Prize Poem Competition

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 10, 19 September 1930, Page 31

Prize Poem Competition

HD prize of half a guinea this week is awarded to "Basbleu" for skilful verses dedicated to the memory of that "tenderest of Roman poets," whose imperishable: achievement has survived the passing of two thousand years. The winning poem is away from the beaten track over which Pegasus plods in"much of the work we receive, and is an arresting and thoughtful tribute*to the continuity of the influence of genius. Although not up to winning standard, we commend "Mount Sefton," by J.R., for able and: reverent voicing of the loveliness of the wild New Zealand landscape. "Pan" carols of "flowers and a whiff of the sea" gracefully enough, but we do not care for the repetitive last line. S.E.F.J. adjures her fellow-creatures, individually and in bulk, to "Keep Smiling," her versés thus optimistically concludingJust keep smiling ahd your smile Perchance may strike some hero’s glance." Why not practise the Mona Lisa smile? J.V.W. exhorts to faith and courage along life’s dusty road, and longs for a golden key to unlotk the mystery of the future. A-human sentiment, . .but his verses are undistinguished. C.8.: Yours was an interesting letter. Although in the sheaf of poems you send none quite reaches the standard required for the prize, your. work shows definite facility, and also that imaginative vision essential to poetic expression, . From much that is attractive we select for special commendation "Contentment Trail" and the quaint and sweet "Chrysan- . themums." .Wé may be able to use the last-named. ° Orlando: Twenty minutes in a taxi on a moonlight night would appear to have hada disturbing effect on this poetaster, who sends us some washy' verses concerning his companion in that Taxi for Two. Mary of Argyle: Phrasing and punctuation conspicuous for their eccentricity. The Minstrel: Robust and plain-spoken, but not poetry of either ancient or modern variety.. ° John Storm: Sorry we have no space for your charming Villanelle. Prester John: Smooth and plausible, but observation inaccurate.