The Voices of Lincoln Poetry Contest has been my passion since 2009, the year I became its coordinator. Although I am not one of the contest’s judges, I do read every one of the wonderful poems submitted from poets in my own community and around the world.

Many of you already have visited the contest “Rules and Entry Form” posting, dated June 4, 2020. And some of you have entered the contest. If you have, “Thank you.” For those who have not taken the opportunity to look at the posting, please do so. For all of you, I’d like to share . . .

 

A Brief History Of The Voices Of Lincoln Poetry Contest

The Voices of Lincoln Poetry Contest began in 2005. The contest is now in its sixteenth year. It began as a regional contest, with poets entering from Lincoln, CA, and Placer County, CA, and, in later years, extended to the greater Sacramento, CA, area. In 2010, a poet from the state of Ohio entered the contest and in 2012, the contest became international, with a poet entering from Queensland, Australia.

The number of poets entering the contest grew over the years and in 2017 drew the most entrants in the history of the contest. One hundred eighty-two (182) poets submitted 454 poems. Ninety-six (96) young poets submitted 233 poems. Poets came from 43 California cities, seven (7) states outside California, and from five (5) countries—the US, England, India, the Philippines, and Singapore.

The theme of this year’s contest is “Seeing Is Believing Through Poetry.” There are five new categories to challenge the poets’ imagination and ignite their passion: “What Do I See When I Look In The Mirror?”   "I See You In My Dreams”   "You Should Have Seen What I Saw Today”   "I See A World With Many Opportunities”   "See If I Can Make You Laugh.” Poets may submit a maximum of three poems, no more than one in each of three of the five contest categories. “Young Poets,” 18-years of age or under, are encouraged to submit poems and will compete in a special “Young Poets” category. Everyone is encouraged to enter. The "Rules and Entry Form" can be downloaded here. The contest deadline is July 18, 2020.

First, second, and third place winners will be selected in each category, both for adult and young poets. Ties are allowed. Last year, three anonymous judges, who had no knowledge of which poets wrote which poems, selected 38 winning poems, submitted by 31 poets, including 13 “Young Poets,” ages 12 through 17. Winning poets came from 17 California cities, from Phoenix, AZ; Atlanta, Georgia; Plymouth, MA; Dayton, OH; and London, England.

This year, as in the past, winners will read their poems at the Voices of Lincoln Poetry Contest Special Event. This wonderful day has had some very special moments, such as when a 94-year-old female, winning poet approached a nine-year old winning poet and told him, “Your poem was great. Never stop writing.” As their worlds meshed, the glow in their eyes was unforgettable. And two years ago, I asked an 11-year-old female poet, who was too small to read her poem from the podium, if she wanted me to hold it for her, so she could hold the hand mic, as she read in front of the podium. She gave me the weirdest look and stated, “I’ve got this under control. This is my audience.” And, yes, she was in control.

The event will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2020, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library in Lincoln, CA. Winners who are unable to attend the event will have their poems read by a member of the Poets Club of Lincoln. All winners will receive a commemorative chapbook of the winning poems.

Alan Lowe, Contest Coordinator

June 2020