Wheels turn

When poets were invited to write pieces that involved wheels, they reached into just about every nuance of the theme with the possible exception of Wagon Wheels biscuits. Wheelchairs, bicycles and roulette wheels proved the most popular wheeled devices, while clocks and trains followed closely.

Many of the poems took an inspired angle on the theme, and revealed new insights or shared fascinating information. Some matched the content with beautifully handled technique. Some were full of good ideas and intriguing research, but their crafting didn’t quite provide the polish necessary for winning.

There was pleasing variety of voice in the entries. Personal accounts, conversational pieces and reminiscences appeared, and there was a good mix of cosy, formal and fantastical