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Winners of the 22nd Annual Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest

The literary community has witnessed another thrilling chapter unfold with the announcement of the winners of the 22nd Annual Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest held by Winning Writers. Judged by the esteemed Michal 'MJ' Jones, alongside Briana Grogan and Dare Williams, this year’s contest attracted a staggering 2,481 submissions from poets around the globe.

Celebrated Winners

In a showcase of artistic talent, D.T. Christensen from Stow, Massachusetts, clinched the prestigious Tom Howard Prize, receiving a $3,500 award for his poem titled 'Shoulder Season.' This evocative piece captures the essence of seasonal transitions, inviting readers to reflect on life’s fleeting nature through vivid imagery rich in sensory experience. Michal 'MJ' Jones praised the poem for its emotional breadth, commenting on its ability to intertwine images of memory and decay, underscoring the universal human experience amid the inexorable passage of time.

Serrina Zou from New York City was awarded the Margaret Reid Prize, also worth $3,500, for her poem 'Ars Poetica,' which adheres to traditional styles and rhyme schemes. This reflective work navigates the elusive nature of poetry itself, using tangible symbols, such as a crumpled tissue and petals from a bridal aisle, to evoke feelings that resonate deeply with the reader. Jones described Zou’s piece as a compelling exploration of discovery in the art of writing, accentuating its delicate imagery that invites readers to delve into a recognized yet ungraspable craft.

Honorable Mentions

In addition to the main prizes, ten Honorable Mentions were awarded, each receiving $300. The recipients included Jay Aja, R.H. Alexander, Shelly Cato, Ceren Ege, Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda, Lance Larsen, Em McCoy, Carla Schick, Jennifer Tubbs, and Elinor Ann Walker. These poets exemplify the diverse range of talent and creativity showcased in the competition this year, reflecting different voices and styles.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 contest is now open for submissions until October 1, 2025, with total cash prizes increasing to $12,000. Winners will similarly receive guidance from Michal 'MJ' Jones, with assistance from Grogan and Williams as they strive to celebrate the richness of poetry through their work. Those interested in participating can find contest guidelines and submission instructions on the Winning Writers website.

Founded in 2001, Winning Writers has garnered recognition as a vital platform for literary expression, being named one of the '101 Best Websites for Writers' by Writer's Digest in 2024. Aside from the Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest, the organization also sponsors several other notable literary competitions, including the Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction Essay Contest, the North Street Book Prize, and the Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest, all intended to inspire and recognize writers in various fields of literature.

In conclusion, the Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest continues to embrace and celebrate the art of poetry, nurturing voices that speak to the human condition in profound ways. As the next chapter unfolds in 2025, aspiring poets are encouraged to engage with this prestigious contest, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of contemporary poetry.