To judge?

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What is meant by the term to judge?  Of course, there is the legal notion.  Before that, I would argue adjudication was based on the moral, ethical, aesthetic senses, among other things, of whomever was placed in a position to render a decision.  But that had to come from somewhere itself.  Of all of the bases of wisdom and percipience I have ventured, none are so complete as to be all encompassing.  While law has been codified, some areas of discernment remain quite immune to blind algorithms, if even law is debatable, thus courts, judges, and lawyers.  No, some things are a matter of taste, preference, and other personal tics which simply cannot be measured, often they can't even be known.  And yet, the contest set forth here not but a few days ago has lead to a position where a decision must be rendered.  And it has fallen to me to do such a intricate task.  It is a terrifyingly enjoyable task in it's own way.

The rules, while not the simplest perhaps, were clear.  But that didn't make choosing easier.  There are many fine submissions.  I know some of you.  But, don't worry, that doesn't gain you any points.  I almost wish it were that easy.  I had thought choosing would be the most difficult task.  It is not.  The most difficult task is... well... just spitting it out!

For you who won, know that your piece fit what I was looking to find.  I had no idea what that would be.  For the runners-up, very similar.  And for those not named?  Do realize I truly enjoyed your pieces too.  I was amazed, watching the submissions appear.  The extra work some of you did on your pages was simply a bonus.  I enjoyed the questions and commenting, as well.  Enough though.  On to it.

There is one that I liked very much.  I thought that it missed by the bonus, though arguably.  I enjoyed the notion.  Forgive me if you feel this is in error.  But it is a good solid poem.  One I very much enjoy.

 becca,

shame regret heartache
tangled web of darkness caught
monster in the mirror

There are three I put in second place.  Yeah, yeah, only one can be second place!  Tell it to the judge, I say.  And who is the judge?  That's right.  As a sage man once told me... neener.  And here they are, in the order submitted, I think.

foam,

Amidst the mind fog
Dusty memories grapple..

Senescence triumphs.

D.C.,

Tang of sweat at night
Dread and pride in toxic brew
Iron, or poison, yields

serendipitouswildmoments,

A beast of fang and claw….
the hunting cat lies within me.
I must draw blood to live.

The winner is:

Jean,

the beast
is self,
denied.

This one surprised me.  When I first saw it, before reading it, it seemed far too frugal.  Upon reading it, it was annoying, in a bittersweet way.  There are several ways to take it.  Like a idealogical palindrome, only logically juxtaposed when viewed in reverse.  It was, in the end, the answer, and question, I was seeking.  I didn't even know I was looking for (another) question.  Then again, when does that ever stop?

Congratulations Jean!  I almost wanted to... check... before giving you this.  But... urhm...  Nope!  :p  If you are too busy, you may choose another.  I would like you to pick my picks, but I won't hold you too that.  You, in essence, will become the judge.  *scoot over Doom!*  I hope you can host next Friday, but I would understand.

This isn't about winning or losing.  This was about the challenge.  I was pleased with folks choosing to spend time sorting what is stored and presenting that in a rather unique form.  I have... much to consider.  As much as some of this has pained me, I welcome pain when it provides the opportunity to grow.  Thank you all.  Your humble host.

*bow*