Theme:

HAPPY 250TH BIRTHDAY AMERICA

 

RULES FOR SUBMISSION:

 Compose a poem on the above theme.

  • Poets may submit one (1) original unpublished poem inspired by the theme.
  • Poems should be typed in a 12-pt, or larger font.
  • Poems should be no longer than one, “8.5 inch by 11 inch,” page.
  • Poets should submit by mail to Dianalee Velie, PO Box 290, Newbury, NH 03255, (603) 938-2734, dianaleevelie@aol.com. Send two (2) copies of your poem: one copy including your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. The second copy should have no identifying information.
  • The winning poets will be notified (by telephone or e-mail) by April 7th and will be invited to read their poem at the April 10th event described below.
  • Contestants who want to receive a list of contest winners should also submit a stamped, self-addressed envelope with their entries. There is no fee for submission.
  • Submissions should be received by March 26th, 2026.
  • There will be 3 winners in the adult category: First, Second and Third.
  • There will be one winner in each of the following categories: High School, Middle School and Elementary School.

The judge for the contest is the poet, Jimmy Pappas. Jimmy Pappas won the Rattle Chapbook Contest with Falling off the Empire State Building and the Rattle Readers Choice Award for “Bobby’s Story.” His nominations include two for the Pushcart Prize, one for the Best of the Net, and two for a Touchstone award. He moderates a weekly, themed Zoom event called “A Conversation with Jimmy and Friends.” He is the advisor for the NH Teen Poets Laureate (NHTPL) team.

 

The winning poets will be honored and invited to read their poems in a public celebration of poetry, sponsored by The Newbury Public Library and the Inkwell Writers’ Alliance.

 

Friday, April 10th, 2026

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Hosted by The Newbury Public Library

933 Route 103, Newbury NH 03255

Public invited ~ Refreshments served~ No charge for admission

 

 

In America the people are a master who must be indulged to the utmost possible limits.

-Alexis de Tocqueville-‘