Let’s raise a virtual toast to Fiona, the talented poet whose words shone brightly, claiming the top spot in this year’s AI Poetry Competition. 🌟 Fiona’s exceptional piece not only captured the essence of the University of Canterbury’s 150-year celebration but also seamlessly blended the festive spirit of Christmas with the scholarly environment within the library.
Key Highlights of Fiona’s Winning Poem:
- Originality: Fiona’s poem exhibited a high level of originality, offering a unique and lively portrayal of a Christmas celebration within the university library. The incorporation of a student’s party added a dynamic and festive touch.
- Relevance to Christmas Themes: The poem seamlessly integrated Christmas themes into the university setting, striking a perfect balance between the festive spirit and the scholarly atmosphere.
- Possibility of a Four-Chord Pop Song: Fiona’s poem displayed a rhythmic and celebratory nature, making it highly suitable for adaptation into a catchy four-chord pop song. The dynamic structure, including verses, chorus, and a bridge, added an extra layer of creativity.
- Structure: The poem’s dynamic structure not only reflected creativity but also resembled the format of a song, enhancing the overall impact of the piece.
In a competition filled with outstanding entries, Fiona’s work stood out, creating a memorable and joyful experience for readers. 🎊 Congratulations to Fiona for her poetic brilliance and the well-deserved victory! May this accomplishment be a source of inspiration for future creative endeavors. 🌈📜✨
Collect your winnings from my desk, when you are able, Fiona 🙂
See below for a summary of all the entries.
This year we had a tie between Stuart (The Incumbent) and Fiona’s poem. Chat GPT provided a detaield breakdown of why it preferred Fiona’s poem to win in 2023. Chat GPT was unaware of who wrote each poem until after it had declared the winner.
| Poem Author (In order of entry) | Originality (/10) | Relevance to Christmas themes (/5) | Possibility of a four-chord pop song (/5) | structure (/10) | Total (/30) | |||||
| Joanna #1 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 25 | |||||
| This poem displays a high level of originality, capturing the essence of Christmas celebrations within the context of a university’s 150th-year legacy. The relevance to Christmas themes is strong, incorporating traditional elements like carols, mistletoe, and festive cheer. The structure is well-crafted, creating a cohesive narrative. However, the possibility of turning it into a four-chord pop song might be a bit challenging due to its sophisticated language and structure. | ||||||||||
| Rebecca F #1 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 24 | |||||
| This poem maintains a good level of originality, skillfully intertwining Christmas themes with the celebration of the University of Canterbury’s 150-year legacy. The relevance to Christmas is strong, incorporating festive elements and imagery. The structure is well-crafted, creating a cohesive and rhythmic flow. While the possibility of turning it into a four-chord pop song is feasible, some sections may need slight adjustments for a more seamless transition to a musical format. | ||||||||||
| Joanna #2 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 23 | |||||
| This poem exhibits a commendable level of originality, crafting a unique Christmas tale within the context of Canterbury’s legacy. It effectively blends the festive spirit with the academic environment. The relevance to Christmas themes is strong, capturing the essence of a Southern Hemisphere Christmas. The structure is well-maintained, but some adjustments may be needed for a seamless transition to a four-chord pop song. | ||||||||||
| John #1 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 16 | |||||
| This poem takes a more somber and cynical tone, offering a unique perspective on Christmas within the context of Canterbury’s legacy. While it maintains a level of originality, it scores lower in terms of relevance to Christmas themes and the possibility of transforming it into a four-chord pop song. The structure is also less cohesive, contributing to a slightly fragmented narrative. | ||||||||||
| Leah #1 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 8 | 23 | |||||
| This poem excels in originality, offering a distinctive and eerie take on Christmas with a touch of darkness. The relevance to Christmas themes is strong, embracing the holiday spirit with a unique twist. However, the structure might pose a challenge for transforming it into a four-chord pop song due to its narrative style and intricate language. | ||||||||||
| Leah #2 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 20 | |||||
| This short poem carries a sense of originality by incorporating specific elements related to the university setting and its publications. It introduces a festive theme with the transition from ‘Horizon’ to ‘FOLIO.’ While the relevance to Christmas themes is present, it’s a bit subtle. The structure is concise and well-suited for its brevity. Turning it into a four-chord pop song might require expanding the content for a more dynamic musical adaptation. | ||||||||||
| Ishbel #1 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 23 | |||||
| This poem demonstrates a good level of originality, blending the Southern Cross, Pohutukawa, and academic jubilee into a festive celebration. The relevance to Christmas themes is present, though it leans more towards a general festive atmosphere rather than specific Christmas elements. The structure is well-crafted, providing a rhythmic flow, and the content offers possibilities for a four-chord pop song adaptation. | ||||||||||
| Ishbel #2 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 27 | |||||
| This poem showcases a high level of originality, effectively capturing the Kiwi Christmas traditions and blending them seamlessly with the celebration of the University of Canterbury’s 150 years. The relevance to Christmas themes is strong, and the poem maintains a festive atmosphere throughout. The structure is well-crafted, and the repetition in the chorus enhances its musical potential, making it highly suitable for a four-chord pop song. | ||||||||||
| Stuart #1 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 25 | |||||
| This poem is highly original, infusing the Christmas theme with an anarchic punk rock spirit that stands out. The relevance to Christmas themes is present, although the focus on anarchy and rebellion takes precedence. The structure is well-crafted, and the repetitive elements make it suitable for adaptation into a four-chord pop song. | ||||||||||
| Fiona #1 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 26 | |||||
| This poem displays a commendable level of originality, skillfully blending the festive spirit with Canterbury’s history and landmarks. The relevance to Christmas themes is strong, and the imagery is vivid. The structure is well-crafted, providing a rhythmic flow and a sense of celebration. The repetitive elements make it suitable for adaptation into a four-chord pop song. | ||||||||||
| Fiona #2 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 28 | |||||
