• The Blue-Ringed Octopus

    The Blue-Ringed Octopus

    A close encounter in blank verse
    from 59 reviews.
    General  Poetry

  • Passion

    Passion

    Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned
    from 56 reviews.
    General  Poetry

  • The Lantern

    The Lantern

    Casting a light on poetry
    from 41 reviews.
    General  Poetry


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: The Manticore finished second in the contest "Epic Fantasy Story Poem"


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! Seal of Quality recognition for Midnight Echoes!
    IndianaIrish: Huge congratulations for this honor, Tony! -
    phill doran: Great writing Tony, and a well-deserved recognition. -
    sandramitchell: Well done, you clever man!!! Congratulions, you really deserve it! xxxx -
    MissMerri: A hearty CONGRATULATIONS to you for yet another seal, Tony. You are a gifted writer. We are proud of you. -
    w.j.debi: Congratulations, Tony. It is an incredible wreath of sonnets. The award is well deserved. -
    tfawcus: Many thanks to you all for your congratulations. -
    tfawcus: Many thanks to you all for your congratulations. -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Winds of Change finished third in the contest "Minute"


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Edderkopp finished first in the contest "Norse mythology"
    Ulla: Congratulations, Tony. So very well deservesd! Ulla :))) -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: A Ticklish Problem finished third in the contest "Sunday, Monday, Doomsday..."


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! The Homecoming won the contest "This Sentence Starts The Story"
    rspoet: Congratulations, Tony!
    It looks like the blue ribbon will enjoy a homecoming of its own.
    Well done! -
    sammielwf: Tony,
    This sentence starts my congratulations to you for your first place finish! I loved this piece!
    Sammielwf -
    Gloria ....: Yay! Congratulations to you, Tony. :)) -
    phill doran: Great writing Tony....and this is well deserved. -
    RGstar: Well done, my friend. On my way back from the festive break. I read , I digested, and I congratulate. Best wishes. -
    tfawcus: Many thanks for all your congratulatory messages. Very much appreciated. Best wishes, Tony -
    Begin Again: Congratulations and may your muse be sitting on your shoulder for all future endeavors. Smiles to you! -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: The Poppy Bleeds finished third in the contest "Sonnet Poetry Contest"
    sammielwf: Congratulations for such a fine showing for The Poppy Bleeds Tony. Well done.
    Sammielwf -
    lyenochka: Congratulations, Tony!! Beautifully done! -
    lyenochka: Congratulations, Tony!! Beautifully done! -


tfawcus: Some reviews of my latest post, The Poppy Bleeds, disappeared into cyberspace during the recent site maintenance, so if I don't respond this evening, it means I didn't receive them. Sorry.


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: A Transport of Delight finished second in the contest "20 Syllable Poem"
    Mrs. KT: Congratulations, Tony!

    diane -
    juliaSjames: Congratulations Tony. Such a clever rollicking write!
    -
    sammielwf: Tony,
    Cheers for a wonderful write! Congratulations.
    Sammielwf -
    MissMerri: Congratulations Tony! Your clever poem deserved a high prize. MM -
    tfawcus: Many thanks for your congratulatory messages. Much appreciated. Tony -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! A Hopeless Case won the contest "Rhyming Poetry Contest"
    lightink: Congrats, Tony! Well deserved! -
    phill doran: Gee, Tony: now you are in the position to BE the loan shark. Well done that man! -
    tfawcus: Thanks, Phill and Jyoti. Appreciated.
    -
    MissMerri: Yeah! This is wonderful Tony. You are now an official collector of award ribbons. Congratulations!! -
    rspoet: Congratulations, Tony!! Well done. -
    Ulla: Congratulations!! so very well deserved. Ulla:))) -


tfawcus: Thanks very much for all the congratulatory messages. Much appreciated. Now I shall be able to keep the loan sharks at bay!


