ROUND TWO: 10-forensic vs. 2-empty

^{[click image to view matchup in full screen in a new window.]}

The Poets’ Challenge: Each poet is assigned a single word based on their bracket seed, ranging from 1 (intuitive) to 16 (seemingly impossible). Poets must write a kid-appropriate poem using the prompted word in under 36 hours. Once both final poems have been received, they will be pasted into the body of this post, and then the reader poll will be open for voting.

Voter Instructions: Read each poem as many times as you’d like. Then use the poll to express your preference. Votes are counted in real time and cannot be changed once entered. As a guideline for voting, consider the criteria on which the contestants on the cooking show “Chopped” are evaluated: presentation, taste, and creativity. Translated roughly into poetry terms, presentation might include technical aspects such as meter, rhyme, form/shape, etc.; taste might be the net effect — did the poem move you to laugh, cry, think, kill, etc.; and creativity might include the poet’s approach toward a certain subject, image evocation, clever wordplay, etc.

“This is awesome, where can I find more?”: All results and scheduled matchups, including a glance at the round-by-round writing windows and voting windows, are visible from the Live Scoreboard page. In addition, results will be tweeted from @edecaria as they become final.

Here are the poems:

10-forensic
An Important Mystery!
by Debbie L.

The cookies are missing! Where could they be?
It’s time to solve a mystery.
No need to worry, a forensic expert is here.
Crumbs! A clue! The criminal is near.
It leads this way and that. Then the trail stops…

What’s that sound? Munching…crunching… now snores?
Daddy, why are you hiding behind that door?

vs.

2-empty
This and That
by Melinda Harvey

Frigid:hot, push:pull
North:South, empty:full

Normal:queer, out:in
Near:far, stranger:kin

Knock-kneed: full of grace
Ten hut: About face

Wondering how to pass the time?
Think of opposites that rhyme!

VOTE NOW!

10-forensic vs. 2-empty: Which Poem Did You Prefer?

10-forensic (Debbie L.) (50%, 130 Votes)
2-empty (Melinda Harvey) (50%, 129 Votes)

Total Voters: 259

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GET OUT THE VOTE. For Round 2, our goal is to double the average vote total for all matchups compared to Round 1. Use the share buttons below and mention the madness wherever you go so that these poems reach more kids!

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Melinda Harvey

Hello Debbie! I am looking forward to working next to you in round two! I enjoyed your first round poem….I just hope I don’t get too pummeled against you here!
- http://www.debbielacroix.com Debbie
  
  Me too! Your poem made me hungry. Don’t worry, I’m an empty threat. But I will butter you with clues as I study forensic. Me thinkth I’m in second grade doing spelling sentences. LOL.
http://readingyear.blogspot.com Mary Lee

Yikes! Forensic! If that was my word, my brain would be empty!
http://www.susantaylorbrown.com/blog Susan Taylor Brown

Mary Lee, I was just thinking the same thing. If Forensic is a 10, what am I going to get at 16? Yikes! Good luck, Debbie and Melinda.
- http://www.thinkkidthink.com Ed DeCaria
  
  You don’t wanna know, lady, you don’t wanna know …
  - http://www.susantaylorbrown.com/blog Susan Taylor Brown
    
    That’s what I was afraid of, Ed! Oh well. I am happy to have involved on any level. Tons of fun and GREAT exposure for poetry.
- http://www.thinkkidthink.com Ed DeCaria
  
  Do remember: a word that seems tough in terms of subject or definition would be bumped up (meaning a more favorable seed — i.e., smaller number) if it is otherwise pleasant-sounding or lends itself well to good meter and/or rhyme. So forensic, though tough in a sense, has a certain bounce to it that I think makes it “easier”.
  
  Maybe I’ll post after the tournament (or at least later in the tournament) a more thoughtful review of how I decided and seeded the words.
  - http://www.susantaylorbrown.com/blog Susan Taylor Brown
    
    I think that’s a wonderful idea for a post. I think we’d all like to know what went on behind the scenes.
  - http://gottabook.blogspot.com Greg Pincus
    
    I second Susan’s comment – the behind the scenes info could be a lot of fun (knowing that you gotta keep the secret sauce, whatever that is, proprietary!).
    
    And forensic is not an easy word, but yeah… there’s a bounce. Should be a great duo of poems here.
  - http://www.debbielacroix.com Debbie
    
    Agreed. There are fun ways you can use a more difficult word.
  - Jone
    
    Yes, I can’t wait to learn about how you chose the words.
http://www.debbielacroix.com Debbie

LOL! I have forensic written, it actually has alot of potential if you like Mysteries. So stop by tomorrow and see if you can solve the crime before the end of the poem.
Stephanie Farrow

A crime to solve! Mysteriouser and mysteriouser. A foresee a corpse in an empty room.
Melinda Harvey

I really wanted to use forensic in my poem too, but I didn’t want to seem boastful…any prediction on how I could have used it? (I’ll share at the end of this round!)
http://www.debbielacroix.com Debbie

