The Herald held a poetry competition judged by Associate Professor Peter Kirkpatrick from the University of Sydney. He chose three winners and a highly commended entry from a shortlist of 20 poems selected by the editor. Many poems personified trees as exotic females, raising questions about femininity in relation to nature. The winning poem used the color heliotrope, standing out among entries with popular choices like purple and lilac. The winner, a senior government health official, expressed surprise at his success and plans to pursue poetry after retirement.
Some entrants resorted to maps and dictionaries to find rhymes, showcasing creative methods to work with the challenging subject matter. Popular culture references and Australian themes were explored in runner-up poems, with The Herald’s poetry editor praising their refreshing approach. One entry stood out for observing the “gunmetal grey” trunk of the jacaranda tree, earning praise for its unique perspective. The third-place poem was commended for its musical quality and was deemed aesthetically pleasing by the judge. Danebank student entries were noted for their freshness and engaging content, with many children appreciating the jacaranda tree’s subtle smell and seasonal significance.
The students from Danebank shared their poems with The Herald, expressing their enthusiasm for the competition and the opportunity to showcase their work. They discussed the challenges of dealing with jacaranda flowers and reflected on the process of working on their poems together. Teacher Lena Cooper highlighted the positive impact of the competition on the students’ creative writing skills and ability to connect ideas. The poetry unit coincided with the students’ exploration of creativity, resulting in heartfelt pieces that celebrated nature and artistic expression.
Overall, the competition featured a diverse range of poetry styles, with entries ranging from haiku to limericks. The judge noted the originality of the submissions, with many poets incorporating personal experiences and observations. The theme of femininity in nature was a recurring motif, with the jacaranda tree often symbolized as a female figure. Despite the challenges of finding rhymes and incorporating cultural references, the poets showcased their creativity and dedication to the craft. The competition provided a platform for both established and emerging poets to share their work and connect with a wider audience, inspiring future generations to engage with poetry and explore the beauty of nature through verse.
