The Quest for Poetic Merit: Reflections on Poetry Contests and Excellence in Verse

The idea of entering poems into contests can be both exhilarating and daunting. On one hand, there is the allure of recognition and the potential for seeing one's work judged by a panel of experts. On the other hand, there is a common belief that great poetry does not come out of regulated settings, and that true merit often lies beyond the constraints of such formal environments.

Not surprisingly, contemporary poetry competitions are often criticized as superficial and politically driven, serving more as a platform for the establishment of the already famous rather than a genuine discovery of new talent. This raises an important question: in the pursuit of poetic excellence, do such contests truly serve their intended purpose, or are they more akin to self-aggrandizement than a true evaluation of quality?

The Myth of Winning Through Contests

From the outset, it is crucial to acknowledge that no extraordinary poet has ever emerged from the ranks of competition winners. Poetry's true essence often lies in its raw authenticity and the deep emotional resonance it evokes, qualities that cannot be quantified through formal judgments. In fact, such competitions can sometimes stifle genuine creativity, as poets may find themselves catering to the tastes of a select jury rather than expressing their true artistic voice.

Chasing Poetic Merit Without Contest Clout

For those passionate about poetry, the path to true excellence often involves pioneering one's own journey, building a personal audience, and exploring the depths of one's own muse. True poets, like traditional craftspeople, understand that their craft requires dedication, hard work, and time. They do not seek the quick approval of fleeting panels or the temporary boosts of popularity contests. Instead, they focus on nourishing their artistic roots and shaping their individual voices in a world where poetry often struggles to gain widespread recognition.

Is Your Poem Capable of Winning?

Does your poem belong in a contest? Perhaps, but only if it is equipped with the qualities that truly define great poetry: authenticity, depth, and a profound ability to resonate with readers. Is your poem more than just a surface impression or a fleeting moment in time? Can it evoke emotions and provoke thought? These are the qualities that can make a poem stand out and truly deserve recognition.

Consider this poem, a humorous yet heartfelt reflection on the joys and tribulations of being an elephant:

I Am An Elephant!
It's true, I am an elephant!
In fact, I've always been!
I've got this trunk way up in front
Stuck here right in-between...
I've got two tusks that weigh a ton
That press and push and poke
And it's like God was having fun
And thinks it all a joke...

I've got these massive ears as well
Like pizzas piping hot
And four feet that are bound to swell
So thankful I am not...
I've got a teeny-weeny tail
That I'm too fat to see
That swirls around when there's a gal
And keeps on swatting me...

Now is this fair?
Now is this right?
Just munching all day long...
To end up bloated through the night
Like something really wrong
With pesky flies upon my hide
And birds upon my back
My word, the times I've sighed and sighed
I can't give them a whack...
And when I run it's hard to stop
Fair warning, please stand clear
Cos if you don't, you're sure to drop
Squashed flat when I come near...

And must the sun be oh so bright?
It really hurts my eyes...
But no-one listens to my plight
Again, that's no surprise...

No wonder then, I've had enough!
I'd rather be a cat!
If not, I'd rather be a dove
A pigeon or a bat!
If not, I'd rather be a cow
A horse that's what I want!
Just anything because right now
I am an elephant!

Denis Martindale, copyright October 2013.

This poem, while humorous, touches on complex emotions and experiences that speak to the human condition. It challenges the reader to empathize with the struggles and the absurdities of life, making it more than just a simple exercise in wordplay. However, true merit often requires more than humor; it requires a deep connection with the soul of the reader.

Rudyard Kipling, the father of modern poetry in many senses, famously wrote, 'You have to pay your dues. You have to grow your own audience in a dark age of poetry.' This statement rings true today. True poetic excellence is not achieved by conformity to a committee's approval, but rather by cultivating one's unique voice and establishing a genuine connection with an audience. The dream of winning a competition should not be the primary goal, but rather a consequence of one's poetic journey.

The Path to True Poetic Merit

As Younghorse suggests, poetic merit lies in the depth of one's work, the resonance it creates, and the emotions it evokes. Winning a competition is just one aspect of a poet's journey, not the destination. Focus on writing with authenticity, delve deep into the human experience, and let your work stand on its merits alone. The true reward of poetry lies not in accolades, but in the joy of creation and the impact it has on others.

So, if your heart and mind are truly involved, and you strike a profound chord with your readers, you might indeed be a poet, as Rudyard Kipling would say. And even if you choose not to enter contests, your work can still find its place among the greats. The quest for poetic merit is a journey, not a destination, and its true value lies within your own process of creation and expression.