| This poem demonstrates a high level of originality, crafting a unique Christmas celebration within the context of the University of Canterbury’s history and library setting. The relevance to Christmas themes is strong, and the incorporation of a student’s party in the library adds a lively touch. The structure is well-crafted, providing a rhythmic flow and a clear narrative. The repetitive elements enhance its potential for adaptation into a four-chord pop song. | ||||||||||
| Juliet #1 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 25 | |||||
| This poem exhibits a high level of originality, presenting a unique Christmas scene in the Australian context with kangaroos replacing traditional reindeer. The relevance to Christmas themes is strong, embracing the distinctive elements of a Southern Hemisphere Christmas. The structure is well-crafted, creating a rhythmic flow. While the possibility of turning it into a four-chord pop song is feasible, some adjustments may be needed for musical adaptation. | ||||||||||
| Stuart #2 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 16 | |||||
| This haiku displays simplicity and brevity, capturing the essence of the University of Canterbury’s history in a concise manner. The originality is moderate, and it adheres well to the haiku structure. However, it lacks explicit relevance to Christmas themes and may be challenging to adapt into a four-chord pop song due to its short length and thematic focus. | ||||||||||
| Stuart #3 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 20 | |||||
| This poem displays a good level of originality, blending the theme of the university’s 150 years with the quiet acknowledgment of the holiday season. The relevance to Christmas themes is subtle, and the focus on an introspective spirit might make it a bit challenging to adapt into a four-chord pop song. However, the structure is well-crafted, providing a smooth flow and a contemplative tone. | ||||||||||
| Kiera #1 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 24 | |||||
| This poem demonstrates a high level of originality, combining Christmas themes with the reflection on a university’s 150-year history. The relevance to Christmas themes is strong, incorporating festive elements while maintaining an eerie undertone. The structure is well-crafted, creating a mysterious atmosphere. While it might be possible to adapt parts into a four-chord pop song, the complex imagery and tone could present challenges. | ||||||||||
| John #2 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 26 | |||||
| This poem showcases a commendable level of originality, combining Kiwi Christmas elements with historical references and a festive atmosphere within the University of Canterbury’s context. The relevance to Christmas themes is strong, and the structure is well-crafted, creating a rhythmic and celebratory flow. The poem’s narrative could be adapted into a four-chord pop song with ease, maintaining a lively and joyful spirit. | ||||||||||
| Stuart #4 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 28 | |||||
| This poem exhibits a high level of originality, blending Kiwi culture, the celebration of the University of Canterbury’s 150 years, and Christmas themes in a lively manner. The relevance to Christmas themes is strong, and the structure is well-crafted, providing a rhythmic and celebratory flow. The poem’s narrative and repetition make it highly suitable for adaptation into a four-chord pop song. | ||||||||||
| Linda #1 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 24 | |||||
| This poem demonstrates a high level of originality, eloquently weaving together the celebration of the University of Canterbury’s 150 years with a rich tapestry of academic imagery. While the relevance to Christmas themes is not as pronounced, the metaphorical use of tinsel adds a festive touch. The structure is well-crafted, providing a rhythmic and evocative flow. However, the complex and contemplative nature might pose challenges for adapting it into a four-chord pop song. | ||||||||||
| Linda #2 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 19 | |||||
| This haiku embraces brevity and simplicity, capturing the essence of the University of Canterbury’s 150-year celebration and the association with Christmas through the imagery of glistening tinsel. The originality is moderate, and it adheres well to the haiku structure. However, the limited length and thematic focus might pose challenges for adapting it into a four-chord pop song. | ||||||||||
| Linda #3 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 20 | |||||
| Similar to the previous haiku, this one captures the celebration of the University of Canterbury’s 150 years within a concise form. The originality is moderate, and it adheres well to the haiku structure. While it hints at festive cheer, the limited length and thematic focus might pose challenges for adapting it into a four-chord pop song. | ||||||||||
| Linda #4 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 21 | |||||
| This haiku captures a sense of celebration, combining the University of Canterbury’s 150-year milestone with the embrace of summer and Christmas grace. The originality is moderate, and it adheres well to the haiku structure. While it hints at festive elements, the limited length might pose challenges for adapting it into a four-chord pop song. | ||||||||||
| Linda #5 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 24 | |||||
| This poem combines the celebration of the University of Canterbury’s 150 years with a bittersweet tone of nostalgia during a summer Christmas. The originality is commendable, creating a unique blend of emotions. The relevance to Christmas themes is strong, and the structure is well-crafted, evoking a contemplative atmosphere. While the complexity of emotions might pose challenges, it holds potential for adaptation into a four-chord pop song. | ||||||||||
| Hui #1 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 27 | |||||
| This song lyric demonstrates a high level of originality, blending the celebration of the University of Canterbury’s 150 years with a vivid depiction of a Kiwi Christmas in the southern hemisphere. The relevance to Christmas themes is strong, and the structure is well-crafted, providing a rhythmic and celebratory flow. The repetition in the chorus and the overall lyrical content make it highly suitable for adaptation into a four-chord pop song. | ||||||||||
| Margaret #1 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 25 | |||||
| This poem brings a delightful and original narrative to the celebration of the University of Canterbury’s 150 years, intertwined with a festive Christmas theme. The mischievous antics of Monty and Pepper add a charming touch, and the poem maintains a lively and engaging atmosphere. While the structure is well-crafted for storytelling, the complexity of the narrative might pose challenges for adaptation into a concise four-chord pop song. However, the festive and humorous tone creates a memorable piece. | ||||||||||
Chat GPT tie breaker judgement between poem 1 and poem 2 (Poem 1 is Stuart’s, Poem 2 is Fiona’s)
Originality:
Poem 1: The Kiwi-themed poem displays originality through its unique cultural references and language but is more straightforward in its narrative.