I thought of putting empty in mine too! LOL. Great minds think alike.
Love your poem Melinda, it’s got a catchy tune.
http://www.thinkkidthink.com Ed DeCaria

Just to avoid questions, Debbie was (already) awarded 5 bonus votes for Melinda’s late submission. -Ed
- Melinda Harvey
  
  Thanks for the clarification, Ed…but did you have to be so…public about it?! I have students following this; now they will know my homework was late!
http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com Amy LV

I really liked both of these. The mystery is so neat – the rhyme to no rhyme works so well, and of course it’s Daddy! (This seriously just happened at our home today with 4-H cookies.) And I so like the opposite pairings too. It would be a great game/chant/book for young children.
- http://www.debbielacroix.com Debbie
  
  Yes, my husband acted out the poem yesterday! I came home and was like, “where are the cookies?” And he said, your poem told me to do it.
Melinda Harvey

Debbie, that is so funny…I also enjoy that we both used this and that in some capacity! Fun mystery poem! Thank you for your patience!
- http://www.debbielacroix.com Debbie
  
  I was worried about you! Glad you got it in. The tight deadline is crazy. What do you teach?
  - Melinda Harvey
    
    I teach fourth grade students. I am lucky to have a supportive, energetic batch of learners. I see you have a new book out. What level is it geared to?
    - http://www.debbielacroix.com Debbie
      
      Oh fun! That’s great that they are visiting. I do have a book out. It’s 5 – 8, but if you are interested in a SKYPE visit with your students, I’d love to. We can connect after the contest.
      - Melinda Harvey
        
        Great idea…thank you so much! I hope to pick up your book this week. I checked it out on line; it looks beautiful!
        
        http://www.debbielacroix.com Debbie
        
        Thank you. I had an amazing illustrator.
        You have a fan club!
Caleb Sterlace

i hope u can catch up and win,nice poem.
- Melinda Harvey
  
  Thanks, Caleb! It’s a close one so far!
Phillip mercurio

Lets go mrs.Harvey!!!!!!!!!
- Melinda Harvey
  
  You are too kind, Phillip. Thanks for checking us out!
Julie Rupp

Good luck Min!!!!!!
http://readingyear.blogspot.com Mary Lee

Hey, Melinda — I teach fourth grade, too! Thank goodness we’re on spring break this week!
- Melinda Harvey
  
  I hope you’re enjoying your break…we aren’t off until Easter week. I hope your students are still supporting your work while they are on vacation!
  - Janet
    
    Hi Melinda! I live near Syracuse. You’re in Buffalo, right? Love your poems and your kids voting for you. So great to see their enthusiasm. I just retired after 40 years (I look much younger than I am, must be the poetry and the kids!) and have taught gr. 5 and then gr. 3. I am doing a lot with poetry with kids. Would love to share with you. Maybe we can connect. You can google me and find out a little I bet. But love your poems and this whole March Madness Ed has created. For most match-ups it is really tough to choose! Maybe I can write for next year, but Ed will be inundated with contestants!! So we will see. Good luck to you and everyone.
    - Melinda Harvey
      
      Hi Janet! I would love to hear more about your career and what you are doing with kids and poetry in your retirement! I grew up north of Syracuse so we have that in common already. I googles you, but you wouldn’t believe how many Janets there are out there! More clues, please!
      - Janet
        
        Check out poetryonparade youtube Janet and you should find me. I forgot you don’t see my last name, duh! I am in Skaneateles. Once there you can find out more!
Next door neighbors…

Funny:serious, new:old
All of your poems are good as gold!
Thanks for another great poem Mrs. Harvey!!
- Melinda Harvey
  
  Oh, Next Door Neighbors…you are kind AND poetic. I am the luckiest lady ever! Thank you!
http://julielarios.blogspot.com Julie Larios

Both worthy poems. I have to say that “Knock-kneed:full of grace” is great out-of-the-box thinking and an elegant way to get to the rhyme with ‘about face” – love to see a poet stretch like that, kind of like watching an ice skater land a difficult jump! Melinda, I can’t imagine how you could have used “forensic” to fit into your poem – “circumstantial” is the only opposite I can come up with, and that won’t work!
- Melinda Harvey
  
  I heard “knock-kneed” in a James Herriot book over the weekend and I couldn’t let it go. My forensic link is a loose one at best and I had to use the thesaurus for support! Thank you for your kind words!
Kara Klinski

Nice job Mrs. Harvey!!!!!!
Devon Greier

Good luck Mrs. Harvey!
shane guasteferro

i hope you win Mrs. Harvey your poems are the best
Stephanie Farrow

Don’t you love that kids are reading these poems–and even willing to bet an entire quarter? They’re exactly for whom these poems were written. Hurrah for teachers! Bless them every one.
shane guasteferro

your poems are the best it looks like you need alot of help im encourageing everyone to vote for you at the boys and girls club!
- http://www.thinkkidthink.com Ed DeCaria
  
  I’m all for getting out the vote, but please make sure that everyone reads both poems and votes their heart, not their affiliation!
  - Melinda Harvey
    
