FIRST PLACE

In the Next Life

I will
be the cedar
that slows the wind along
fences and welcomes back the birds
each spring.

      Cindy Tebo

Judges' Notes: This beautifully crafted cinquain evokes the contest theme and looks at spring from an unusual perspective. I can hear the sound of the wind in the slight "w" and "s" alliteration as well as the longing of the poet's desire to be a cedar in the next life. Bravo! ~ DPK
The very natural diction of this poem is appealingly sincere, and the message echoes the magnanimity of Spring. Lines 1 & 5, "I will ... each spring", suggests an eternity of such generous service. Line 5 has a fine turn, from the mere future to the endless hereafter. For such plain-speaking to be so mellifluous is a real accomplishment. The title adds real value to the cinquain. A truly wonderful poem. ~ DG

      SECOND PLACE

Awakening

Now comes
this certain light.
It wakes the greens, and paints
the air we breath with golden warmth,
wet earth.

      Laurene Post

Judges' Notes: Cinquains are often effective as short sentences and Laurene's is no exception to this format. The poem flows well and deftly paints the contest theme in the reader's mind - light after winter darkness, waking the earth. "Paints the air we breath with golden warmth"...lovely! ~ DPK
The slightly elevated diction here is nicely supported by gorgeous imagery. For such rhetorical language to flow so utterly smoothly is remarkable. The first line imparts a fine immediacy to the poem. ~ DG

      THIRD PLACE

Spring Delights

Blue skies
frame cherry buds
soon to break into bloom.
Though not for long - a good wind brings
pink snow.

      Gary Blankenship

Judges' Notes: Gary's poem also nicely conveys the contest theme as well as effectively using a color connection between the first and fifth lines, "Blue skies...pink snow". I smiled as I contemplated the image of "pink snow"! Nicely done. ~ DPK
The light touch of humor in the conclusion of this cinquain takes the poem beyond an appreciation of the beauties of Spring to a fond comment on its transitory nature, which gives a nice edge to the title. This poem is particularly rich in its vowel sounds with well-handled alliteration. The more I read this poem, the better I like it! ~ DG

      FOURTH PLACE

afloat
in a puddle
among seed pods and leaves
a child's blue origami boat
casts off

      Terrie Relf

Judges' Notes: The flow of the diction in this delightful cinquain sails as smoothly as the origami boat sails in my imagination. Lovely. ~ DPK
This beautiful cinquain is an excellent example of American cinquain as haiku, consistent with the inventor's intentions. Stunningly delicate imagery - unforgettable! ~ DG

      FIFTH PLACE

Spring

You quench
parched nature's thirst
and wake the dormant buds
make flowers bloom, coax birds to sing
spring rain.

      Victor P. Gendrano

Judges' Notes: Another well-crafted cinquain with a nice connection between the first/fifth lines, "You quench...spring rain". I like the way Spring is personified and Victor speaks to her as if through the eyes of a man in love. ~ DPK
The title works well as a lead-in to the poem. The r's reverberate throughout the poem, imparting a distinctive flavor. The diction recreates the urgency of new life superbly. One word for this poem: Exultant! How perfectly to sing of Spring. ~ DG

      HONORABLE MENTION

Rebirth

Amid
withered clippings,
remnants of the last frost,
these small green shoots and the promise
spring holds.

      Naia

Judges' Notes: Naia's cinquain flows nicely and effectively captures the contest theme. I can see my own garden in the small green shoots growing amid the withered clippings. ~ DPK
This poem also achieves a haiku-like diction. It seems to end in mid-air, leaving the reader to finish it - a particularly fine example of the "objective correlative" technique. Seemingly, it is a mere whisper of a poem, but it blooms in the reader's mind as a paean to hope. ~ DG

      HONORABLE MENTION

Spring

Released
from winter's keep,
earth and air quickly dress
themselves in nature's unrestrained
fashion.

      Deborah Beachboard

Judges' Notes: I liked the image of the earth and air "quickly dressing themselves". The diction flows naturally and smoothly. All and all, a lovely cinquain. ~ DPK
Conveys the urgency and profligacy of Spring - the extravagance of life unleashed. The phrase "winter's keep" is especially resonant. A sense of warmly affectionate indulgence suffuses this cinquain. It made me smile! ~ DG

We thank these fine poets for sharing their beautiful cinquains with us and likewise thank all the poets who participated in the WHCshortverses Cinquain Contest. It was an honor and a pleasure working with our fellow poets in the Cinquain Workshop. Their interest in the American cinquain form and their fine poetry, both in the Workshop and in this Contest, demonstrate the value of this poetic form and its amazing capability to carry a wide variety of poetic expressions.

Our best wishes always!

Denis Garrison & Deborah P. Kolodji Editors, AMAZE: The Cinquain Journal

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