Congratulations to our three prize winners, plus those recognized with an honorable mention. Many thanks to everyone who entered and shared their poetry celebrating their inspiration (this year's theme) with us. We also want to thank our Poetry Contest Chair Maureen McGerty, and most of all, our judge Kathleen Ripley Leo. Kathleen says "Writing poems intensifies metaphorical thinking skills which helps one solve problems in whatever field of work is pursued in life. Have you ever had the opportunity to stop people in their tracks by what you’re saying, with what you’ve observed? That’s some power. That’s the essence and magic of poems, and I congratulate the poets whose works I’ve had the pleasure and honor of reading." Learn more about Leo in the judge's reveal sheet (pdf). And now, meet our winners and their poems (all files are pdfs).
First Place: Ojo Olumide Emmanuel, Nigeria, “At the Feet of Mary Oliver”
Second Place: Nwefuru Godstime Chiadikobi, Nigeria, “Within an Atmosphere of Emergencies”
Third Place: Charisma Holly, USA, “May Flowers”
First Honorable Mention: Abraham Aondoana, Nigeria, “Because Someone Stood”
Second Honorable Mention: Tessa Alexander, USA, “Ode to Survivors”
Third Honorable Mention: Ronja Vieth, USA, “Tapestry”
