They have been chosen, and as usual, the choosing among so many good entries was not easy. There were 89 entries in all, and I have begun informing the winners who they are. Those with e-mail addresses will be first, for obvious reasons. I’ll try to call others tomorrow. And, one will have to wait for snail mail, since I don’t have either an e-mail address or telephone number.

In any case, I hope all the winners, and in fact all those who entered and all those who didn’t enter, will join the forum members on Saturday, April 17, for a reading in celebration of National Poetry Month, at the Beverly Public Library. It begins at 11 a.m. and usually lasts about two hours. We have light refreshments available to keep anyone from keeling over.  Winners are asked to read first, then the floor is open for other poets to share their work.

Well, drum roll, please, as we announce our winners, and congratulations to all.

——————————————–

First prize: Lee Eric Freedman, “Reflected Figs – four Meditations”

Second: Margaret Eckman, “Oldsquaws”

Third: Brad Pettingell, “only child”

Eight honorable mentions were also awarded, without specific ranking:

Claire Keyes, “Landscape with Bats”

Amy Dengler, “Take Only What You Can Carry”

Olivia Clove, untitled (first line, “Glistening, glittering snow”)

Francis Alix, “The Former Planet”

C.H. Coleman, “With a Waggle Comes a Gaggle”

Ann Staffeld, “Family Fun”

Jill Jackson, “Crow Church”

Melanie J. Lanzo, “Autumn is My Muse”