[FORA TALOSSA] 2nd El Pretz Per Tomas Prize Winner

[Breneir Tzaracomprada]

It is my pleasure to announce the honorees for the 2nd El Pretz Per Tomas Poetry Prize. But first please allow me to thank @owenedwards the originator of this prize, writer of citations, and co-judge for his support and work. I also want to express gratitude for Eoin Ursum agreeing to serve as a prize sponsor in his capacity as the Kingdom's poet laureate.
It is my pleasure to announce @Carlüs Éovart Vilaçafat as the winner of the 2nd El Pretz Per Tomas Prize for his poem, The Midnight Train.

OFFICIAL CITATION: Carlüs Éovart Vilaçafat (THE MIDNIGHT TRAIN)

The most detailed attempt at scansion and rhyme of the entrants, and very promising. It is particularly technically strong in the first few stanzas - after that there are a few specimens of broken metre, style, and rhyme - but this is ambitious and largely successful. The actual tale of the poem is baroque, something between Ray Bradbury and Stephen King, and is thoroughly enjoyed. The poem lends itself to enjoyment by reading or listening due to the previously mentioned dark and baroque voice.

The Midnight Train
 
Upon the tracks of cold black steel
sat the engine of smoke and fire
reeking of wounds that never heal
and ancient demons which never tire.
 
Why did I stray so far from the fair
on that cold October night?
Was it the raising of my hair,
or perhaps the angler's light?
 
The sky was made of coal and pitch
the wind a razor on my skin.
The light inside the cabin twitched
as a ghoulish wraith beckoned me in.
 
"Run!" screamed my mind's single refrain,
yet with each step it was betrayed!
Closer I drew toward that daemonic train!
Closer I drew to that terrifying shade!
 
Past the wraith, I glance through the ghost light,
was that my father blankly staring??
He was dead less than a fortnight,
his funeral shroud, he was still wearing!
 
A single word snapped me from my fear:
"Ticket." was the blessed phylactery!
Spoken as gargled glass against my ear,
I had no ticket to this ghastly menagerie!
 
Speechless I hurriedly pull out my pockets
"I have no ticket!" was my stuttered reply.
The ghoul's only response: "Not yet."
My head spun at the words and what they imply.
 
A screaming whistle pierced the night
as a burning miasma filled the air.
Finally when the smoke cleared my sight
It was I, screaming in that blasted fair.

Carlus reads the poem in our official announcement video here:

[Baron Alexandreu Davinescu]

Wow! Congratulations to the winner, and this is a great continuation of our amazing literary tradition!

[Bråneu Excelsio]

Great! Congratulations, @Carlüs Éovart Vilaçafat !

[Carlüs Éovart Vilaçafat]

The most detailed attempt at scansion and rhyme of the entrants, and very promising. It is particularly technically strong in the first few stanzas - after that there are a few specimens of broken metre, style, and rhyme - but this is ambitious and largely successful. The actual tale of the poem is baroque, something between Ray Bradbury and Stephen King, and is thoroughly enjoyed. The poem lends itself to enjoyment by reading or listening due to the previously mentioned dark and baroque voice.

High praise indeed!
Thank you so much to Breneir Tzaracomprada, Owen Edwards, and Poet Laureate Eoin Ursum for the opportunity to stretch my poetic muscles!

[Tric'hard Lenxheir]

Congratulations Carlus!!!

[Óïn Ursüm]

Congratulations, Carlüs!