A Garden of Verse: Contest Winners!

May I just say again how much I loved these contest entries? Forget Augustus, the Pink Carnation should have put all of you on the payroll.

In fact, I loved them so much that, as Queen of this site, I arrived at an arbitrary decision: everyone who entered deserves a prize. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough ARCs to go around, so the ARCs will go to the top five, while all other entrants get to pick any book– of mine– of their choosing. But more about that below.

In the meantime, we have winners!

In fifth place, there is #12, “The Passionate Turnip to His Love”, by Alexa J:

“Come live with me and be my Love,
And we will all the puddings share
Beribboned bundles, green and gold,
Festooned with currants, sweet and bold.

There will we sup upon choice fare,
And watch the dairy eat their share
In barnyard stables, horses and cows:
Melodious moos, neighs and bow-wows.

Arabella Fair shall beam and grin,
At hapless Turnip, with pudding-smeared chin
Should mistletoe appear above,
Please kiss me quick, and be my Love.”

In fourth place, we have #11, by Alexandra M:

“Men in masks, sure to entice.
Inquiring beauties, no scandal meant.
Must get away from danger in a trice,
Before Napoleon has caught their scent.

An American lass with her nose in books,
Modern man, a genteel sort.
Can you see the lingering looks?
Love at last or just for sport?

Back in time, we go again.
To lovely ladies, full of beauty,
And dignified, well-dressed men
Who do their government’s duty.

Richard, the swarthy spy
Arrives stealthily for a garden meet.
Amy’s there to catch a lie.
They are in for quite a treat!

Miles, a friend and always a gent
Except among a garden rose.
A spy’s sister, Hen, her feelings spent
But among the flowers, how their love grows.

The intelligent Geoff, his manner mild
Letty instead inside the carriage?
His choice was Mary, a bit more wild.
Yes, love still blossoms in this marriage.

Mary is back to find love herself.
Vaughn is there in his octagonal room.
To him, she’s not a trophy on a shelf.
Their love is twisted, watch it bloom.

Charlotte was a dreamer since her youth.
Robert, a soldier, went far away.
They saw the world upon her roof.
She hopes their love will make him stay.

Darkened balconies are dangerous, Penelope knows.
Away to India, her husband spoils his vices.
Alex, a native, to her the country he shows.
She finds love in the air full of spices.

A funny nickname, but a Turnip he’s not.
Arabella, a mistress at his sister’s school.
Their feelings unfold during a sinister plot.
Unveiling the mystery, he proves he’s no fool.

A governess spy Laura and Frenchman Andre,
Getting away from Delaroche is the thing.
A family, the two will have to play,
But they prove their love is not a fling.

Emma, a girl, and Augustus, a poet.
Don’t forget Jane, the pink flower.
I can’t handle my excitement, I know it!
Until February, I’ll hide away in a tower!

Romance and mystery are always in style.
Flowery aliases and crazy plots afoot.
These books are sure to give your face a smile.
I hope this series is never kaput!”

In third place, #17, by Christine M:

(To the tune of “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”)

“In regency England, born and raised,
Catching spies is how she spent most of her days,
With flowers and poets, they’re all so cool,
Shooting some bad guys in an early morning duel,
There’s always somebody who’s up to no good
Trying to make trouble in her neighborhood
She’s been in many a fight and never gotten scared,
Those rogues and thieves really haven’t got a prayer.
Amy and Hen and Miss Gwen are always near,
To help the Pink Carnation strike some fear,
In the hearts of those who hope to plunder and scare
But when Pink is on the case, it won’t be square!
She’ll sneak up on them when it’s really late and catch them by surprise: “you’ve been had by the Pink Carnation!”
The world is her kingdom, no one else can compare,
The Pink Carnation, the fairest of the fair.”

In second place, #28, by Nicole B, “From a Lady, To Her Spy”:

“I am one lady in a garden of many,
A rather plain Jane, yet you picked me out of plenty.
You are a spy, an unsung hero for all;
You hide in plain view at life’s masquerade ball.

I know who you are and your secret I’ll keep,
But remember, dearest Sir, that my price is quite steep.
I require one lifetime of devotion and love,
A joining of soulmates that mirrors those up above.

