Trophy Writes

Kurt Philip Behm

Poetry contests ...

skew the way

hoping

 for a win

 

Ink

that never  

truly dries

lost within the din

 

Words not felt

but chosen

to stay

forever cold

 

Spiraling

to depths unknown

in darkness

— bought and sold

 

(Dreamsleep: September, 2026)

 

 

 

Comments +

Comments2

  • sorenbarrett

    I have read some that seemed on the surface fine but lack soul. Never enter them and as such am relegated to level three on All poetry. A great write that strikes right at the heart of many sites. People parading with medals on their paper vests. Good one Kurt and another fave

    • Kurt Philip Behm

      Thanks. I've been on All Poetry forever. What is level 3?

    • Tristan Robert Lange

      What a cutting piece, Kurt. You expose how chasing literary recognition can turn creation into performance and language into merchandise...leaving technically chosen words with nothing human burning inside them. Excellent write, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦‍⬛

      • Kurt Philip Behm

        Thanks, I've never entered one but constantly get invited.



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