It is with great excitement that we announce the winning poems in the 2025 Kim Bridgford Memorial Sonnet Contest: Individual Sonnet winner “Slowing Time” by Erica Reid, and Sonnet Crown winner “Night” by Rick Mullin. They each will be awarded a prize of $500 and are invited to read the pieces in May at Poetry … Read More
For the 2025 Conference (May 27-30), we are pleased to announce that Poetry by the Sea is sponsoring a special Jane Caruso Memorial Scholarship. Thanks to a donor’s generosity, we are able to offer a full scholarship to a poet-educator who would like to deepen their commitment to poetic craft. The scholarship recipient is entitled to full conference registration, including … Read More
The Knife, The Throat by Dawn Manning I’ve had a knife at my throat and didn’t die, though when I swallow it tastes like pennies.This scar’s my pearl choker—chic as a fly. My head’s bound on tight—just give it a pry;and put down the green ribbon, dear Jenny.I’ve had a knife at my throat and didn’t … Read More
by Dustin Brookshire As I reflected on why community is important to me, I was transported back to childhood and adolescence. Growing up Southern Baptist in a small, north Georgia town as a closeted member of the LGBTQIA+ community was not a welcoming experience. I had to present a facade to survive and blend in. … Read More
As we enter the countdown to Poetry by the Sea Conference 2024, we wanted to share the magnificent Keynote Reading from Marilyn Chin at the 2023 Conference, reading from her latest book, Sage. This is part of our commitment to make poetry available to a wider audience. You can access the reading here.
IWe are delighted to announce the results of the Poetry by the Sea Book Award: At the Lepidopterist’s House by Chelsea Woodard, selected by judge Jane Satterfield. Chelsea will be awarded a prize of $500 and is invited to read from At the Lepidopterist’s House in May at Poetry by the Sea 2024. As we … Read More
The Conference is fortunate this year to have two much admired and celebrated poets as Spotlight Readers—Teri Ellen Cross Davis and January Gill O’Neil. Check out their bios here. The poets will read for us from their work. Here’s a glimpse into what they had to say about poetry and their process in recent interviews. TERI … Read More
Thinking of joining us at the 2024 Poetry by the Sea Conference, May 21-24—but undecided about a time commitment? A two-day workshop might be the solution for you. Spend two intensive days of poetry engagement with either of these new workshops. Available on Wednesday and Thursday? Sign up for David Groff’s WRITING THE “AFTER” POEM: TAKING INSPIRATION … Read More
Roughly True by Barbara Lydecker Crane Suzanne Valadon, 1865-1938, Paris What, you haven’t heard of me, despitemy art and stormy life? There’s much to tellof pride and bitterness, of bliss and hell—but not regret. I’ll fill my pen and write. I was born a bastard. Maman worked,a laundress, while I’d roam Montmartre, spying through café and whorehouse … Read More
Calling Hours at the Funeral Home by Jean L. Kreiling He wants to be here—it’s for his Aunt Lou,who baked him cookies, sent him cards and money,applauded his good news from first grade throughthe senior partnership, and called him honeyto her last day. But this grim atmospherecould not be further from Aunt Lou: his nosedetects old carpet, … Read More