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! A Shiver of Sharks won the contest "5-7-5 Poem"
    zanya: Well deserved win ! zanya -
    Pantygynt: Some people will believe anything! Congratulations on your win. -
    sandramitchell: Congratulations, Tony! It was a worthy winner.:)) xx -
    rspoet: Congratulations! Well done.
    -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Static finished second in the contest "20 Line Poem"
    phill doran: Hello Tony - thanks for keeping your distance ;) Congratulations... -
    tfawcus: Thanks To you all for your congratulations and good wishes. Mine was a country mile behind yours, Phill! -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! Going Home won the contest "Free Verse Poetry Contest"
    humpwhistle: Congratulations, Tony. An excellent choice. -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations on earning a Seal of Quality by the committee for Free Verse Collection.
    phill doran: excellent tony - a wonderful collection indeed. -
    Pam (respa): Congratulations, Tony. This is a special honor and very well deserved. -
    Tootie: Congratulations, Tony - HURRAH!
    - Bill & Cathy -
    Mrs. KT: Congratulations, Tony!
    You have a masterful way of expressing yourself, whether in poetry or prose! diane -
    Spangle: Super accomplishment, Tony!! -
    sandramitchell: Congratulations, Tony. Your poetry is stunning, so you really deserve this. xx -
    zanya: Congratulations zanya -
    Ulla: Congratulations. What an achievement! Ulla:))) -
    tfawcus: Very many thanks for your kind words and congratulations. I?m a little overwhelmed! -
    MissMerri: Tony, this is a wonderful accomplishment! I know how difficult it is and believe you are most worthy. Congratulations. -
    Melissa Russell Deur: Congratulations, Tony! That's quite an achievement. I'm eager to read more of your poetry. -
    JudyE: Congratulations on the Seal of Quality award. That's great news. -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! The Thief of Dreams won the contest "Sonnet Poetry Contest"
    phill doran: Fantastic piece Tony: congratulations! -
    tfawcus: Thanks, Phil. Appreciated! -
    Mrs. KT: Congratulations, Tony!
    A wonderful offering!

    diane -
    rspoet: Congratulations, Tony! Looks like the Thief of Dreams made away with the first place ribbon. -
    catch22: Congratulations Tony! Great poem. -
    Pam (respa): Congratulations on the win, Tony. Well deserved. -
    Ulla: Congratulations!!! Well done and well deserved. Ulla:))) -
    Spangle: Congratulations, Tony...way to go!!!!
    -
    JudyE: Well done on your win. Congratulations. -
    Gypsymooncat: Congrats Tony, it is a very deserving win! -
    tfawcus: Many thanks to all of you for your congratulations. All good wishes, Tony -
    judiverse: Congratulations to you on your many achievements. judiverse. -
    Spangle: Huge congratulations!! -


tfawcus: "Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way." Franz Kafka
    ttec4u: That is so poignant and true tfawcus, (am living the first part) now I just hope it returns to me. -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: A three line poem finished second in the contest "3 Line Poetry Contest"
    tfawcus: Many thanks, Helen and Diane, for your congratulations. Much appreciated. Tony -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! #3 Ranked Novelist of 2019!
    Aaron Milavec: Back again, Tony!

    How do you get your long chapter titles accepted? Mine get cut off after roughly 6 words.

    I'm in Shanghai. So we are nearly in the same time zone.

    My wife and I spent two weeks in Australia. What a feast and what a discovery:

    How I came to visit the Art Museum

    Given the rain, I switched to plan B?go visit the Australian Museum of Art should it start to rain. I didn?t bother to take out and put on my raincoat since the rain had reduced to a drizzle. In a minute I was climbing the 25 steps leading to the Museum of Art.

    At the front desk, I asked about the current exhibit. A bright-eyed woman of 25 told me that the entire first floor exhibited the works of Janet Laurence?a naturalist who spent the last thirty years creating art that represented the patterns of trees and plants onto cloth. . . .
    Congee Beach

    Elena and I took the train and then the bus that took us right to Congee Beach. Elena adores the blue skies and the clean, blue waters.

    I am amazed how much the coast resembles Southern California here--stretches of rocky cliffs broken up by inlets that feature off-white sandy beaches. The flora is not like that of the CA coast, however, save for the succulent rose and occasional century plant.

