When I first started receiving the entries I got one with a subject line including "Horror-Ku" and thought to myself that is a good name. But alas, I am already started on the contest and don't want to muddy the waters by changing the name midstream.

The entry deadline was set for midnight, although I neglected to indicate that I am in Central time zone. So I delayed it until 2 AM my time. And someone did submit at 1:55. Just in under the cutoff time. The entries were compiled and passed along to the incomparable Michael Arnzen to judge. He has a talent for writing wonderful abbreviated works. His collection 100 Jolts was amazing. Check out his work at http://www.gorelets.com You won't be disappointed. And check out his latest book Proverbs for Monsters, from Dark Regions Press.

Without further ado, here are the winning entries:

C. S. McBride won first place with...

Twisting from the branch,
the wind's marionette; my
love, you dance once more.

Bruce Boston won second place with...

flesh of a zombie
cold and crumbling in my hands
when I touch myself

John Pupo won third place with...

Under bed I hide
Seeing feet shuffle here - there
Till you grab my hair

There were many wonderful entries and I want to publicly thank everyone who joined in this contest. Rest assured this is the first of many contests to come.

Bloody MonkeyZ

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