Theme: Threads of Connection

Deadline: October 2, 2024​

Submission Guidelines:

• Threads of Connection: You are invited to explore and reflect on the power of connection, empathy, and support in the healing process. Connection is open to interpretation in the broad sense (e.g.,human relationships, animals, and nature).

• Poems can be free verse, narrative, lyrical, or experimental

• Maximum 2 submissions per poet

• Open to poets worldwide

• Poems should be unpublished and original work, in English

• Maximum 40 lines per poem, font size 12 point, sans serif.

• File types: PDF or .docx.

• AI-assisted submissions not permitted

• Include a brief bio (50 words or less) with your submission

• Start with your name in bold and write the biography in the 3rd person (e.g. She, he, they, not ‘I’)

• Names of books in italics, names of poems in single quotation marks.

• Single spacing

• Poets retain all rights to their work. Participants grant Peonies & Prose the right to publish their poem in our anthology, in print and/or on our website, and on social media with attribution.

• Entry fee: $20 USD

Judging/Prizes:

• Judging Criteria: Originality, creativity, and emotional impact

• Publication in the inaugural edition of our online literary space, Peonies & Prose.

• Special recognition for outstanding poems: 1st place: $500 USD; 2nd place: $250 USD; 3rd place: $100 USD.

Tips & Inspiration:

• Explore the emotions and experiences of healing through the threads of connection

• We’re looking for creative, authentic poems that share a story

• Draw from personal experiences, observations, or imaginative scenarios

• Use language that is authentic, evocative, and meaningful.