Winning Failure Poem - September 2012

The winning poem for September, a poem regarding failure, is somewhat mysterious. The poem can be read in several ways. I was tempted to explain how I read it, but will only say it looks to me as though an adult is apologizing for failure to adequately communicate something important to a child. I have one or two specific ideas, but decided not to express them here, since that might prejudice your own reading.

I will say, however that I like the poet's use of jacks in this poem.

Dear Agnieszka

I know it’s too late
to stop the wounds,
the hurt. The cow
is already out of the barn.
Before you were nine
all things should have
been spoken. The
lines tossed to you
light as jacks, and just
as sharp, bouncing
round your head, dribbling
into your heart.
But you know
I loved you and that
should count for something.

~ Connie K Walle

Ms. Walle retains copyright on this poem. She is a lifelong resident of Tacoma, Washington, and President of Puget Sound Poetry Connection which brings The Distinguished Writer Series to Tacoma monthly, now in its 23rd season.

Judges for September were Jim Lambert and Jacob Erin-Cilberto.

Jim lives lives with his wife of 47 years and two 28 year-old desert tortoises near Carbondale, IL. He is active in community theater. His poetry book "Winds of Life" was published in 2007.

Jacob lives and teaches in Southern Illinois. He has been writing and publishing poetry since 1970. His 12th and most recent book, Used Lanterns is available from Water Forest Press, Stormville, NY. Jacob has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize in poetry 2006-2008 and again in 2010.

Thank you to the judges, and everyone who entered the September challenge. Congratulations to the winning poet.

Return to this address on October 1 or 2 to find out what the October challenge will be.

© Wilda Morris 2012