Current Edition: Tension

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First things first: The window for the spring theme of tension opens on February 1 and closes February 15 at midnight. Please note that we will not read poems or devotionals sent before or after that window unless we give you specific permission to send a piece early or late. Read the guidelines carefully and follow them. Keep in mind that we do not accept attachments.

Now about tension: I recall several fine writers who spoke of tension within the work itself. One writer said she wanted to create additional interest within the body of her poem. She felt she had a good handle on beginnings and endings, but she didn’t want the poem to weaken or fade in the middle lines. One way to strengthen a poem in the middle section is to add tension—that is, elements that push and pull against each other. Another way of thinking of this is conflict, although the conflict may be something other than two characters who are in confrontation with each other. What can be said about a poem, in this case, also can be said about a thoughtful devotional.

The possibilities with such a theme as tension are great, especially if you think of tension within the work. However, we will be looking for poems or devotionals that in some obvious way bring tension to the fore. What are internal conflicts that cause tension (or tenseness)? What are diametrically opposed ideas in society that create an atmosphere of tension? (And here, I would beg for caution, for an overtly political poem or devotional often becomes a rant, and not a strong rant at that.) What are conflicts in nature, the push and pull of elements against each other? What are tensions in family settings, whether somewhat natural or unexpected? What are the difficulties in balancing a view of earth against a view of heaven. Surely, there is tension in the flesh versus the spirit.

Here are a few teases: When I crochet, the tension I keep on the yarn affects the regularity of the weave. On a chainsaw, the chain cannot be too loose, or it will fly off the bar, or too tight, or the chain will not rotate. Proper tension affects the outcome. Tense muscles might benefit from a massage. In a funeral message, a preacher may admit to earthly foibles of the deceased while proclaiming hope of the afterlife.

We look forward to how you will surprise us. Writers see the world in unexpected ways, and we love for you to create tension within us, the tension of expectancy!   CAS