Entries MUST be received on or before March 16, 2024

• Deadline: March 16, 2024, midnight.

• All poems must connect to the theme in some way.

• All entries must be in English, typed, unpublished, original, and not scheduled for publication before May 2024.

• All poems are presented anonymously to the judges.

• Submit one copy of each poem. Enter the category by email CAdult.Learning@gmail.com or mailed to Charlotte Learning Center, Attn: Poet Tree contest, PO Box 286, Charlotte CH, VA 23923. Only ONE poem may be submitted per person.

• Poems must be 35 lines or less.

• All entries not in compliance with category specifications or age range will be disqualified.

• Winning poems may be read and honored in-person at our Annual Poet Tree Day awards ceremony on April 20, 2024.

• Prize winners will be published on our website and the annual book of prize-winning poems. (entry implies acceptance of publication)—and if they are of minor age, permission of a legal guardian. 

• Poems may be submitted by individuals themselves, on their own initiative, or by their writing teachers, on behalf of students.

• While teachers are welcome to submit work from an entire class, we prefer that to some degree they vet such entries and encourage students to send us their best writing.

• All 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winning poems and poets will receive a certificate and cash prize, according to amounts specified in their categories.

• Each poet is only permitted 1 poem each at this time.

Fees:

We are charging a small fee of $2 per entry or $10 per classroom. Fees can be submitted through the form below or in person. Please be sure to identify the poet or classroom when submitting the fee to ensure proper application.