MAC Writing Contest May Winners

The submissions this past month brought two things into perspective, Memorial Day and spring love. Both remind us how vulnerable human relationships can be. I've selected two first place winners for May. One in gritty detail honors the men and women who challenge themselves daily to protect our precious democracy and keep America strong. The other gives us a breath of spring and a reminder of the innocence of human love.

Our first winner is Mary Ivey. Mary's work is no stranger to those of you who follow our blog. She has placed in several of my contests. An artist, a poet, a writer of science fiction, Mary shows other talents in this month's winning piece.
Mary remind us that life is a valuable gift that should not be wasted but too often is in the name of the greater good, which no one in history has been able to fully explain. Every country has its own definition. It's a reminder that those defending our freedoms are still very human indeed.

It is quiet now; the guns have ceased their booming. Through the pouring rain, I see figures moving, checking bodies to see if any still live. Today we were victorious; God only knows what tomorrow will bring.

I huddle into my slicker, trying to find some inner place where I'll be able to shut out the horrors of the war.

I imagine myself back on the farm. The sun is shining. My mother's flower garden by the front porch is just starting to bloom. My sister Amelia is playing with a friend from a neighboring house. I can smell pies baking—

"Up and at 'em! We're moving the camp!"

My Captain's voice cuts through my reverie like a knife. I get to my feet and follow him. Impressions left in the earth by his boots fill with rainwater, dyed red.

May God bless those who save the rest of us.

Mahala

Contest Winner: MAC for April

Congratulations to Judy Davies, April's first place winner. Her poem captures the essence of both words and is a charming look at Spring.

Residing in Gautier, MS since 1998, Judy writes poetry and prose, performs as a professional musician and manages the music publishing company for her composer husband, Ken Davies. Ken has set some of her poetry to music as art songs and a CD of poetry and music is underway.

Educated at Otterbein College and at the University of Southern Mississippi, she holds degrees in English and in Paralegal Studies. She and her husband enjoy traveling to music conferences across the country as well as performing and staying involved in cultural activities locally. Judy and Ken have four children, six grandchildren and two adorable cats. The cats still live at home.


The Magic of Spring

Like a welcome visit from a long lost friend,
Spring arrives gently at first, ground-warming sun
breathing new life into its surroundings.
Atop a porch overhang, mourning doves
gather twigs to build their nest.
Spring moves forward as two eggs appear,
then two tiny baby birds,
Our yard, too, comes to life. New buds
appear as maple trees reclothe, early
spring flowers peek from within their beds,
last year's tired grass miraculously
sprouts new life. Creeping myrtle, irises,
daffodils materialize in that magical
time period known as Spring.
The scent of dewy rosebushes fills our nostrils,
tiny hummingbirds come to feast,
soft purple and white lilacs break forth in colorful array,
and new grass covers our yard like a fresh green blanket.
Glorious spring has arrived!