Congratulations to all of the worldwide poets who contributed to our third "VoicesNet Anthology International Poetry Competition".

Enjoy the top 3 poems from the winning authors. The remaining finalists, chosen based on their selected poem, follow the top 3 poems.

Each treasure chest of jewels has a dialect that it knows.
The ring can tell a fairy tale, for it will have no foes.
A brooch can sing a lullaby, so fair and so divine.
This story, when it's listened to is oh so ever fine.
And there, amongst the ornaments, is a sparkle, here, and there!
A necklace of the things of life, too beautiful to wear.
Each precious stone is like a day, on the necklace of the year.
The little pearls are tiny tears, cried by eyes that know not fear.
The ruby stones are passion, in the souls of lovers true.
They give a peek into that heart, for me, and then for you.
The turquoise is purity, a day that is tranquil.
Stay put, move not, and listen. Be forever still.
The vain and charming emerald has a look that will deceive.
The sting of pain and agony with every breath you breathe.
And at last the radiant diamond, full of splendor in each way.
That happiness, that one true bliss, on one exquisite day.
So that is the very story that the entrancing necklace holds.
The one that when the telling is told, emotion just unfolds.
The gems are all a day or two on the necklace that is life.
Sorrow turns to rapture; felicity to strife.

winds of change caress my face
colours fade in empty space
mist appears, to mark the place
disappearing without trace

confusion reigns, trying to find
familiar ground to ease my mind
everything is swirling fast
something recognised is past

longing, yearning, stop the ride
let me leave, follow the tide
take me to my comfort zone
this brave new world is not my home

movements settle, shadows firm
the world stops spinning, corner turned
my suspicions are confirmed
where I am is what I earned

I am from ear infections.
Strep throat and flues.
North Carolina hats.
And three striped shoes.

I am from bonfires.
And Bar-B-Q's.
From the hot, sweaty church.
And the long wood pews.

I am from stompin' in the grass.
And rompin' in the pool.
Doing all sorts of flips.
Thinking I'm cool.

I am from football and basketball.
Baseball too.
Bruises galore.
All black and blue.

I am from running in the woods.
Squishing bugs that are vile.
Scraping them off my shoe.
Preventing West Nile.

I am from tragedies.
September eleven.
Praying for those lost souls.
To go straight to heaven.

I am from the times of terrorism.
And don't forget war.
Making peace between nations.
I am trying to help finish the chore.