Remember my Famous First Words contest? Aw, c'mon, it hasn't been that long. It got a bit overshadowed by this other contest. Well, today I announce the winners!
First, a recap. I asked readers to submit either a funny or a poignant quip for when we land on Mars someday.
Elaine M., a retired librarian and astronomy enthusiast, blew the competition into outer space with her poem:
The sky is pink.
The rocks are red.
There ain’t no birdies
Overhead.It’s bare. It’s bleak.
Don’t see no plants…
Or other green
Inhabitants.It’s desolate.
The air is scant.
Except for me—
No life’s extant.It’s dusty, dry.
I need a beer.
Houston,
Get me outta here!
Okay, all you cut-ups, you left only one competitor in the Nice Guy category, Tim, with this heartfelt prayer:
From Earth to Mars, from dirt to rust,
through space and time, mankind has thrust.
From ashes to ashes, from dust to dust,
in God's hands, we place our trust.
I've already contacted both and the books will be on their way to Catherine Thimmesh this weekend for autographing.
Congrats to both of you, and thanks to everyone else for stopping by!
Thanks, for the award. It's always fun writing silly stuff.
By the way, my Poetry Friday piece has been posted at the Blue Rose Girls Blog.
http://bluerosegirls.blogspot.com/
2006/10/poetry-friday.html
I included a link to the Cybil award site and a suggestion readers nominate their favorite children's poetry book of 2006.
Posted by: Elaine Magliaro | October 20, 2006 at 05:23 AM
Thanks! I enjoyed the contest. Usually I'd try the funny route but I've had a thing for Mars ever since reading Heinlein's "Red Planet" and "Podkayne of Mars".
Posted by: Tim | October 20, 2006 at 08:09 AM
Thanks to both of you for your fabulous entries, and enjoy the book. It'll be on its way to you soon.
Posted by: Anne | October 21, 2006 at 04:44 PM
Anne, how you manage to do this, and Poetry Friday, and everything to do with the Cybils I find truly amazing! I am in awe.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | October 22, 2006 at 12:22 PM
Simple: I let the kids play in traffic. A little neglect is good for the soul.
Posted by: Anne | October 22, 2006 at 05:15 PM
I got the book the other day! Signed by the author and everything! It is totally sweet! I'm sure I'll eventually let my kids look at it but for now I'm hogging it. Thanks for a great contest!
Posted by: Tim | November 02, 2006 at 10:24 AM
Hog away. They can read it after you're good and ready to let them!
Glad you enjoyed the contest. I think this was such a good idea, I'm already trying to think of a new contest idea.
Posted by: Anne | November 02, 2006 at 11:28 AM