Poetry Contest

The Newbury Library and the John Hay Literary Society

ANNUAL POETRY CONTEST in CELEBRATION OF POETRY MONTH

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS TO THE 2025 POETRY CONTEST

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Theme:

Please check back here for 2025 theme

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RULES FOR SUBMISSION:

Compose a poem on the above theme.

• Poets may submit one (1) original unpublished poem inspired by the theme.

• Poems should be typed in 12 point or larger font.

• Poems should be no longer than one 8.5 x 11-inches page.

• Poets should submit by mail (address below). Send two (2) copies of your poem: one copy including your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. The second copy should have no identifying information.

• The winning poets will be notified (by telephone or e-mail) by March 29th and will be invited to read their poem at the April 5th event described below.

• Contestants who want to receive a list of contest winners should also submit a stamped, self-addressed envelope with their entries. There is no fee for submission.

• Submissions should be mailed by March 14th, 2024, to Dianalee Velie, PO Box 290, Newbury, NH, 03255, (603) 938-2734, dianaleevelie@aol.com.

• There will be 3 cash prize winners in the adult category: First, Second, and Third.

• There will be one cash prize winner in each of the following categories: High School, Middle School, and Elementary School.

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The winning poets will be honored and invited to read their poems in a public celebration of poetry, a Center for the Arts First Friday Event.

Friday, April 4th, 2025
Newbury Library
933 Route 103, Newbury NH

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Public invited ~ Refreshments served

 

Thanks to the morning light,
Thanks to the foaming sea,
To the uplands of New Hampshire,
To the green-haired forest free.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson