It has been a year since the last round of the El Pretz 'Per Tomás poetry prize. And Fora Talossa is delighted to be back for the third iteration.

Here is last year's award winner (The Midnight Train) from our nation's poet laureate, @Carlüs Éovart Vilaçafat


In the words of this contest's founder, Owen Edwards, "El Pretz 'Per Tomás" prize is awarded in honour of all purple-tongued Talossans, most especially the granddaddy of them...it represents the hope that Talossa will continue to seek to understand its past, with its turmoils and tragedies, whilst working for a better, more beautiful future."

Submission Guidelines:

There are no restrictions as to format or length. Merely submit one poem representing what you consider your best work. Submissions can be submitted via Witt PM to Breneir or via email to copebh@gmail.com.

Submission Deadline:

1159PM TST 29 February 2024

No submissions will be considered after this time and date.

I've seen a few tumbleweeds but, sadly, no inspiring poetry submissions.
Hopefully in the new year the Kingdom will shake off its lethargy.

Thanks to @Ián Tamorán S.H. we now have our first contest entry! We are welcoming entries until the end of February.

"Oh lime juice, so tart and so bright,
A flavor that's both tangy and light.
Your zest is a burst on the tongue,
A taste that's both fresh and young.

You add a kick to a Margarita,
A perfect complement to tequila.
You make a ceviche pop with zing,
A dish that's sure to make the taste buds sing.

You brighten up a salad or stew,
A versatile ingredient, it's true.
You're not too sweet, not too strong,
Just the right balance all day long.

Oh lime juice, we raise a glass,
To your sour, yet delicious mass.
You bring joy to every dish,
We'll always relish your zesty bliss.

In drinks and in food, you're the star,
Oh lime juice, you're never too far.
We'll always keep you on hand,
For your flavor, we'll always stand."

GPT-3.5

Quote from: Ian Plätschisch on January 13, 2024, 07:18:28 PM"Oh lime juice, so tart and so bright,
A flavor that's both tangy and light.
Your zest is a burst on the tongue,
A taste that's both fresh and young.

You add a kick to a Margarita,
A perfect complement to tequila.
You make a ceviche pop with zing,
A dish that's sure to make the taste buds sing.

You brighten up a salad or stew,
A versatile ingredient, it's true.
You're not too sweet, not too strong,
Just the right balance all day long.

Oh lime juice, we raise a glass,
To your sour, yet delicious mass.
You bring joy to every dish,
We'll always relish your zesty bliss.

In drinks and in food, you're the star,
Oh lime juice, you're never too far.
We'll always keep you on hand,
For your flavor, we'll always stand."

GPT-3.5

@Ian Plätschisch I think I know what cocktail you are having this weekend. Entry received from the dreaming AI.

Huge thanks to Ian Tamoran who has submitted additional poems. This may be a good opportunity to create a nice Talossan poetry chapbook in addition to the contest should we receive enough entries.

I want to publicly thank @Ián Tamorán S.H. for the pleasure of reading his great submissions. We have only received submissions from two authors and worry this will not be enough to have an honest contest. The submission deadline is 29 February. If we do not receive more submissions then I am considering cancelling this contest and pursuing an alternative effort to highlight the writings of Talossans through a made-to-order bookstore. I have broached the idea with our Culture Minister.

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on February 24, 2024, 04:35:58 PMWe have only received submissions from two authors and worry this will not be enough to have an honest contest. The submission deadline is 29 February. If we do not receive more submissions then I am considering cancelling this contest and pursuing an alternative effort to highlight the writings of Talossans through a made-to-order bookstore.

There once was a man from Florencia
Who said "Where is the poetry mania?
The chance is remote
That we'll truly promote
Our literary intelligentsia!"

Quote from: Ian Plätschisch on February 25, 2024, 08:25:01 PM

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on February 24, 2024, 04:35:58 PMWe have only received submissions from two authors and worry this will not be enough to have an honest contest. The submission deadline is 29 February. If we do not receive more submissions then I am considering cancelling this contest and pursuing an alternative effort to highlight the writings of Talossans through a made-to-order bookstore.

There once was a man from Florencia
Who said "Where is the poetry mania?
The chance is remote
That we'll truly promote
Our literary intelligentsia!"

Alright, that's two from you, Ian. :)

Quote from: Ian Plätschisch on January 13, 2024, 07:18:28 PM"Oh lime juice, so tart and so bright,
A flavor that's both tangy and light.
Your zest is a burst on the tongue,
A taste that's both fresh and young.

You add a kick to a Margarita,
A perfect complement to tequila.
You make a ceviche pop with zing,
A dish that's sure to make the taste buds sing.

You brighten up a salad or stew,
A versatile ingredient, it's true.
You're not too sweet, not too strong,
Just the right balance all day long.

Oh lime juice, we raise a glass,
To your sour, yet delicious mass.
You bring joy to every dish,
We'll always relish your zesty bliss.

In drinks and in food, you're the star,
Oh lime juice, you're never too far.
We'll always keep you on hand,
For your flavor, we'll always stand."

GPT-3.5

Funny ChatGPT moment

I have also contributed to this, sent a PM with my poem to @Breneir Tzaracomprada

Quote from: Barclamïu da Miéletz on February 26, 2024, 10:08:52 AMI have also contributed to this, sent a PM with my poem to @Breneir Tzaracomprada

Submission received! Thanks Barclamïu

Leaving Talossa,
Egos clash, a kingdom mourns,
Humility fades.

In Talossa's heart,
Patriotism's steadfast,
Home in every storm.

In Talossa's realm,
Friendship's bond, a guiding light,
Unity prevails

Mximo

Any updates on it?

((sound of tumbleweed blowing past))