I ran the first monthly poetry contest in October 2020, on a lark. An Economist notification on my phone sounded like an interesting prompt, and I thought it would be a fun way to get the creative juices going when pandemic life was draining the artistic energy from so many people that I knew. I had such fun with it that I decided to make it a regular event.
The Rules
I will post the new prompt on this site within the first five days of the new month. I will also share it to social media, and in the Poetry & Practice monthly newsletter. Email your poem to allyson@allysonwhipple.com by the deadline listed alongside the prompt.
I publish the winning poems; poets retain all rights to their work.
Previous winners must wait three months before entering again.
The Prize
I will select one winner each month, and publish their winning poem on this site. The prize is a $25 gift certificate to the independent bookstore of your choice.
Past Winners
May 2021
Medha Goel, Untitled Poem
Prize: $25 directly to the poet
April 2021
SurvivalWolves Collective, “It is my time“
Prize: $25 to Kaze Shadow
March 2021
Ojo Taiye, “Hereditary Blues“
Prize: $25 directly to the poet
February 2021
Peter H. Schmidt, “Rise Up“
Prize: $25 donation to Caritas of Austin
January 2021
Lisa Janice Cohen (untitled haiku)
Prize: $25 donation to Central Texas Food Bank
December 2020
Christa Pandey, “Christmas Cento“
Prize: $25 donation to Conspirare
November 2020
Colleen Joy Miller, “G’mornink“
Prize: $25 donation to Room to Read
October 2020
Carol Dorf, “At This Resolution“
Prize: $25 to East Bay Booksellers
Poetry and Practice 