Golden Poets

Chicago, IL - Award-winning poet, novelist, playwright, and Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson is thrilled to announce the winning poems of the Golden Poets Poetry Contest she initiated to recognize Illinois poets over the age of 70.

• 1st Place Winner ($1,000) – Stronger Values by Cathy Safiran (age 75)
  
• 2nd Place Winner ($250) – Sulphur Cosmos (The Friendship Flower) by Judith Dubin (age 85)
  
• 2nd Place Winner ($250) – Memoir by Adagio Micaletti (age 86)
  

Read more here: Illinois Humanities | Poet Laureate of the State of Illinois Angela… (ilhumanities.org) (https://ilhumanities.org/news/golden-poetry-contest-winners-announced)

While the “golden years” can be challenging for many, it can also be a time for new beginnings. A growing number of seniors are hitting their stride and finding new purpose as the years progress.

A senior herself, Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson establishes The Golden Poets Poetry Contest to acknowledge and encourage writers aged 70 and over.

Eligibility: Open to all Illinois residents aged 70 and over. 

Requirements/Formatting:

• All poems must be typed, with name, age, and page numbers on the upper right corner of each page.
• All poems must be original and unpublished. Copyrighted text will be disqualified. Proof of age is required to win.

Selection:

• Poems will be judged on originality and creativity.  Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson will make the final selections.

Deadline: Please email submissions by March 31, 2024 to ilpoetlaureate.contests@gmail.com. Winners will be announced in May 2024.

• 1st place: $500
• 2nd place: $250
• 3rd place: $100