‘Conservation and Transformation’ sets spirit of Poets’ Corner Contest

As poetry contests go, this one is elemental.

The 2015 Poets’ Corner Contest seeks poems on earth, water, wind or fire this year, with submissions being accepted through Wednesday, March 11.

Sponsored by the Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department and the city Poets’ Corner Committee, the contest has been going on for more than three decades, accepting works from poets of all ages who live in Stanislaus County.

Winning poems are published in a booklet. Winners also are featured at a reading and reception at the McHenry Museum, according to a press release.

This year’s full theme is “Conservation and Transformation: Poetry Celebrating Earth, Water, Wind or Fire.” Poems of no more than 32 lines will be accepted for submission.

The contest aims to draw even more poets this year by accepting online submissions for the first time.

“We’re excited to move the Poets’ Corner Contest into the 21st century,” said Dana Koster, chair of the Poets’ Corner Committee, in the press release. “We hope that online submissions will make it even easier for local poets to get their work recognized in the community.”

Full submission guidelines and more information can be found at modestogov.com/prnd/poet_corner.asp.

This story was originally published March 6, 2015 at 1:11 PM with the headline "‘Conservation and Transformation’ sets spirit of Poets’ Corner Contest."