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February 2024 Poetry Contest - $500 Cash Prize

February 2024 Poetry Contest - $500 Cash Prize

Published: February 7, 2024

February 2024 Poetry Contest Semi-Finalists

These poems have been submitted to the February 2024 Poetry Contest. Below this list you will find the semi-finalist poems.

Dates:

February 2024 Poetry Contest, Prize $500 Cash!
Submission Deadline is February 29th. CLOSED
Semi-Finalists Published here March 1 - March 6th.
Winner Announced: March 6th
The Winning Poem is - Trapped Under Evil's Demise by Jenny M. Frye Congradualtions!

These poems have been submitted to the February 2024 Poetry Contest.

Just A Vapor by Jeaninne Stokes
A Salute To Survivors Of Life by Doug William Benson
Dear New Boob by Rosie Barrett
Acularium by Leif W. Eriksen
Still Loving You by Susan A Capozzi
Tell Me Why by Philip Jorgenson
Different by KATHLEEN Thompson
My Dearest Cody by Linda Grantham
Special Friend by Pauline Faller
Sounds by Sue M. Mazzoni
Trapped Under Evil's Demise by Jenny N. Frye
The Darkness That Surrounds Me by Ralph Quinonez
Awakening by Mary Denise Lyons
Awaken To Love: Remembering Your Worth by Julie Batchos
In Denial by Alex Sarich
Save A Kiss by Fairytalefun
Time Is A Thief by Johnnyboy
Life's Journey With You by Lyndee Champion-Ivey
The White Dove by RAMAKRISHNAN
I Was Raped by Carissa
Angels Of God Are Speaking To Me by Marcia A. Newton
Baby Steps by Luann Winkle
In Harder Times by James Sadwick
It's Hard To Say Goodbye by Caleb Burphy
Canyons by Walker R. W
It Is Time by Nastacia Linton
Hello by Seawolf
A Neurodiverse Symphony by Demi
Hell Is Other People by Wilbur M. Scouten
Monster by AlishaPiggy18
How Much Do I Miss You by Kim L. Arruda

The poems below have been selected as semi-finalists for the February 2024 Poetry Contest.

We look for poems that have a clear message, Are heartfelt, Appeal to a wide audience

Our Editors determine the winning poem based on content, but you can let us know your top poems by rating, sharing, adding to your favorites and commenting on your favorite poems.

View our Previous Poetry Contest Winners

February 2024 Poetry Contest Semi-Finalists

A Salute To Survivors Of Life
- By Doug W Benson
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 13, 2024 with permission of the Author.
To all those who are survivors of stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury or any other complex medical condition that required inpatient rehabilitation. You inspire me each day. This poem is dedicated to them, their caregivers and support systems, and my amazing colleagues who would join me in this rally cry!

Poem On Stroke, SCI, Brain Injury, Complex Med Survivors

in Courage Poems

When half of your body
fails to respond,
And words and phrases
are there, but then gone...

When half of your body
fails to respond,
And words and phrases
are there, but then gone...

When a walk to the door
is the best you can do,
Just know that we're here
to help walk you through.

When the cord to your life
has been damaged or severed,
And turning or breathing
makes you tired and weathered...

And you think that "confined to"
means "defined by" a chair,
Just know that we hear you
with empathy and care.

When a mass takes over
with all of its greed,
And your brain keeps on trying
to fight; not concede...

When behaviors emerge
that you've never possessed,
Just know that we'll guide you;
simply give it your best.

When you've got a new heart
or a new loss of limb,
And with time down and out
profound weakness crept in...

When your body rejects
what's been added or lost,
Just know that we're with you,
whatever the cost.

For wars are not always
fought in the field,
And victims aren't always
those maimed or those killed...

When the battle 'tween body
and self caused the strife,
Just know we salute you,
Survivors of Life!
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Trapped Under Evil's Demise
- By Jenny M Frye
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
Starting at the very young age of 6 years old, my innocence was robbed from me. But my story doesn't end there, because I was not only sexually abused but I was also physically abused, as well as mentally and emotionally abused. The two people whom I was supposed to feel safe around, to trust, and to keep me safe, were my worst nightmare as a child. I was forced to grow up too fast. I was a slave to my adopted parents evil gratification. I was trapped under evil's demise.