Your work is important for country and crown,
You flit in the shadows, yet I’m caught in my gown.
I am a lady, so I await your return,
But I can’t sit here idle alone with concern.

You may be a man and thus freer than I,
A deadly oleander, a master flower of spies.
I may be a woman, overlooked by most men,
A simple carnation, an overlooked gem.

You are quite gallant in the work that you do,
It seems only fair that I be these things too.
For I’m more than a lady, like you’re more than a guy.
I may be a lady, but I too am a spy.”

Tied for first place, we have 19 and 20, by Aileen W:

“Who is the Pink Carnation”

“I’m not red or white
but in between
I’m not a rose by another name
I’m not potent in short supply
but don’t mark me off as just another guy.”

“Ode to the Swede”

“Across between a cabbage and a turnip and I.
I was also also introduced to the British before the French
I have a traditional Christmas casserole dish named after me
In Sunday in England people tend to mash me for a roast
I have many names: to the Americas, I’m the Rootabaga; to the English
I’m the swede.”

Congrats, all! Our judge winner, chosen at random, is Virginia, of Comment #119.

You know the drill! Just email me and let me know where to send your prizes. The top five and our judge winner receive ARCs of The Garden Intrigue. As for the other entrants, just let me know what you’d like! Any of the Pink books, “Ivy & Intrigue” and “Two L” are fair game, as are the audio versions.

Thanks for the fabulous poetry!

15 Comments

  1. Céline on October 19, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    That’s a really wonderful idea that you got Lauren, all the entries were wonderful!!! Congrats to the winners!!!

  2. Christine on October 19, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Yay very exciting!

    Michelle Springer – if you’re reading this, glad I could make your day a little brighter!

  3. Ammy Belle on October 19, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Congrats! Wonderful entries! 🙂

  4. Shelli on October 19, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    They were all very good. I am horrible with poetry and so I`m impressed with anyone who can put anything in to verse. Also, you have got to be the most generous authors out there!

  5. Jessica S. on October 19, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    These were all fantastic, but special kudos to The Fresh Prince of Regency England. If we could get someone to record it, it could be the next YouTube sensation!!!

  6. Angie on October 19, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    Congratulations winners!! And thank you, Lauren 🙂

  7. Elizabeth (aka Miss Eliza) on October 19, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    Everyone rocks! Congrats. Though, I might have that Fresh Prince of Bel-Air one in my head for awhile.

  8. Michelle Springer on October 19, 2011 at 3:16 pm

    Yay Christine… glad you won a book.
    Yay Lauren… thank you for your generosity!
    It’s a good day for all. 🙂

  9. Rachel Nicole on October 19, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    Wow, a prize for all of us! You’re the best Lauren! Now I have to choose one! Congrats to all!

  10. Lauren on October 19, 2011 at 6:31 pm

    Jessica, I love your idea! Anyone want to do a Fresh Prince of Regency England video? : )

  11. Christine on October 19, 2011 at 6:43 pm

    Sounds like a good idea for the next contest 😛 I will not be entering. I do not rap. It would be painful for all.

  12. AngelB on October 19, 2011 at 6:47 pm

    Congratulations to the winners. I know I had a very hard time deciding. We all rock!! 🙂

    And Lauren, thank you so much for your generousity, but also for just being involved with us cooky groupies. We couldn’t ask for a better object of literary affection than you. 🙂 You rock way more!!

  13. Sheila on October 20, 2011 at 1:24 am

    Congratulations everybody ! I am so glad Lauren is able to do this , they were all wonderful . I love the idea of the Regency Fresh Prince.

  14. jeffrey on October 20, 2011 at 5:30 am

    I only wished I’d had time to offer an entry; alas my job demands got in the way! When I admire fine music, I wish I could compose; When I admire fine art, I wish I could paint; When I admire good literature, I wish I could write. But, for every talent offered, there must be an audience to appreciate it. I admire all of the talent displayed here mightily! Well done…

  15. Robyn on October 20, 2011 at 10:48 am

    CONGRATS Everyone!!!!

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