[Maryann Corbett]

Today--Old Christmas, Epiphany, the Twelfth Day of Christmas, however we mark it--is usually counted the last day of the Christmas season, and I'd like to use it as our wrap-up.

If you'd like to vote for your three favorites among these, post your choices in this thread, labeled 1, 2, 3 today. I'll tally points tomorrow morning, and ask our judge, in the sober light of winter, to name hers. And on that day all will be revealed.

[Janice D. Soderling]

Well, if I am going to be macabre, I might as well be as macabre to the uttermost limit.

1. The Suicides on Christmas Day
2. The Monster's Mother
3. Drought

All entries are fine poems and much admired, but darkness and despair is a helluva way to kickstart a new decade. Still, both the traditional decking plants--mistletoe and holly--are poisonous, so it is apt.


Thanks Maryann and Jennifer for heroically rescuing the Deck the Halls tradition at the last minute.

[Donna English]

1.The Suicides at Christmas--some poems get better and better with each read, this one does that.
2. Deathwatch--
3. Drought--



Maryann thanks to you and Jennifer, and Sharon for all the work you did.

Donna

[Michael Cantor]

1 - The Monster's Mother
2 - Ending in Cape May
3 - Drought

[Catherine Chandler]

Sorry I couldn't participate more in this event - I've been in South America for a week now and only today had some Internet access. My favorites are:

1. Disenchantment Bay
2. Ending in Cape May
3. The Monster's Mother

Though on another day the order might be different.

Happy New Year to all!

Cathy

[Roger Slater]

1. Anorexic
2. Monster's Mother
3. Mobius

[Cally Conan-Davies]

As I make this list, I cannot believe the poems I am leaving out! The beautiful 'Death Watch', and 'Moving Inland'! BUT

1. Ending in Cape May (because there's something about it that lifts me, unmoors me. I LOVE reading this poem).

2. Disenchantment Bay (because it's an exquisite example of the work of a master-craftsman).

3. The Monster's Mother (because it engenders empathy)

But I have truly loved reading and re-reading the entire selection.

Thank you Maryann, Jenn, and all the poets.

Cally

[John Beaton]

1. Disenchantment Bay
2. Mobius
3. Anorexic

Thanks to Maryann, Jennifer, and Sharon for organizing this, and to the providers of such a fine slate of poems.

John

[Orwn Acra]

1. ze Monsta's Mother
2. Ending in Cape May
3. Disenchantment Bay

[Gene Auprey]

#1- Anorexic
#2- Disenchantment Bay
#3- Death Watch