Welcome to the first poetry contest on TheOtherKLM. This short-form poetry contest is built around a theme that feels necessary: Start Caring. Every word has to earn its place, and somewhere in your poem, something has to change. We are starting small with a $25 first place prize.
Why this theme?
It feels like a moment where it is easier to be apathetic than to stop and care. This theme pushes against that. I am interested in the point where attention turns into action, or where indifference starts to crack. It does not have to be loud. It just has to be real.
Guidelines
- Maximum 12 lines
- Title does not count toward line total
- Short-form poetry only
- No strict rhyme or meter required
- Original work only
- Keep it appropriate for a general audience
Prize
I am starting small: $25. It is what I can afford right now, but I hope that prize grows with the contest.
If you want to help build it, you can support through my shop or contribute to a prize fund.
Enter the Contest Today
Submissions are open now through May 15. Judging will be based on a combination of reader feedback and formal judging for literary merit. In short-form poetry, that means control of language, a clear sense of purpose, and a moment or line that stays with you after the poem ends.
Just post your poem in the discussion thread below. I will do my best to provide a short bit of feedback within 24 hours. Please also comment on and like your favorite poems in this thread.