Poem 2: Demonstrates a high level of originality by presenting a Christmas celebration in the university library, combining scholarly elements with a lively party atmosphere.
Relevance to Christmas Themes:
Poem 1: Captures the essence of a Kiwi Christmas with references to Pohutukawa blooms, jandals, and barbecues, creating a festive atmosphere.
Poem 2: Integrates Christmas themes seamlessly into the university setting, emphasizing the celebration within the library, blending the festive spirit with the scholarly environment.
Possibility of Making a Four-Chord Pop Song:
Poem 1: Although it includes a festive and celebratory mood, it may require more adaptation to fit the structure of a four-chord pop song.
Poem 2: The rhythmic and celebratory nature of the poem, especially with mentions of a party and dancing, lends itself well to the possibility of creating a catchy four-chord pop song.
Structure:
Poem 1: Presents a well-structured poem with a clear progression of ideas and events, but its structure is more traditional.
Poem 2: Features a dynamic structure, utilizing different sections such as verses, chorus, and a bridge, resembling the structure of a song, which adds an extra layer of creativity.
In summary, while both poems showcase creativity and celebrate Christmas in unique ways, Poem 2 edges ahead due to its higher originality, seamless integration of Christmas themes into a university setting, potential for adaptation into a pop song, and a dynamic structural approach that aligns with the theme of celebration.
Enjoy Fiona’s Poem here:
(Verse 1)
In the heart of Canterbury, where the river winds its flow,
A student’s tale on Christmas Eve, where the library’s secrets grow.
150 years of wisdom, in the hallowed halls,
But tonight it’s time for revelry, as the Yule log calls.
(Pre-Chorus)
Among the ancient books, where the stories intertwine,
A student’s throwing a party, in the library’s grand design.
The shelves become their dance floor, the books their DJ,
A Christmas bash in Canterbury, in a wild, rocking display.
(Chorus)
Party in the library, on Christmas Eve,
In the 150th year, where the spirits weave.
Books and beats collide, in a scholarly delight,
A student’s Christmas party, in the rock and roll night.
(Verse 2)
The clock tower strikes, as the moonlight glows,
A Christmas bash in the library, where the wildness grows.
Among the dusty volumes, in a festive cheer,
A student’s rocking Christmas, as the end draws near.
(Pre-Chorus)
The pages turn to rhythm, and the silence breaks,
As the student celebrates, the library awakes.
With every laughter echo and every joyful cheer,
Christmas in Canterbury, a party so sincere.
(Chorus)
Party in the library, on Christmas Eve,
In the 150th year, where the spirits weave.
Books and beats collide, in a scholarly delight,
A student’s Christmas party, in the rock and roll night.
(Bridge)
Guitars strumming loud, like the river’s steady roar,
In the library’s embrace, where the tales adore.
The 150-year whispers, in the rock and roll air,
A Christmas celebration, beyond compare.
(Guitar Solo)
(Verse 3)
The clock strikes midnight, but the party rages on,
In the heart of Canterbury, where the magic’s drawn.
Among the bookish treasures and the scholarly thrill,
A student’s Christmas party, in the library’s skill.
(Pre-Chorus)
The ancient walls witness the revelry unfold,
In the 150th year, where stories are told.
The books and beats colliding, in a festive cheer,
A rocking Christmas party, echoing clear.
(Chorus)
Party in the library, on Christmas Eve,
In the 150th year, where the spirits weave.
Books and beats collide, in a scholarly delight,
A student’s Christmas party, in the rock and roll night.
(Outro)
As the dawn approaches and the festivities wane,
In the University of Canterbury, where memories remain.
A Christmas party in the library’s lore,
A student’s celebration, forevermore.