Manhattan Declaration Poetry Contest
See Newest Poems
No longer accepting submissions
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS TO THE CONTEST.
VOTING WILL CONTINUE THROUGH FRIDAY, FEB. 3RD.
Contest Theme:
In light of National Sanctity of Life Month this January, we want to know why LIFE is precious to you. Share with us why to “CHOOSE LIFE” through the creative form of a POEM. Keep in mind, Choosing Life isn’t just about making the decision to keep a baby, but is also valuing life to the fullest extent until one’s dignified death.
How to Win:
Create a poem that fits into one of the categories listed below that addresses the theme “CHOOSE LIFE”. - The poem must be Pro-Life.
- The poem must follow the contest guidelines. (See “guidelines” below)
- Facebook users will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite, and the top rated poem writer in each category will win a prize! The Manhattan Declaration admin will also have the opportunity to weigh in on the vote.
- The winner in each category will win their very own Kindle Fire.
- An author will only be allowed to win one time. (You cannot win in all 3 categories)
Amateurs Welcome:
You don't have to be an english major or a poet by profession to enter!
This can be something you do with your kids, your spouse, or as a school project!
It's for anyone who wants to use their creativity to speak about an issue they believe in!
The more who enter the more fun it will be!
Dates:
Contestants can begin submitting their poems TODAY and winners will be chosen in February. (Don't forget to help the writers you like best by voting for poems)
How to enter: - Enter the contest by submitting your poem HERE.
- Your submission will be published through Manhattan Declaration social media channels in order to be voted on.
Guidelines: - Each contestant is only allowed to submit ONE poem per category.
- Poem cannot contain fowl/profane language, attack third-party individuals or companies, or be off-topic.
- Must be focused on the theme, CHOOSE LIFE.
- Your poem must fit into one of the following 3 categories (Haiku, Lyric, Free Style):
Category 1: Haiku Poetry
Haiku is a Japanese poetry form. The best haiku uses just a few words to capture a moment and create a picture in the reader's mind. It is like a tiny window into a scene much larger than itself.
In English, haiku is normally written in three lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second line, and five syllables in the third line.
Example:
The last winter leaves
Clinging to the black branches
Explode into birds.
Category 2: Lyric Poetry
Lyric poetry is a genre of poetry that expresses personal and emotional feelings. In the ancient world, lyric poems were those which were sung to the lyre . Lyric poems do not have to rhyme, and today do not need to be set to music or a beat.
Example: I heard a fly buzz when I died;
The stillness round my form
Was like the stillness in the air
Between the heaves of storm.
Category 3: Free Style Poetry
The great thing about freestyle (free verse) poetry is that it frees the writer from having to focus on meter and rhyme. That isn't to say those elements aren't present in freestyle poems. As the name implies, anything is possible when you're writing a freestyle poem. If you are accustomed to working in a structure you may find freestyle more challenging, but for those who are new to poetry writing freestyle can be a liberating way to get into poetic expression.
Example:
Brooke doesn’t yet know poetry.
She learns as she goes.
This example is simple.
But tells the story fine.
Go write one now and call it mine.
Artistic Rights:
When you submit your poem to the Manhattan Declaration Poetry Contest, you are assigning copyright and granting all rights and permission to Manhattan Declaration.
This allows the Manhattan Declaration to use the poetry in whatever way desired to promote the Sanctity of Life. We promise not to re-write or change your poem!