    Absolutely agreed, Ed! Thanks for the reminder though!
  - Stephanie Farrow
    
    Ed, Here’s a vote-getting idea for next year. Since you’re such a clever Webbie, can you set it up so that when someone votes, their address goes on to a master list? When the next round goes up, you (your system, your willing slave, whatever) sends out an automatic email to let them know and encourage them to vote again.
    - http://www.thinkkidthink.com Ed DeCaria
      
      Yes, but impact would be limited because I do not have e-mail addresses for each voter. I think I can get them for commenters (have never tried), but that’s probably only 20% of the voter population.
      - Stephanie Farrow
        
        Well, rats. The best laid plans . . .
- Melinda Harvey
  
  Shane, thank you so much. Remember though, people should vote for their favorite!
Helena Potash

good going Debbie
Joelle Fialkowski

Love the poems Mrs.Harvey.
78 to 78 YOU CAN DO IT!!!
joey stevens

great poem its 83 to 85 2 more to tie keep it up great work
joseph stevens

i like your poem its creative
Phillip mercurio

Both of the poem’s are great!
Angela Lagrou

Mrs.harvey, You can do it!
max.w

NICE JOB MRS.HARVEY!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS A HARD CHOICE. THIS ONE IS A CLOSE ONE.
max.w

ITS 88 TO 87 ONE MORE VOTE MRS HARVEY
max.w

this is a close one i dont no wut to pick
jacob dubisz

ilove your poem !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- max.w
  
  nice comment tell who u want to win
Patricia Nozell

Amazing job to both of you & such a close contest!
max.w

NICE JAKOB
max.w

vote for harvey
max.w

yes 1 more
Phillip mercurio

Only 1 more until mrs.Harvey catches up!!!!!
shane

1 more vote so so close 98 to 99
Phillip mercurio

Still one more. Seems like hors until somebody votes for Mrs.Harvey!!
Madison Trzepacz

Good luck Mrs.Harvey!!!!!
Melinda Harvey

Does anyone else hear “Dueling Banjoes?” in the background?
- Devon Greier
  
  Good luck Mrs. Harvey. I hope you win!
Joelle Fialkowski

your winning Mrs.Harvey, your really doing it!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU CAN DO IT* YOU CAN DO IT* YOU CAN DO IT*
YOU ARE A WINNER* YOU ARE A WINNER*
I BELIEVE IN YOU*
106 TO 115* BEST POET EVER*

I HAVE FAITH IN YOU*
Sue Mattison

Great job daughter!!!!
http://www.thinkkidthink.com Ed DeCaria

I know we’ve got some heavy hitters on board, but hands down “Mrs. Harvey” has to be the most intimidating opponent in this tournament.

These kids are great … Thank you all for stopping by Think Kid, Think!
- Melinda Harvey
  
  It’s really not true, Ed…,I am much less than intimidating. I just have a really supportive group of students! You have created hours of poetry fun for so many! Thank you!
  - http://www.debbielacroix.com Debbie
    
    That was the closest match ever! I am really impressed with your students. They pulled you ahead. Ed, I think that should be considered a tie and we should both win! Melinda is a great poet, and a worthy competitor.
    - Melinda Harvey
      
      Oh Debbie! Congratulations to you! What an exhilarating race! I am very happy for you and we will be rooting for you in the next round!
      - Angela Lagrou
        
        It was sooo close… Debbie won by 1 point!
    - http://www.thinkkidthink.com Ed DeCaria
      
      Sadly, it cannot be.
      
      Thank you both for sparking such madness!
  - Kristy Dempsey
    
    I’ve loved hearing from Mrs. Harvey’s students too! Hooray for student/teacher loyalty. And I have to say, even if they are swayed to vote by the fact that Mrs. Harvey is their teacher, it’s really great that they see kids cheering their teacher at taking a risk and writing poetry. The student whose teacher writes with them is more likely to enjoy writing than the student whose teacher tells them to write.
Ragen

10- forensic. Definitely. Great job!
http://www.thinkkidthink.com Ed DeCaria

THAT JUST HAPPENED. I’m going to chart a vote-by-vote time series of this for everyone if I can …
Melinda Harvey

Unvictorious haiku…
Admitting defeat
Is so very hard to do
For your votes, thank you!
- http://www.debbielacroix.com Debbie
  
  I vote for that poem! Your students are awesome. I honestly had admitted defeat. I was in a meeting until 8:45.
  
  Debbie
http://www.susantaylorbrown.com/blog Susan Taylor Brown

Wow, what a match! Congrats! You’re both winners in my book.
- http://www.debbielacroix.com Debbie
  
  Thanks Susan. I agree.
  - Angela Lagrou
    
    Good job!
shane guasteferro

how did you lose by one
http://www.animalhero.com dave crawley

A buzzer beater!
Abigail Tucker

you can do it mrs harvey
- http://www.thinkkidthink.com Ed DeCaria
  
  Summer break must be over in New York … the Mrs. Harvey Fan Club is back in action!

ROUND TWO: 10-forensic vs. 2-empty

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