    We take the trail that follows the cliff coast. After a half-hour of trekking, Elena announces that she cannot wait any longer to get into that marvelous water. So we change into our swim suits and edge our bodies into the cold waters. Once wet all over, however, the water hardly seems cold.

    A trio of dogs is swimming with their master. Beach bathers are chatting, eating, sunning on the rock shelves that line the inlet. We had the presence of mind to bring some foods and eat and sun alongside them.
    Nigel and Marty

    We resume the trail and come to another beach. Elena plunges into the water while I take a nap on the grass in the shade of a small tree. I become curious about the tides. So I ask a well-tanned muscular surfer whether he understands the tides here. In a few minutes, he is telling me about the hollowness of his heart and about his hunger to discover true love. Elena and Marty join us. Marty has been doing Yoga for 40 years and their conversation turns toward those yoga leaders that they know in common. Meanwhile, my conversation with Nigel now turns to the story of how he lost his first wife to cancer after forty years of marriage. . . .

    I tell Nigel about my own longing for many years to find true love. ?It takes courage to sustain and enlarge the yearning for love. I found that most men abandon the suffering that is involved and throw themselves into work, into drinking, into some addiction by way of quieting the hunger in their heart.?

    Then I tell him how, three years ago, just before Christmas, I was telling my Christmas angel about the longing in my heart and my angel told me not to give up for my future lover was urgently seeking me. ?If you give up the quest, Nigel, your true love will never be able to find you.?

    Nigel liked the idea of knowing that his true love was out there and urgently seeking him. He tells me that tears came to his eyes as he was listening to my narrative. Knowing this meant that he was not pulling all the weight and doing all the suffering ALONE. ?Your beloved is seeking you out and all you need to do is to be willing to be found.?

    Nigel offers white tea and chocolates to Elena and me. I use this occasion to make a toast, ?To Niguel?s true love who is out there seeking him and to my true love, Elena, who found me three years ago.?

    Marty is so taken with this toast that he takes out his iPhone and asks me to record the toast for some future use.

    Then Nigel asks about the red string around my wrist and another story unfolds. . . . To cap things off, he takes me surfing on his long and light surf board. . . .

    I am amazed by all this. This is not the first time this has happened. It is the third time in three days. The first time was my encounter with Fritz on the docs who shared with me the story of his16-year-old daughter who kissed him goodnight and went to bed to take her life. The second was my encounter on the tram when an Asiatic woman told me of the deep sadness of leaving her life-long friend.

    Something awesome is working here among these Aussies. It?s amazing!

    Joy in writing,
    Aaron -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! Beyond the Wit of Daylight Hours is the new Poem of the Month!
    tfawcus: Thanks, Craig, and all who were kind enough to vote for this. I?ve not been writing much poetry recently, so am delighted by the reception for this one. -
    Gloria ....: Way to go, Tony. You still have the magic touch. :)) -
    Pam (respa): Congratulations on the win, Tony. Very well deserved. -
    juliaSjames: Congratulations Tony. It's a fine achievement.
    -
    LisaMay: Yay for you Tony - A wonderful poem. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! -
    rspoet: Proof positive you should writing more poetry!
    But your novel about the French letter is great, too.
    Well done, my friend!
    Robert -
    lyenochka: Congratulations, Tony! Beautifully done! -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! Up, Up and Away is the new Book of the Month!
    tfawcus: Many thanks to all those who voted for this. Much appreciated. Tony -
    sandramitchell: This story is brilliant, Tony. Congratulations! :)) -
    Sugarray77: Congratulations, Tony. Well deserved!

