Now judging the Writing Magazine's Talkback Forum mini

competition is over I've returned to earth in human form. I re - read

some of O.U.'s Y180's Making Sense of Poetry to help me decide

 the winner. Then I chose eight categories e.g.; imagery, 

rhymes, effect, vocabulary with which to compare each poem

and marked them out of ten. The method was only a guide because 

of course the poems varied in style, form, and meaning. In the end I 

chose one that ended by leaving the reader in suspense.

       I have never had the heady experience of judging a competition

before and there came many moments during the process when the task

seemed impossible. However, when the winner posted a message

to let me know how pleased he was, I thought my part was worthwhile. 

Next is the Bridport Poetry Competition. My turn again to be judged.