Innocence Robbed In Childhood

in Hope Poems

I was just an innocent child, so pure and so fragile,
Unaware of the darkness lurking, ready to defile.
Trapped under evils' demise, in a world so vile,
Where shadows danced with malice, leaving me frozen in fear.

I was just an innocent child, so pure and so fragile,
Unaware of the darkness lurking, ready to defile.
Trapped under evils' demise, in a world so vile,
Where shadows danced with malice, leaving me frozen in fear.

My Innocence was like a fragile flower, I blossomed with delight,
Unaware of the lurking storms, that would consume my light.
But as I grew, the storms raged with fury and fright,
And I found myself caged in a dark world of terror.

My home became my battlefield, my innocence was lost,
Where hearts turned cold and bitter, I paid a high cost
I watched my innocence wither, like petals in frost,
And evil's wicked laughter echoed through my ears.

But deep within my soul, a spark of hope remained,
A flicker of innocence, a light that still sustained.
Although the world was cruel, and darkness held me in chains,
I refused to let evil's grip keep me in chains, I have prevailed!
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Baby Steps
- By Luann Winkle
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
This poem tells the painful story of confronting one of the myriad of tasks that I had to do after the death my life partner. In this case, I attempt to pack up and dispose of his personal items, beginning with his shoes. What seems like a simple task unleashes a slew of memories and emotions. In his closet, an unexpectedly intimate space, the sights, sounds, smells, and memories of my partner collide to create a poignant and painful scene that balances the figurative with the literal..

Obstacles, Choices, Resiliency, Peace

in Husband Death Poems

I tell myself I need
to take baby steps
beginning with his shoes.
Plastic bag in hand I enter the closet

I tell myself I need
to take baby steps
beginning with his shoes.
Plastic bag in hand I enter the closet
where nothing has been touched
since ...

Shelves
hold flap-jack stacks of shirts
separated into "work" and "dress".
I once told him that his graphic tees
were more suitable for a teenager
than for a grandpa.
He once told me
that a grandma shouldn't worry
about what other people think.

The closet carries his scent:
a blend of Irish Spring soap,
sawdust, and perspiration
imbedded into his ball caps.
I once buried my nose
so deeply into his neck
that the scent of him
became incense in my soul.

I am transported back to the moment,
stopped in my tracks,
when I sensed that his unique scent
had been replaced by the scent of death.
Not slowly and subtly
but cruelly and rapidly
as he slipped from my life.

Blinking eyes
give way
to gut-sobs
punctuated only by the sound
of shoes
as I drop them
one pair at a time
into the plastic bag.
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Time Is A Thief
- By Johnnyboy
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
My cousin has 3 children, one is 4 and the twins are 2. She shares photos of them growing, picnics, walking, birthdays, etc. She made a comment that time steals all the memories. I said I can do something with that!

Poem About Children Growing Up So Fast

in Children Poems

Time is a thief, in the night so silent,
Stealing moments, tender and vibrant.
From cradle's first cry to the first step so bold,
In a blink of an eye, the story of growth is told.

Time is a thief, in the night so silent,
Stealing moments, tender and vibrant.
From cradle's first cry to the first step so bold,
In a blink of an eye, the story of growth is told.

In the laughter and tears of a playground's charm,
Time sneaks on by, as children are arm in arm.
The first word spoken, a joyous leap,
In to the thief's pocket go fleeting memories to keep.

With each birthday candle that's blown away,
Time steals another chapter of yesterday.
Little hands that once held mine so tight,
Grow to embrace their own future so bright.

Through scraped knees and bedtime tales,
The thief hastens innocence sails.
Through seasons of joy, seasons of strife,
Time molds the clay of a young life.

Yet in this theft, there's a gift so grand,
In each fleeting moment, we come to understand.
While time is a thief, so swift and clever,
The love planted in hearts remains forever.

So cherish each giggle, each tear, each frown,
In this whirlwind journey, time continues to tick down.
For while time does steal, it also gives,
In the legacy of love, where forever lives.
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Hello
- By Jack Elliott Jr.
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
A love though sweet is not always meant to come to fruition. The hurt is painful but gratefully does not last. Sometimes the pain makes you stronger and leads you to the one love that is much sweeter and meant to last forever.

