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October 2007
Dear Poets,
Thank you so very much for participating in this year’s Claudia Ann Seaman Poetry Award for Young Writers. We received more than 800 entries from thirty-nine states, which in itself is very exciting. But even more inspiring is how many of these poems express genuine emotion, deep thoughts, social awareness, and creative points of view.
Many of you grappled with serious matters: loneliness, family problems, poverty, prejudice, cruelty, sexism, heartbreak, hypocrisy, injustice, and war. Others responded in fresh and inventive ways to the beauty of the planet, the many facets of human nature, and just how difficult it is to grow up and envision a future. Some poems are funny, some are edgy, some are romantic, some are angry. All are valid and essential.
What makes a finalist stand out? Clarity of language. Power of image. A strong of point of view. For many of you, your ideas are alluring, your metaphors are compelling, and your feelings are real, but you have trouble fully expressing what your have in mind. Clear, striking, and memorable poetry is only achieved through writing and rewriting, revising, and rewriting again. It helps to read a poem out loud until every word, every phrase, and every line makes sense. I suggest reading and listening to as much published poetry as you can. The more poetry you feed your mind, the better the poetry you write will become.
It wasn’t easy to decide on the eight finalists. We had three expert, talented, and enthusiastic judges this year, and each told me that reading the poems was a wonderful experience. Truly uplifting. Each judge—2 poets, a high school English teacher, editor of a prestigious literary magazine, and a publishing professional––raved about how original and provocative the poems are. How adventurous and well-written. Take a look at their bios on the Community Foundation’s Web site, and feel proud.
For all of you who have graduated from high school, congratulations. I hope you keep writing. For those of you who are eligible to enter the Claudia Ann Seaman Poetry Award contest again next year, please do! I look forward to reading your work.
Sincerely,
Donna Seaman
Judge for the Claudia Ann Seaman Poetry Award for Young Writers |
