Dayton Poets: Get Your Words Ready - Contest Begins Soon

Dayton OH

20 March, 2022

2:42 PM

Description

Press release from the Dayton Metro Library: Christy Lynne Trotter, Content Writer 16 March 2022 Dayton Metro Library will begin accepting submissions for the Poetry Contest beginning Friday, April 1. Entries can only be submitted via the Library's website. Adults and students who live in Montgomery or surrounding counties are invited to enter the contest. Written poems should be no more than one page length. For spoken word entries, a direct link to the performance will need to be provided on the entry form. Subject matter for both is open, but it must be for a general audience. The contest will end at midnight on Saturday, April 30. Written entries will be judged by editors from Dayton's own literary publication, Mock Turtle Zine. Spoken word entries will be judged by a DML committee. Winning written entries in all age categories will be published online and in print with Mock Turtle Zine. Winners of the spoken word category will be viewable via DML's streaming platform. Winners in the Spoken Word, Older Adult, Adult, and Teen categories will receive Amazon gift cards: 1st place, $100; 2nd place, $75; and 3rd place, $50. Winners in the Grades 3-4/5-6 categories will receive Amazon gift cards: 1st place, $50; 2nd place, $35; and 3rd place, $25. Poets looking for inspiration might consider viewing the work of Paul Laurence Dunbar. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Dayton native and world-renowned writer. In his time, he became one of the most influential Black poets in American literature. He work explores themes such as nature, freedom, and the Black experience. His work can be viewed here. This press release was produced by the Dayton Metro Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.