rejected again

No, that is not the name of a country music song--hmm, it might be, but if it is, it's not one I know. Back on subject-ok-got another "kind" rejection slip today from---well, it doesn't matter, does it?--anyway, it was for a poetry collection---every rejection has a little different format, maybe a little more class here, a little less there and so on--this one--well, it didn't address the thousands of folks that sent in their $25 to be "read" at all--what the rejection writer chose to do was to send more or less a handbill extolling all the accomplishments of the guy who won--numerous publications and awards, book after book, etc--how the winning work stripped away the humanity of folks down to the bare essence (actually those are my words, not the notice's--but it is a fair paraphrasing, I guess we faceless thousands were supposed to feel content to bask in his glory. I can't quote because I seem to have misplaced/destroyed/burned/shredded/or left the blasted piece of paper on the coffee table or maybe the new dog ate it). So, if I understand this right, a fairly well established writer, who is probably at least coming close to making a living at writing, wins the contest that the rest of us probably never had a chance to win in the first place after this person submitted what for the life of me sounds like it had to be a most depressing read. Then we didn't even get thanked for participating in this publication's annual/semi-annual/quarterly--whatever, fundraiser. Kinda makes you wonder if they make more money off their subscription/issue sales or their "writing contests." Ok, vent of day and it's been one of those days-so take all of above either with a knowing smile of agreement as you shake your head or with the view that I am completely wrong---your decision--I won't even argue. I just wonder how folks like Kerouac, Rimbaud, Leonard Cohen, or even Emerson, Whitman, Frost, etc. would fare in these "contests."

Hmmm, song for today--ok, what I am listening to right now, Emmylou Harris, on a video from the Old Grey Whistle Test in the 70's---"Pancho and Lefty"--which is not my favorite song by her but she does it so well and looks so good doing so.
-will-