Not All Loves Are Meant To Be

in Goodbye Love Poems

The smell of smoke and alcohol
And poker in the back room
Ice clinking in a glass
And the lure of cheap perfume

The smell of smoke and alcohol
And poker in the back room
Ice clinking in a glass
And the lure of cheap perfume

Sitting in a noisy bar room
My back against the wall
I know that it's awfully late
But I just had to call

I just had to hear your voice
Had to hear you say hello
I think about you every night
I just called to let you know

So many times I've dreamed of you
And all the plans that we made
Six thousand miles between us
You're just too far away

I hear you found someone else
I know you're not to blame
You need someone to hold you
With no guilt or shame

Your picture in my pocket
Is cracked and starting to fade
So many times I've dreamed of you
And all the plans that we made

I can almost taste your lips
As you sigh into the phone
There's a longing in my heart
I didn't call you to atone

I just had to hear your voice
Had to hear you say hello
I think about you every night
I just called to let you know
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A Neurodiverse Symphony
- By Demi White
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 8, 2024 with permission of the Author.
Navigating the maze of life as a neurodiverse soul, I share the struggles and triumphs, embracing my uniqueness as a badge of honor in a world that often demands conformity. This poem is a reflection of my personal symphony, where every note echoes the strength found in being beautifully different.

Poem Embracing Unique Minds

in Inspirational Poems

In life's symphony, my note dances astray,
A unique tale unfolding, forging my own way.
Within the labyrinth of conformity's grip,
I defy the mold, embracing my own script.

In life's symphony, my note dances astray,
A unique tale unfolding, forging my own way.
Within the labyrinth of conformity's grip,
I defy the mold, embracing my own script.

Echoing demands for mimicry and rhyme,
Rejecting the beauty of our diverse paradigm.
No room for asymmetry, for quirky glee,
Yet, proudly I stand in neurodiverse esprit.

For I am me, not a shadow, not a clone,
I am an outcast, but my identity is known.
Amidst conformity's echoes, a decree,
I cherish my difference, unapologetically free.

In this symphony of existence, let hearts align,
Celebrate the song of our exquisite design.
A tale of diversity, a journey so grand,
Embracing each other, hand in hand.
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How Much Do I Miss You
- By Kim L. Arruda
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 7, 2024 with permission of the Author.
My story is about the pain of living without my son, who had just turned 18. Everyone wants you to go on like nothing happened; life must go on; how does one do that with a heart that is broken and feeling as if you have no purpose,

The Pain After Loosing My 18 Year Old Son

in Son Death Poems

I miss you more with every day passing.
I thought it would get easier and not everlasting.
The hurt and pain that my heart cannot take.
Just another day that I just must awake.

I miss you more with every day passing.
I thought it would get easier and not everlasting.
The hurt and pain that my heart cannot take.
Just another day that I just must awake.
To face the day as if nothing is wrong.
While my heart screams out, I cannot go on.
Everyone preaching life must continue.
How does one go one if I cannot be with you
Floating around as if there is no life purpose
A broken heart and living as if I am in a circus
Showing up with your face all painted
Smiling and juggling so not to show how devastated
Loosing you has tortured my every moment of this life
My heart feels ripped open stabbed with a sharp knife
Emptiness consumes me in each moment of the day
I long to be with you and have at least one final say
How much do I miss you words just cannot express
I long to be with you I must confess.
The day we are reunited the heavens will sing.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah what joy this will bring.
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In Harder Times
- By Sadwick
- Published by Family Friend Poems November 2022 with permission of the Author.
In harder times we get tired. We get tired of fighting, hoping, loving, etc. We are strong. We are meant to endure. We are meant to see the future. This poem was written during 2020 when the world felt like it as falling apart.

We Will Grow Stronger

in Inspirational Poems

I know the screams sound like thunder
I promise we won't go under
I know the heart feels hollow
There will be blessings behind the shadow

I know the screams sound like thunder
I promise we won't go under
I know the heart feels hollow
There will be blessings behind the shadow

I know it's hard to breathe through sorrow
Today blurs into tomorrow
I know the voices seem louder
It seems like this will last forever

Hold on, please, hold on
In the end we grow stronger
We will do this together
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Just A Vapor
- By Jeaninne Stokes
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
As I get older, I am losing a lot of family and friends, and each time someone close to me dies, I am reminded of how short life is and to take full advantage of the days I have remaining on earth to live. I wrote this poem as a reminder of the brevity of life, and to be sure we are living according to the purpose and plan God created each of us to do.

