Here's a friendly little greeting
Just to welcome you back home,
You serve your country admirably
As so far and wide you roam.

Here's a friendly little greeting
Just to welcome you back home,
You serve your country admirably
As so far and wide you roam.

The folks back home, they love you
It's for those you go to fight,
By being shipped to foreign lands
To help put their wrongs to right.

The act of war is so horrific
Many lives, they have been lost,
You wonder if it's worth it all
When there's so much human cost.

But now the war is over
And the fighting's all but done,
Your friends and family miss you loads
It's time to come on home.

A change of scene is what you need
The battleground is no more,
For nowhere else on earth compares
To your homelands welcome shore.
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Hello Pauline, You've penned a caring and heartfelt poem. I'm very touched by it. My very best wishes for the contest.

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1 - 13 of 13

January 2024 Poetry Contest - $500 Cash Prize

13 January 2024 Poetry Contest Semi-finalists

A short inspirational reminder to flow with changes.

When I look up at a clear night sky and see the stars, I feel as if a loved one is looking down. As a child, I was taught to wish upon a star, and that special feeling has stayed. Copied rhyme ends from The Tiger by William Blake

Our Vietnam Veterans deserve all the honor and respect owed to them.

This poem is about envisioning a life and realizing that all of your dreams are connected to one special person. This poem is about realizing that in order to make dreams come true, you must be willing to risk everything.

As an ageing senior having trouble accepting the inevitable changes of ones outside appearance and feeling invisible I needed to reassure myself that its what's inside that counts and that will never change.

Having gone through this myself, I've attempted to draw comparisons between the feelings of betrayal by one's own body to that of an unfaithful lover.

I used a traditional poetical pattern which is unusual for me. I am usually a lyrical poet and it does come through in this poem. The richness of the poem is when it is read aloud.

When I look up at a clear night sky and see the stars, I feel as if a loved one is looking down. As a child, I was taught to wish upon a star, and that special feeling has stayed.

Copied rhyme ends from The Tiger by William Blake