I think the theme is a good thing as long as its not to specific. It makes it a challenge and betters the poet. You have to broaden your poetry in order to go places with it. Just my thoughts and what was the theme ne way?

it was "gain and loss" pretty vague huh?

there are many ways you can show that, and thats the good part. Without a challenge of a theme whats the use of it being a contest. Might as well just make a poetry thread.