    Melissa -
    karenina: Congrats Tony! Book of the month! A major father in your writer's cap!--Karenina -
    rspoet: Congratulations! It's about time this significant novel was recognized for the gem it is!
    No place to go but Up Up and Away. -
    tfawcus: Thanks very much for your kind comments and support. Without it, I?d have given this up months ago. -
    JudyE: Well done, Tony. And well deserved. -
    LisaMay: Well done... all that hard work worth it! -
    juliaSjames: Congratulations Tony. Another fine achievement, my friend. -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: The Road finished second in the contest "Rhyming Poetry Contest"
    BeasPeas: Congratulations, Tony, on your win. Marilyn -
    Dean Kuch:
    Congratulations on your second place finish, Tony. -
    tfawcus: Thanks for all the congratulatory messages. I?m honoured to have your support. -
    krys123: Congratulations Tony.
    Alx -
    krys123: Congratulations tony, as I not only salute you =, but also commend you on a very interesting and intriguing well written story.
    Alx
    photo ob_954995abf1301946a6240044bff54eb0_bravo-animation1_zpsengywsha.gif -
    Pam (respa): Congratulations on the second place finish, Tony. It is well deserved. -
    krys123: Cheers, Tony; I'm glad that you did well and so close to winning. Congratulations my friend and take care and have a good one.
    Alx -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: The Flutter finished third in the contest "Dribble Flash Fiction"
    Robbie Yates: Well done, Tony! Such a great little flash fiction piece! -
    tfawcus: Very many thanks, Judy and Robbie, for your congratulations! Much appreciated! Tony -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: The Kiss finished second in the contest "Love Poem Poetry Contest"
    Robbie Yates: Congratulations, Tony - another well-deserved honour! -
    Ginnygray: Congratulations, Tony on a lovely poem! -
    karenina: Second Place! Congratulations on a fine poem!--Karenina -
    tfawcus: Many thanks! I appreciate all the congratulations! -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: The Fall finished second in the contest "75 Words Flash Fiction"
    Ginnygray: Congratulations, Tony! Great job! 👏 -
    krys123: Congratulations, Tony, I am most pleased that you place in the contest.
    Alx -
    Dean Kuch: Congrats, Tony.
    Rock On, dude!
    -
    karenina: Way to go! Congrats on your second place win! Great read!--Karenina -
    Robbie Yates: Well done - your piece was lovely, and the play on words was brilliant :) -
    tfawcus: Very many thanks for all your congratulations. Very much appreciated! Tony -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Midnight Echoes finished second in the contest "Rhyming Poem"
    Dean Kuch: Congrats on tying for second place, Tony.
    Yours was an epic write!
    -
    tfawcus: Thanks, Dean. It has now been released as a Chapbook here in Australia and is being quite well received. -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: I Imagine finished third in the contest "I Imagine"
    Mrs. KT: Congratulations, Tony!

    Diane -
    krys123: Congratulations Tony on your third-place finish.
    Alx -
    tfawcus: Many thanks for your congratulations! -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Tilting at Windmills finished third in the contest "Faith Poetry Contest"
    krys123: I'm so glad you placed third, Tony, you were right up there!
    Alx -
    tfawcus: Many thanks, RD and Alex, for your kind words and congratulations. Much appreciated. -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Brindled Thoughts finished second in the contest "Free Verse Poetry Contest"
    tfawcus: Thanks, RD. I have this one as the title poem of my new collection, accepted for publication early next year. -
    Eternal Muse: Congratulation on your second seal, Tony. Your work is brilliant and this accolade is well deserved. -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: The Snake finished second in the contest "Write a Crown of Heroic Sonnets"


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Toenail Stew finished second in the contest "The Worst Pome EVER!"
    michaelcahill: I can't believe a simple snapshot of my toenails would inspire you to such greatness. CONGRATS! -
    tfawcus: Thanks, Mikey. I guess there must be one or two foot fetishists on site! Could be your lucky day. -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! The Pool is the new Poem of the Month!
    rama devi: Congrats! Much deserved! (Voted for this) -
    Mrs. KT: Congratulations, Tony!
    Smiles All Around!


    diane
    -
    damommy: Congratulations, my friend. Well done! -
    RGstar: Well done, my friend. Good to see. A couple of marvellous stanzas. -
    Octavia: Congrats on your beautiful poem! -
    rspoet: Congratulations on a great poem! -
    Alexander Vasa: Congratulations on your win with your lovely poem, Ana. -
    MissMerri: Tony, I have always admired your poetry. Congratulations on this first place ribbon for Poem of the Month! You deserve it. -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! Consider the Oyster won the contest "Short Poem"
    Mrs. KT: Congratulations, Tony!
    An exceptional poetic offering!
    diane
    -
    rama devi: Congrats! This was definitely the best! -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! The Seven-Tined Stag won the contest "Acrostic Poetry Contest"
    CD Richards: Well done, Tony. A great, and thoroughly deserved result! -
    Pantygynt: One of the few real poems that also works as an acrostic. Congratulations, Tony, on a well-deserved win. -
    rspoet: Congratulations! A no doubt winner. Poetry at its best. -
    Aussie: Congratulations Tony. Takes a Tassie writer to take the prize. Well done, Kay XXX -
    easyeverett1: Congratulations friend and poet master. Deserved win by
    a true ambassador of the art. Love to see respect and
    skill slap me in the face as I read a poem. You seem to
    slap me silly most every time I have the initial pleasure
    of reading your poems; so the slap is due remittance for
    that pleasure. your friend, tom -
    tfawcus: Very many thanks to you all for your messages of congratulations. Best wishes, Tony -
    Gloria ....: Very nicely written, Tony! Congratulations. :) -
    rama devi: Tony! Congrats! What a wonderful entry. I love it! Had not been able to read and review, so only read it just now. Outstanding work. Kudos. Glad this won! -
    MissMerri: Yeah Tony! A wonderful poem that also manages to be an Acrostic at the same time, but so quietly! That is so difficult to do and I greatly admired your result. Glad you have a blue ribbon to show for your efforts. Hugs, MM -
    RGstar: Well done Tony. Missed this one first time around. Solid -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: The Secret of the Rose finished third in the contest "Write a Kyrielle"


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Bookend Scholarship finished second in the contest "Sonnet Poetry Contest"
    tfawcus: Many thanks for your congratulations and support. Always appreciated! Tony -
    Octavia: Congrats on your terrific sonnet! -
    Aussie: Better late than never! Congrats my fellow Aussie. I love Tassie. I'm in Queensland on the east coast. We have the joy of the Humpback whales gracing us with their presence, July - October. Some bring their calves, some calve in our warm waters. Happy Easter Tony xxx Kay. -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Deep in Thought finished first in the contest "Rondelet"
    krys123: Congrats and Happy B'day and Merry X'mas to you and your family and may you forever have joy and peace.
    Alex
    photo manger_zpsapgayiaf.gif -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Puddles finished second in the contest "Nove Otto Poem"
    Just2Write: CONGRATS Tony. This is such a great Nove-Otto.

