The Poet's Workshop

The Alabama State Poetry Society's wonderful and generous members are sponsoring fourteen separate writing competitions for this fall, in addition to the "big" award given by the ASPS organization. At least two of the contests are designed and funded by my good friends Joe and Gail W. Each sponsor assigns a title and subject to his or her award, then specifies the form and maximum length of the poem to be submitted, and the number and amounts of prizes to be awarded. Needless to say, the sponsor shells out the do-re-mi for these awards.

I'm just sorry I haven't sponsored a contest in a long time, and I intend to do so in the future. The contests take place twice a year, in spring and fall. Yesterday, when I received the email from Donna Jean, our contest manager, I got busy and sent in my membership dues for this year and next year, which I had neglected so far.

The subjects of the awards this fall are so fascinating, I hope to write something to enter in every one of them. An example is Contest #6, "Travel the World Award," which requests a poem about "any trip you've taken." This one is sponsored by Mary H., a very fine poet herself.

As my photo shows, I've been perusing Wildflowers of Alabama and Adjoining States, seeking inspiration for Contest #15, "My Favorite Alabama Native Flower Award," designed by Mary Jean S.

If I should win a prize and get to stand up at the fall meeting, I intend to thank every one of these individuals who have "put on" one of the biggest award seasons ASPS has had in a long time. I hope this is the beginning of a revival of the old enthusiasm and participation in this great organization.