Poetry. More and more while judging this contest I found myself drawn to Martin Ott's CAPTIVE and compelled to read and re-read the pages. No explanatory notes, no stanza breaks to ease the way, no gimmicks or prettiness of form. Instead, consistently tough, unwavering poems displaying a wide knowledge of the world--its brutality and beauty--and a keen, appreciative eye on the hard-won pleasures of the personal and private. I encourage the reader to jump headfirst into these poems, to rise to their challenge, listen to their haunting truths, and celebrate their song.--Gaylord Brewer, De Novo Prize Judge