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This last month, I have been ambushed by talent, and it’s been a great experience.

The Next Great Poet contest, sponsored by the Bugle-Observer and Woodstock's Owl Book & Gift Shop, has finally come to a close, but the judges wish they could award every poet who entered.

The submissions were overwhelming, both in numbers and content. I think I speak on behalf of all the judges when I say, "Great Job Everyone!"

Poems were ranked by each judge on a scale of one to 10 then the totals were added up. We are printing the poems with the highest overall score in each of the three categories. The winners will receive a gift from Owl Book & Gift Shop. Also, one poem was chosen as an honourable mention.

A note by judge Paula Morris, The Owl Book & Gift Shop

Poetry: Noun; 1) poems collectively or as a literary genre. 2) a quality of beauty and emotional intensity regarded as characteristic of poetry.

Some tasks in life are easier than others, however, judging your poems was a much more daunting task than I could have ever imagined.

The elements of poetry include things like rhythm, metre, rhyme, alliteration, simile, metaphor, theme and symbolism. No where in that list, however, do you find things like heart and soul. One thing as I read each of your poems was how very personal, passionate and beautiful each of them was.

To those of you who entered the contest let me say this, you have all touched me with your words. Some of you made me smile, some of you made me think of my own past, some of you left me breath-taken by the imagery you created and a few of you left me passing the poem on to someone to finish reading to me because I was in tears.

How does one score have a right to judge such personal reflections? Unfortunately, for me, I had no choice, as that was part of this contest.

I personally want to thank each of you for sharing your poetry and congratulate you all on beautiful pieces of what I consider to be works of art. I would encourage you all to continue your writing and growing your means of self-expression. This truly has been a humbling experience, and, although there are posted winners in each age category, please know that I consider myself a winner for being allowed to read such personal expressions of self by each of you.

A note by judge Margaret Laking

It was an honour and a pleasure to read all of your contributions. Judging was difficult, and I wish everyone could be a winner, but then it wouldn't be a contest. Regardless of the outcome, I hope you all continue writing. Thank you for sharing.