Poetry Contest Launches its 35th Year.

What do a kindergartener, a high school athlete, a research scientist and a retired social worker have in common? They are poets, thanks to the encouragement of the Friends of the West Roxbury Library. For 35 years the Friends’ group has sponsored an annual poetry contest for all ages. Beginning in 1989, the Friends of West Roxbury Library has invited poets from ages 5 to 95 to write and submit their poems based on a particular theme. Each year a judge awards prizes in different age categories and the winners share their poems at a ceremony held in the spring. As part of the celebration, contest judge and published poet, Mary Pinard, highlights for the audience the unique features of each winning poem. The ceremony also gives poets a chance to meet and encourage each other. It is not unusual to overhear two poets of different generations complimenting each other’s works. Mary Pinard affirms the importance of poetry in our communities. “This contest sets a wonderful example of how the arts – in this case, poetry, have a central place in our neighborhoods and in our families. . . poets (of all ages) help us see in new ways, and inspire us with their wisdom and wit. We cannot live without them.”

The Poetry Committee of the Friends of the West Roxbury Library encourages everyone to consider writing and submitting a poem this year. “If you have never written a poem, or if you have written many poems, this is the year to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences through poetry. Help us make our 35th annual poetry contest one that celebrates the many different voices in our neighborhoods.”

This year the theme of the contest is WONDER and the deadline for entries is March 11, 2024

You can enter one of three ways:

e-mail your poem to Friendsofthewestroxburylibrary@gmail.com

Mail your entry to: Poetry Contest, West Roxbury Branch Library 1961 Centre St. West Roxbury, MA 02132

Deliver your poem in person to the contest drop box at the West Roxbury Branch Library