    -
    Octavia: Congrats! I loved this poem. -
    nancyjam: Congratulations- I loved this one. Nancy -
    krys123: Congratulations Tony.
    Alex -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Forget Me Not finished first in the contest "Write a Crown of Heroic Sonnets "
    Irish Rain: Great and Awesome job!! Congratulations!!! -
    Eternal Muse: Congratulations on an incredible achievement, Tony! -
    rosehill (Wendy): Congratulations on your well deserved win. Tough competition, so I hope you are quite proud of yourself. Told you it was a good one. -
    Dean Kuch: photo honorable_mention_ribbon1_zpsv8uqpxwr.gif
    Congratulations on your placement in the Faith Poetry Contest, Tony -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: The Tree finished third in the contest "Free Verse of Length"
    giraffmang: Congrats. Damn I wish I'd finished third to enjoy the wealth... lol -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! The Moth is the new Poem of the Month!
    Irish Rain: Whoo Hoo!!! Loved this!! Congratulations!!!! -
    zanya: Congrats -superb !zanya -
    Mustang Patty: Congratulations on your win. Good for you!
    ~patty~ -
    tfawcus: Many thanks for all your good wishes, congratulations and support! Very much appreciated! Tony -
    Selina Stambi: A beautiful poem, Tony. Loved it! Congratulations to a wonderfully talented poet. :) -
    BeasPeas: Congratulations, Tony, for your win. That's wonderful. Marilyn -
    RGstar: Bravo Tony.
    A beutiful write.
    Best wishes -
    IndianaIrish: Can't tell you how pleased I am The Moth received such a deserving honor, Tony! -
    rspoet: Congratulations, my friend!
    My how the moth has risen in esteem.
    Wonderful sonnet!
    RS -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: There's a Dog in My Bath finished second in the contest "Acrostic Poetry Contest"
    RGstar: Well done for that podium with the sonnet, Tony. i seemed to have missed it.
    Bravo -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Freedom finished second in the contest "Free Verse Poetry Contest"
    RGstar: This was a wise, piece. Well done for the placing.
    Best wishes -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: A Halloween Surprise finished third in the contest "Halloween Poetry Contest"
    Dean Kuch: HUGE Congratulations, Tony.
    Well done!
    ~Dean -
    MissMerri: Congratulations to a masterful poet! I happy for you! -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: What it takes finished second in the contest "Rondeau Redoublé"
    mfowler: South Australia strikes again. Congratulations, Tony. Nice to be up there with you. -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: The Garden Door finished third in the contest "Write an Awdl Gynt poem"
    rama devi: Congrats! Love your photo...so smiley...don't remember seeing it before. :) -
    Ideasaregems-Dawn: Congratulations! I love the new photo too! Who's the cutie-pie with the adorable little one? (LOL) -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! The Song Thrush won the contest "Share A Story In A Poem"
    tfawcus: Many thanks, Jan, Gloria and Cat for your kind comments and congratulations! -
    kiwisteveh: Great poem! Told you it would stand up well in this contest, even though I hired a dragon to singe it around the edges a lottle! -
    MissMerri: A warm hug and hearty congratulations for this most deserved first place win. I believe I predicted this one. I'm delighted to see I'm so prescient. ;p -
    rama devi: Congrats! Much deserved, my friend~! Yay! :) -
    Just2Write: Most Excellent, dear Tony. How wonderful!
    And so hard on the heels of that Triolet win. You're on a roll, my friend. Rose. -
    IndianaIrish: Warm congratulations to you, Tony, on your contest win. -
    Leineco: Heartfelt congrats for this truly deserving win Tony :-) -
    ciliverde: Congrats on your win, Tony, I am not a bit surprised!!! One of my favorite poems ever...
    Carol -


tfawcus: I've attached an .mp3 to "For the Love of Words" so that it can now be heard as well as read. First time for me, though there are others on site who are skilled at it.
    Dean Kuch: Bravo, Tony!
    Way to think outside the proverbial box.
    ~Dean :) -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! Syria 2016 won the contest "Triolet Poetry"
    I am Cat: Congrats, Tony... I wanted that one. lol ;) Congratulations to you though my friend. ;) Mwah! -
    michaelcahill: Looks like I have some pull with the committee. They must have read my comments. LOL This is without a doubt the very best one of these I've ever read. Wow. What a line! Congrats! -
    PoemsOfDD: Congratulations on a fine triolet poem and win! ~DD -
    Ideasaregems-Dawn: Congratulations, Tony. Your triolet is timely and relevant, and the story behind it so heart-wrenching. The picture you chose to accompany your sorrowful words is perfect too - bravo - a most deserved win! -
    RGstar: Great Tony, always happy to see -
    Taffspride: Congratulations very well deserved. -
    tfawcus: Thanks to all of you for your warm wishes and congratulations. -
    mfowler: Excellent work, Tony. Great to see your name where it belongs. -
    Just2Write: Belated Congratulations on your well deserved win, Tony. Can't think of a better recipient. Rose. -


