a DARK invitation

 Since I was a young girl, to win a trophy has always been a desire of mine. I think most kids yearn for one of those shiny cups to display proudly on the fireplace mantle, or in their room to admire anytime. A reason to stand a little taller when other family members or friends, are talking about their accomplishments.1

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I have stated a few times that my first contest win was so exciting for me. I have compared it at one time or another, to finally "crossing the finish line". The sweet taste of victory was mine, and it came in the form of a silver icon. If was for my poetic lyrics, and one I was so very proud of; and still am.3

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To win a trophy for a piece of poetry that I have written, gives me the feeling of actually doing something good. In this case, writing a poem that at least one person has enjoyed. An icon that is proof that I was recognized for doing something right. Something special that was deserving to be honored in a most special way.5

Sure the gold trophy is the one that is most coveted. However, silver or bronze will still warm my heart and cause a smile to appear on my face. It might sound corny to outsiders, but I think everyone here at AP relates to what I am saying.6

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Not all of the contests do I enter with hopes of winning. Some I know are out of my talent range, but I enter to grow poetically. The "challenge" is the root of every contest. To see if I can master it, or if I'm not ready for what it may require of me. There are some contests that I enter just to give encouragement to fellow poets and poetess. We are like one big family here, and we pull together when one of us are in need of some TLC. There are yet other contests that I enter to learn new forms of poetry; and on the other side of that coin, ones I don't enter because I haven't mastered the form.8

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As far as disappointment goes from not winning a trophy, that doesn't happen very frequently. I am more surprised when I win a trophy than the times that I don't. Of course there has been a time or two that I felt like I really had a chance, and then felt a pang of disappointment when I didn't. That feeling doesn't last long at all, because there is always another contest to enter. Sometimes the same poem that brought me disappointment will win in another contest as a prewrite. Now that is fun. It gives the feel of vendication in a way.10

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No matter if I win or lose, the contests have made me a better writer and I am on my way to becoming a respected poetess. It may take my whole lifetime, but I believe one day I will earn the right to be called a poet. It might not be until after my death, and  only written upon my tombstone. 12

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                              17

Here rest Pamela Mae Rhew Bush18

Lover of our precious Saviour19

Beloved Wife and Mother 20

A talented Poet whose love for words21

brought a little joy to the lives of some. 22

May she rest in His peace.23

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a big party's being thrown in your honor32

DRESS UP NICE IN THE BEST ATTIRE THAT YOU OWN33

A NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT IS GUARANTEED34

REST ASSURED YOU'LL NOT GREET THE NEW YEAR ALONE35

KEEP YOURSELF RIPE AND READY FOR ANYTHING 36

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invitations were answered and all's coming38

no one will be allowed to leave till midnight39

voluptuous women will be forthcoming40

i  have a wicked surprise for theDARK141

there will be no other men around but him42

all through the evening his desires will be filled43

take time choosing who and how many of them44

it is the start of your private fantasy45

one new years eve party you'll never forget46

no reason to fear that someone might see you47

~the time's now, and your buffet table is set48