And the winners are…

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I want to thank everyone who entered the Poetry Out of Nothing Challenge. Thank you for joining me in this new venture, and thank you for sharing your work with me and my readers–it was a treat. And now, the Challenge has come to an end. The poems have been read. Votes have been cast. Scores have been tallied. That means the only thing left to do is announce the winners of the Poetry Out of Nothing Challenge, which I am quite happy to do. So, without further ado:

1st Place: Clare Greene, “Juicy Love”

Clare’s poem will be the inspiration for a handmade book by Christina Gay.

2nd Place: Jenny O’Grady, “Folding Laundry”*

Avelino Maestas will create a unique framed photo based on Jenny’s poem.

3rd Place: Michelle Jordan, “Stink Bugs”*

Michelle will be receiving a unique handmade journal from Jenny O’Grady.

4th Place: Erika Ferrin, “Meat Dreams”

Erika will be receiving a $15 gift certificate to Powell’s Books.

Learn more about the prizes these amazing poets will be taking home.

*As stated in the initial challenge rules, the prize contributors were eligible for the challenge, but they are not eligible to win the prize they themselves have donated. Jenny O’Grady, who donated a handmade journal for the second prize, was voted into second place. To resolve this issue, the prizes for 2nd and 3rd place will be switched. Jenny will be awarded a framed photo based on her poem and Michelle will receive the handmade journal.


Juicy Love by Clare Greene

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Juicy Love

My fingernails dig into its pocked skin
and tear apart its rubbery flesh.
We always hurt the ones we love.
I pull a sinewy pod from out of
this juicy ball
that drips its insides
all over its outsides.
Sticky clutter clings to my hands
and sweet love – about to burst -
sits atop my tongue.
Patiently, it waits to explode.
My teeth sink down -
deep, cutting, irreparable.
Skin rips and juice spills
as taste happens.
My eyes widen
and my face lightens
and I remember why the color
Orange
tastes so delicious