Prize Poem Competition

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 43, 9 May 1930, Page 22

Prize Poem Competition

"THE prize of half a guinea this week is awarded to "Betty K." for an appealing "Fragment." This writer has sent further contributions of freshness and high hope, suggesting the quick impulses and wide-open eyes of youth. Selected for commendation are "Sardonyx’s" poem of "Yesterday," this being somewhat slight in verbal texture to be a prize-taker; and "Night Magic," joyous lines anent Harlequin and Columbine, by "Oh, Mack," which just fail to reach the winning standard. J.V.W M.B. . makes unsuccessful attempt at poetic phrasing of Maori legend. We like better "The Nest," which tunefully regrets man’s inhumanity to busy birds, toilsomely building, with stick. and straw, those poor little homes so quickly demolished by some "muddied oaf" out birdnesting. (Gisborne): ‘"Thistledown" is a pretty serap; but the second poem bewilders by its insistent reiteration of scarlet, while "And your admiration it earns" is a line entirely unflushed by the poetic Muse. "Hibiscus," we judge, is a tyro in the art of the written word, but rushes in with astounding audacity where literary lions have gone before. Let her read, mark, learn, and digest their work.