In short: the winners!
 

And here we are with the tally, as of 6AM Central Time:

"On Bloomfield"--29
"Carthage"--23
"Aubadergine"--20
"Winter Sparrows"--17
"Minimalism"--4
"Cassandra"--4

Wendy has an early morning class and has given me leave to post her own top two: "On Bloomfield" and "Carthage."

Let me extend thanks again to everyone who contributed to this event: to all of you who submitted poems, from within and outside the Sphere; to everyone who participated in a spirited debate; and most of all to Wendy, for offering to judge, for reading so many poems, for making hard choices, and for taking on all comers.

And now, the names of the poets:

"On Bloomfield"--Rick Mullin
"Carthage"--Nicholas Friedman
"Aubadergine"--Michael Cantor
"Winter Sparrows"--Richard Meyer
"Minimalism"--Frank Osen
"Cassandra"--Jan D. Hodge

Congratulations to all.

Congratulations to all of these authors. I'd have bet dollars to donuts that Carthage and
Cassandra were written by females....which is not a slight to anyone's masculinity
or anything. It has been said all great minds are androgynous...

Thanks to everyone who brought objective debate to the table. I've enjoyed this weird
process, which is not to say I'm not glad it's over....

Heh, I'm okay with it. Thanks for running the show, Wendy.

Wendy, thanks a lot for all you've done, for your good humor and equanimity in what has not been the Sphere's finest hour. Thanks too for taking a strong stand and sticking to your guns in the face of so much sniper fire; I can personally learn from that. This has certainly been an interesting exercise on many levels, not least the sociological. Congratulations as well to Rick, Nick, Mick & the rest for pleasing the distinguished guest and writing interesting poems.

Chris

what has not been the Sphere's finest hour

I haven't seen any comments that would give substance to that statement. This was a mild bake-off compared to many where the judges got bashed and the poets trashed and the whole thing nearly crashed. This one was downright civilized.

Oh, no doubt, we've done worse.

I think that I shall never see
a poem true as Wendy V

Thank you so much to Guardian Angel Maryann, and Superhero Wendy - that's how I see you both! It's been a joy to read you, Wendy, and like Chris said somewhere, I'd love to read you here more regularly. You always fill me with excitement! Anyway! I can't wait to get hold of your new chappie and EAT IT.

--Janice, you have made my day.
Love,
David

Mmmeh,

I'm still glad it's over.

Wendy--Thanks! Do, please, hang out more.

Rick

Yes, Wendy, please stick around.

Nemo