tfawcus: Those of you who were kind enough to review The Song Thrush, may be interested to know that a superb reading of the ballad by Pantygynt has now been added to the post.
Many thanks, both to him and to Ciliverde, who converted the reading to an .mp3 sound file for me. Thanks also to Robyn Corum, who suggested it.
    Taffspride: It was a great rendition of it. I enjoyed listening to it. -
    Jannypan (Jan) : While the length of the poem seems long, hearing it spoken aloud makes it all worthwhile. You can follow along with the words or just listen. But, it really makes it awesome to hear it. I would recommend this to all. Jan -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations the October 2015 Recognized Writer
    MissMerri: It gives me great pleasure to see this honor bestowed on one of FanStory's brightest talents. Congratulations Tony!!! -
    tfawcus: What a totally unexpected and deeply appreciated honour. Thank you very much! When I next renew my passport, I shall have to write Poet in the box provided for Occupation! -
    Dean Kuch: Congratulations, Tony. Very well deserved...
    ~Dean -
    Gloria ....: Way to go, Tony. This is a well-deserved honour! -
    michaelcahill: This is so well deserved. One of the very finest poets here. You make me want to write! -
    IndianaIrish: Yay, Tony! Warmest congratulations to a very deserving and talented FS poet! This honor has always had your name on it! -
    kiwisteveh: Way to go, Tony. I was going to write well-deserved, but it seems everybody else already did that!
    -
    mfowler: You are a fine talent, Tony. A desrved recognition. -
    Eric1: Tony this couldn't have gone to a better poet, all your work is outstanding no matter what style you choose,well deserved my friend. -
    I am Cat: tiny animated clapping photo: clapping Unnamedggdgdgd.gif
    Tony, you KNOW you're one of my very favorite poets (of all time)... very well deserved my friend. >^^< -
    ravenblack: Congratulations! you more than deserve the award. -
    RGstar: Magic,Tony, pure Magic...so happy to see this...just as happy as if I received myself. Thoroughly deserved. Couldn't have found a better choice...well done the committee -
    Lovinia: Hi Tony

    So well deserved. The honour is yours, and well earned. Hugs - Lovi xoxo -
    Jay Squires: Congratulations, Tony. I've had the pleasure of reading some of your poetry, even though it's not my forte, and I realize I could learn a thing or hundred from you! -
    judiverse: Big congratulations to you for your writer of the month win. judiverse -
    Warren Rodgers: Congratulations Tony! It's great to see your talent and hard work rewarded. - Rodger -
    Eternal Muse: Tony, your work is exquisite. I so agree with the committee!

    -
    Just2Write: Tony - it's so nice to see your poetry and skill with words honoured in this way. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy. I loved the tribute FS wrote about you and agree with every word. -
    BeasPeas: Congratulations, Tony, for your excellent work. I always enjoy reading your wonderful poetry. Marilyn -
    ellie6: Congratulations, Tony. A well deserved win. ellie -
    w.j.debi: Congratulations! It is a well deserved honor and about time too! -
    Neonewman: Congrats Tony on a well deserved win my friend.
    God bless!
    Steve -
    Spitfire: I love it when genius is recognized.>8
    Hugs,
    Shari -
    Selina Stambi: Well deserved, Tony. Congratulations to a very talented poet. -
    tfawcus: I'm overwhelmed by all of these messages of congratulation - delighted, too, to have so many of you who have gone out of your way to drop by. Best wishes to you all, and thank you! Tony -
    Father Flaps: Congratulations, Tony! I join the throng who know great talent when they read it. Many fine poems ahead for you, Recognized Poet! -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! This House of Stone won the contest "Blank Verse Poetry Contest"
    IndianaIrish: Congratulations to you, Tony! Your Blank Verse is always perfect and you certainly deserve the honor of winning this contest. -
    I am Cat: No surprise here... You're the master of the blank verse! ;) -
    michaelcahill: I never notice the form in your works. That's writing!! -
    tfawcus: Many thanks to you all for your congratulations. Much appreciated. Tony -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! The Song won the contest "Love Poem Poetry Contest"
    I am Cat: Congratulations Tony! I had NO idea that my poem, Elderly Snow was up against your poem, The Song! (in fact, had I known, I most likely wouldn't have even bothered!) I just received notice that I got second place... and I thought... well... who beat me? And I'm DELIGHTED to hear it was this poem, because, as you know... It's my very favorite also. I think it's absolutely wonderful! Well done, and congratulations!
    Cat -
    michaelcahill: A spectacular poem. And that is what it took considering the competition. Wow. Congratulations, so well-earned!! -
    IndianaIrish: Warmest congratulations to you, Tony, on your fantastic win. Your Blank Verse poem is brilliant. -
    tfawcus: Thank you all for your congratulations and kind words. Tony -
    Dean Kuch: Congratulations, Tony. Well done, sir!
    ~Dean -
    Gloria ....: Super poem and many congratulations to you, Tony! -
    RGstar: Well done,my friend..this was my six and so well told it was.
    Bravo. -
    RGstar: A pleasure to be second to something of this calibre.
    Well done. -
    MissMerri: Congratulations Tony!! It was a truly beautiful and moving entry in this crowded contest. You know I loved it. ;") -
    kiwisteveh: Congrats, Tony. What a marvellous poem!
    -
    mfowler: A super poem, Tony. I see all that blank verse practise coming into good use. Proud of you. Congratulations on this honour. -
    Eric1: Congrats Tony brilliant result my friend, well done! -


FanStory wrote to tfawcus: Congratulations! Bluebell Woods is the new Poem of the Month!
    mountainwriter49: Congratulations, Tony, for your resplendent poem placing first in the POM. It was truly the best of the entries and I am so pleased it has been recognized with this honor.Well done, my friend. -
    pipersfancy: Lovely work! So glad it has received this recognition. Congratulations, Tony! -
    judiverse: Congratulations on your Poem of the month win. Great work! judiverse -
    Dean Kuch: A hearty congratulations to you, Tony. -
    Margaret Snowdon: Congratulations on winning The Poem of The Month. Margaret -
    ravenblack: No sour grapes here- congratulations on the win! The craftsmanship you exhibited in your blank verse epic was sublime. -
    mfowler: It's wonderful to see a writer of your quality being recognised. I hope Ray is proud of his student who has made this format his own to enjoy. Excellent poem. It's been a long time since I picked a winner in these contests, so I'm glad you took the plaudits. Congratulations. -
    tfawcus: What a considerable honour! Thank you all for your support. Tony -


tfawcus: I have found much poetry in a life of flying, teaching and farming. Most of it has been kept within but a few fragments have escaped onto the printed page. When all else is done, only the poetry survives. It is that which defines us.
    Ideasaregems-Dawn: I couldn't agree more. :0) Having said that, now what does that say when one reads "Fleas"? (Hahahaha - couldn't resist! Feel free to delete my miserable comment, though I LOVE that poem.) *Grinning hugely* -
    mountainwriter49: Tony (tfawcus) has won the member sponsored Blank Verse Contest with his resplendent poem entitled "The Dream." Congratulations to Tony for winning the Blue Ribbon in this most challenging contest.

    Ten poets participated in this contest and presented the most wonderful blank verse poetry I've read in quite some time. The entries included blank verse sonnets, quatrains and epic narratives. All are distinctive, creative and worthy of the winners' circle.

    Thanks to all who participated and to those in the FanStory community who took the time to read and review all ten entries and participate in the voting.

    I wold encourage anyone interested in reading superb verse to read the entries.

    -Ray
    contest sponsor -
    tfawcus: Thanks for your kind words, Ray, and for your support. Tony -
    emkoutny: I am a teacher also and write as demonstration for my students, but rarely have had the time to keep any of it or revise it. This site gives me a chance to write for my won benefit. What a concept! I enjoy reading you writing and bet you were a wonderful teacher.
    -
    Dorothy Farrell: Tony, I never doubted you would win the blank verse poem. Always a joy to read work by a real poet - no drivel or wasted words - superior in every respect. We should all aspire to write as well as you - damn you. To find a typo, all too rare, in your work, I frantically hook on and can't wait to chastise you - just joking (No I'm not) LOL. -