In “Spring Ritual”, the speaker negotiates themselves amidst the rituals of renewal, loss, migration and spirituality. The speaker is governed by a sense of wonder which is further exemplified by a rich menagerie of sounds and vivid imagery. Spring…
In “Squirrel Poem,” the speaker comes to terms with the fate of the discarded, the squirrels on the road, the neglected graduate students. Ultimately, the speaker confronts this otherwise harsh reality: “We will make them look at us.” Squirrel Poem…
Thrilled to share the final poem of the 2021 Industry Prize, the 3d Place Winner, selected by judges Jenny Molberg of Pleaiedes Press and Michael Wiegers of Copper Canyon Press, “Poison” by Anders Villani. Please also enjoy the winning poem by Eduardo…
And here’s the 2nd Place Winner of the 2021 Industry Prize and $300, selected by judges Jenny Molberg of Pleaiedes Press and Michael Wiegers of Copper Canyon Press. Please also enjoy the winning poem by Eduardo Martinez-Levya here. Stay tuned tomorrow the…
We’re all very excited to share with you the 1st Place Winner of the 2021 Industry Prize and $3000, selected by judges Jenny Molberg of Pleaiedes Press and Michael Wiegers of Copper Canyon Press. Please enjoy this winning poem by Eduardo Martinez-Levya!…
In “your mother doubts your dumplings,” the speaker laments the struggle and dichotomy of life with one or more cultures. At once, fluent in a foreign language, at the same time, clumsy in a mother tongue and culture. your mother…
In “New Moon Ceremony,” the speaker deconstructs the fascination with “New Moons” and puts a spin on the evolution of perspectives. New Moon Ceremony What the hell is the big deal about the moon? The poets won’t shut up…
Congratulations to the talented emerging poet Eduardo Martinez-Leyva, winner of the 2021 Industry Prize, and a sincere thanks to everyone who submitted. Thank you, also, for your patience while we reviewed all the extraordinary work. Eduardo Martinez-Leyva has been selected for…
In “Girlish, too,” the speaker navigates the “white kingdom” of the Midwest which can be overwhelming for folks deemed as “other.”; at the end of the poem, though, they announce their resilience: “There are more things unbroken here /than what…
In “The Louder I Sing,” the speaker wrestles with the void of departure: “come back come back come back?” The Louder I Sing Your glass left a perfect circle, and I wondered if a more perfect circle had ever…
