ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

A triple treat for our active forum members in this year's Cervantes Written Bush Poetry Competition, based in Western Australia. Many thanks to the judge Brenda Joy for the following results and comments, and congratulations all.

2021 CERVANTES FESTIVAL OF ARTS – Bush Poetry Results and Judge’s Report

WINNER (1st Place) In Their Footsteps by Terry Piggott
H.C. (2nd Place) Custodians by Catherine Lee
H.C. (3rd Place) This Land of Ours by Shelley Hansen

JUDGE’S OVERALL COMMENTS RE COMPETITION

All the poems entered in this year’s competition were clear expressions of living in our great Australian land. It is special that stories stemming from our indigenous culture, interweave with stories of early settlers and current populace so demonstrating the evolvement and diversity of the Australian ‘character’.

The majority of poems adhered to the basic twin-pillar principles of our craft which are accurate rhyme and consistent metre. For those who are unaware of the current definition and criteria for ‘bush’ poetry, please go to the Australian Bush Poets Association website www.abpa.org.au and access the ‘Techniques’ and ‘Competition’ sections in the taskbar. To see examples of modern prize-winning poems, access the award-winning ‘Poetry’ section.

Thank you to all entrants for allowing your poetic thoughts and feelings to be shared.

Judge’s Comments re Winning Poems

Winner 1st Place In their Footsteps by Terry Piggott
There is an authenticity in this poem that is only attainable by someone who has experienced the poignant reality of our wonderful but harsh land. “Songs of singing sands”, “whispers in the silence”, “scattered remnants of old dreams”... evocative imagery.
Together with the pathos for those who fought for what they loved, this poem arouses our compassion.
Highly Commended (2nd) Custodians by Catherine Lee
A very well written treatise.
The author elicits that ‘Sorry’ can help appease guilt but can never fully implant forgiveness.
This is a poem of pride and the penultimate verse vividly portrays the essence of power verses love.
The poem’s last line “...As long as didges drone to touch the core of every heart.” has a haunting resonance.
Highly Commended (3rd) This Land of Ours by Shelley Hansen
Extremely well written. Through example, the poet demonstrates the role of the storyteller to reach into the narrative to draw out the universal facets of humanity and in so doing, to turn historical account into poetry.

For the love of poetry,
Brenda Joy
Judge- Cervantes Festival of Arts Written Bush Poetry 2021

What a trifecta!!
Congratulations Terry, Catherine and Shelley!
Well done!
Cheers
Ron.

Thanks Ron

Great to share this with two of my favourite Poets, and also very good Cyber Friends as well.

Terry

Thanks so much, Ron - and you too, Terry, for such warm words. It's wonderful how we can all have such great Cyber friends despite never having met! Warmest congratulations to you and Shelley once again xx

Thank you so much Ron, Terry and Catherine!

Likewise, mutual appreciation society here! Hearty congratulations to you both, Terry and Catherine, and it's delightful indeed to be in such good company.

Cheers
Shelley

Well, it didn't take long to reciprocate with congratulations to you both Catherine and Shelley! And Terry - What can I say, other than what an achievement! Congratulations.
Helen

Thanks so much, Helen.

Thanks Helen

Terry