I'm Featured in Eternal Portraits!

I've just received a mail from www.poetry.com.

Dear Yong Yun,

Several weeks ago, we informed you by mail that our editors have certified your poem "Calamity" as a semi-finalist in our International Open Poetry Contest. I'm writing to remind you that your poem will automatically be entered into the final competition held in July 2005. As a semi-finalist, you now have an excellent chance of winning one of 104 cash or gift prizes--including the $1,000.00 First Prize. You may even win the $10,000.00 annual Grand Prize! We wish you the best of luck as you compete for these prizes in the coming weeks...

And that's not all . .

Yong Yun . . . Imagine Your Poem
Featured on a Page by Itself in a Beautiful Coffee-table Edition!

As I mentioned in my letter, and in celebration of the unique talent that you have displayed, we also wish to publish your poem in what promises to be one of the most highly sought-after collections of poetry we have ever published . . .

Eternal Portraits*
*(actual publication title may be different)

Eternal Portraits, scheduled for publication in Fall 2005, will be a classic, coffee-table quality hardbound volume printed on fine-milled paper specifically selected to last for generations. It will make a handsome addition to any library, a treasured family keepsake, or a highly valued personal gift. And best of all, this magnificent volume will showcase the poetry of Yong Yun Foo on an entire page itself!

NO OBLIGATION WHATSOEVER

Before going any further, Yong Yun, let me make one thing clear . . . your poem was selected for publication, and as a contest semi-finalist, based on your unique talent and artistic vision. We believe it will add to the importance and appeal of this edition. In this regard, you are under no obligation whatsoever to submit any entry fee, any subsidy payment, or to make any purchase of any kind. Of course, many people do wish to own a copy of the anthology in which their artistry appears. If this is the case, and you have not already ordered or reserved your copy, we welcome your order--and guarantee you will be satisfied. Please see your special discount information if you would like to order a copy of Eternal Portraits.

SO WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

As I mentioned, your poem has automatically been advanced to the final competition--so you do not need to take further action on the contest at this time. However, regarding the publication of your poetry, if you have not already returned your proof with your approval to publish, you must now proofread your poem, which appears on your Artist's Proof. Please carefully review your poem for typographical errors and make any necessary changes. The Artist's Proof also verifies that "Calamity" is your original work of art. And Yong Yun, let me assure you, your poem remains your property--Eternal Portraits is copyrighted as a compilation. This means that you retain the copyright to your own work of art.

And if you haven't done so already, you must also decide if you would like to have some personal information about yourself and your poetry included in this elegant edition. In this way, readers can gain a greater awareness of your motivations, the meaning poetry has in your life, the story behind your poem, or your personal or philosophical point of view. Your biography will be featured on a page by itself, directly opposite your poem--you will thus have two full pages in the book devoted to you and your artistry. And although we must charge a nominal fee for this service, you are under no obligation to include this information. Your poem can be published without it if you wish. Please see your Artist's Proof for further information.

Again, congratulations, Yong Yun. We feel you have a special talent and we believe your poem will add to the importance and appeal of this edition. Your contribution to Eternal Portraits is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Howard Ely
Managing Editor

The poem that I've submitted can be found here. I am overjoyed :)

Alighting...

We rush to wait;
We wait to rush.
But doing it together,
It’s not very fast.
Time is short;
There’s none to spare.
But the exit is tight;
It can’t be fair.
Left is him;
Right is her.
Stuck in between,
It’s oh dear.
Trying to exit;
The crowd pushes in.
Where’s courtesy?
It’s in the bin.
Slide to the left;
The guy will yell.
Slide to the right;
You’ll be in hell.
What to do?
Squat and cry?
Don't do that,
As fists will fly.
But locals are kiasi;
We’ll seldom fight.
Kiasu and humji,
How to alight?