Celebrating Humor in Poetry: Wergle Flomp Contest Winners Revealed

In a delightful celebration of creativity and laughter, Winning Writers has unveiled the results of its highly anticipated 24th Annual Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest. With an impressive entry of 5,060 poets from various corners of the globe, the contest emphasizes the fun and quirkiness of humor poetry. This year’s winners highlight the rich tapestry of comedic talent thriving within the poetry community.

First Prize: A Global Champion’s Return

Taking home the first prize of $2,000 is Jeff Carter from Evere, Belgium, recognized for his whimsical poem "There Was an Old Woman". This piece ingeniously transforms a classic nursery rhyme into an epic narrative reminiscent of Milton's Paradise Lost, replete with footnotes that cite fictional scholarly works to explain its supposed profound insights. The prize also includes a two-year gift certificate valued at $100, generously donated by Duotrope, a co-sponsor of the contest. Carter's ability to blend humor with literary references showcases the contest's challenge of intertwining fun with sophisticated poetic techniques.

Second and Third Place: Humor with Depth

Following closely was Julia Lichtblau of Brooklyn, NY, who won the second prize of $500 for her piece titled "The Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 1939 (Revised)". This clever composition presents an imaginative collection of unusual work specialties from a bygone era, highlighting the wit and resilience of workers resisting obsolescence. Lichtblau's work reflects a playful yet profound understanding of history and human resilience.

The third prize was awarded to AJ Layague of Laguna Niguel, CA, who crafted the entertaining piece "The Three Muscatels Go to the Races". This humorous narrative follows the escapades of three elderly women who escape a nursing home, only to find themselves entangled with a mobster at the racetracks. Layague’s story encapsulates the unpredictability and joy of life, proving that laughter can be found in even the most unexpected circumstances.

Insights from the Judge

Jendi Reiter, the esteemed final judge of the contest, shared her thoughts on the submissions. She pointed out a common technique among the entries: leveraging humor from the juxtaposition of mundane subjects with ornate language, likening it to crafting a "plastic toothpick adorned with diamonds." The standout poems of this year not only maintained a strong central theme but also executed it with focus and exceptional skill. Lauren Singer assisted in the judging process, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive evaluation of the submissions.

Honorable Mentions

In addition to the top three winners, twelve honorable mentions at $100 each were awarded to talented poets including Stephen Dotson Dale, Sophie Develyn, and Carol Whitney Ward, among others. A total of $3,950 was distributed in prizes, underlining the contest's commitment to recognizing and encouraging humor in poetry.

For those interested in exploring the winning entries and judges' comments, the top 15 poems are available online at Winning Writers, showcasing the breadth of talent in the humor poetry genre.

Looking Ahead

The Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest continues to inspire poets with its open submission policy, now open for the 2026 contest until April 1, 2026. Aspiring writers can submit their works for free, remaining accessible to new voices in the literary community. Winning Writers also organizes other competitions, including the Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest and the North Street Book Prize, reinforcing its dedication to the writing community.

With accolades like being featured in Writer's Digest as one of the "101 Best Websites for Writers" in 2025, Winning Writers is not only a hub for established poets but also a platform for emerging talent seeking to make their mark in the world of literature.