Poem On The Brevity Of Life

in Faith Poems

Life is but a vapor
Life is but a mist
We are merely moving shadows
At best, we are a breath

Life is but a vapor
Life is but a mist
We are merely moving shadows
At best, we are a breath

Our days are like the flower
We blossom and we grow
But when fierce winds assail
We cease to be no more

Our days are like the grass
Sprouting from the sun's embrace
Yet when the rains retreat
We quickly fade away

We must not take life for granted
Nor live it recklessly
For the time we have been given
Is steeped in brevity

We must honor our creator
In all we say and do
Seeking to do His will
In the life that we pursue

And never falter in our faith
When loved ones slip away
For in the perfect plan of God
They were never meant to stay

For life is just a vapor
Life is just a mist
We are merely moving shadows
At best, we are a breath

So live your life with purpose
Embrace the dawn of your today
For like the fleeting vapor
Life quickly fades away.
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Special Friend
- By Pauline Faller
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
I wrote this verse for a person who has been a friend to me for years. she has always been there for me throughout the past twenty years, although we don't see each other that often these days, I know that she is always only a phone call away, that is a true testament to a good friend.

Poem For A Special Friend For Years

in Life Long Friend Poems

This verse is but a token
to express just how I feel
for showing me a friendship
that's solid, true and real.

This verse is but a token
to express just how I feel
for showing me a friendship
that's solid, true and real.

So many people in your life
pretend to be your friend
but I know that you are genuine
from the beginning to the end.

Your acquaintances may be many
but true friends, they are few
so I hope you know and realise
that I'm always there for you

We've laughed when we were happy
and cried when we were sad
so we celebrate the good times
and commiserate the bad.

And if your life has hit rock bottom
and you're feeling all alone
I'm only just a call away
so please pick up the phone.
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Monster
- By Alisha Ford
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 1, 2024 with permission of the Author.
My dad was a monster, he sexually abused me for 3 years. This poem is a part of my healing journey

My Dad Was A Monster

in Abuse Poems

I saw a monster, I promise he was real,
A presence haunting with a touch you could feel.
His footsteps echoed like a beast's heavy tread,
A roar of laughter that filled me with dread.

I saw a monster, I promise he was real,
A presence haunting with a touch you could feel.
His footsteps echoed like a beast's heavy tread,
A roar of laughter that filled me with dread.

No piercing yellow eyes, no razor-sharp teeth,
Yet cruelty manifested a silent, sinister beneath.
He wore no fangs, no claws on display.
Yet his actions are a predator's in a more subtle way.

A living nightmare, not confined to tales.
With a grasping hand as sharp as nails.
A figure once gentle, now an expression of rage,
Creating havoc on his abusive rampage.

His words and actions poison the air,
Memories and stories impossible to bear.
His voice like thunder, sharp and cruel,
A monster's tongue is a venomous tool.

A creature unseen, a master of disguise,
My father, a monster with familial ties.
He created nightmares, chased away dreams,
A horrific man with a monstrous scheme.
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1 - 11 of 11

February 2024 Poetry Contest - $500 Cash Prize

February 2024 Poetry Contest Semi-Finalists

My cousin has 3 children, one is 4 and the twins are 2. She shares photos of them growing, picnics, walking, birthdays, etc. She made a comment that time steals all the memories. I said I can do something with that!

A love though sweet is not always meant to come to fruition. The hurt is painful but gratefully does not last. Sometimes the pain makes you stronger and leads you to the one love that is much sweeter and meant to last forever.

Navigating the maze of life as a neurodiverse soul, I share the struggles and triumphs, embracing my uniqueness as a badge of honor in a world that often demands conformity. This poem is a reflection of my personal symphony, where every note echoes the strength found in being beautifully different.

My story is about the pain of living without my son, who had just turned 18. Everyone wants you to go on like nothing happened; life must go on; how does one do that with a heart that is broken and feeling as if you have no purpose,

In harder times we get tired. We get tired of fighting, hoping, loving, etc. We are strong. We are meant to endure. We are meant to see the future. This poem was written during 2020 when the world felt like it as falling apart.

I wrote this verse for a person who has been a friend to me for years. she has always been there for me throughout the past twenty years, although we don't see each other that often these days, I know that she is always only a phone call away, that is a true testament to a good friend.

My dad was a monster, he sexually abused me for 3 years. This poem is a part of my healing journey