Your Poetry: Reimagined [ 2025 Writing Contest ]

How many new things can I start this year? Apparently not enough, as I've been wanting to run a contest for a long time and I just can't wait anymore!!

I had way too many ideas for my first unofficial contest, ranging from making your own original character, to picking a song and writing a poem inspired by it, but thanks to Paul Stewart's Vocal Deep Cuts Poetry Collection Project I've been inspired to steer toward a contest that will lift up lesser known work on the platform.

So here's the prompt:

Reimagine one of your least popular poems.

Sounds simple right? Pick one of your poems and re-write it to give it new life and another chance to shine!

Here is an example from one of my own poems to give you an idea for what I'm looking for:

Original Version

Reimagined Version

Do not go gently into that sweet, sweet night,

It's always the same warnings , the same terrible fears;

Hold fast against the coming of the storm.

.

Paranoia breeds in the darkness, rain pounding on delicate skin,

a shower of misery brought on in the downpour;

Do not go gently into that sweet, sweet night.

.

Within wanderings I find a sky of grey and green and flashing light,

The air heavy - oppressive , the shadows heightened and deepened;

Hold fast against the coming of the storm.

.

But some days those long shadows are very kind and welcoming, indeed,

They give me a reason to rest , half alive and half-dreaming;

Do not go gently into that sweet, sweet night.

.

Lightning strikes, winds roar, and the roof creaks,

and all I desire is the silencing of my mind with that noise;

Hold fast against the coming of the storm.

.

Yet those storms are not there for a reprieve,

They are there to bring destruction - not sleep.

Do not go gently into that sweet, sweet night;

Hold fast against the coming of the storm.

.

As you can see, I want the reimagined poem to use some of the same words, concepts, and themes from the original, but just with it expanded and refined so that the feeling/vibe of it is different. For me, I leaned heavier into the inspiration from Dylan Thomas' "Do not go gentle into that good night" poem!

Judging Criteria:

Word Count: No maximum or minimum! Let your imagination be unleashed!

Grammar: Spelling & punctuation! Edit correctly and everyone should get maximum points on this. c:

Creativity: Do you use a different poetic structure? Do you use imaginative or out of the box diction?

Flow: How well does it read out loud? If it's choppy, does it serve the story? How fast can I fall asleep to it? ( lol )

Emotion: A mark of any excellent poetry is its ability to make the reader feel emotions within a few stanzas. Whether its sad, happy, dark or hopeful, I want you guys to make your poems emotive!

Yes, you can submit multiple poems! But only one per author can make it to the leaderboard!

Due Date & Credits

I'm giving you until February 9th, 2025 12:00am PST ( my birthday! ) to submit your poems. Please do so in the comments section below. Make sure you include 'For Starks' Poetry Reimagined Challenge! in your subtitle and have a link back to this article so more people can join in on the fun!

Winners will be announced by February 16th at the latest!

Awards & Bonuses

Regardless of where you place, you will be getting a like, a comment, and significant feedback from me! On the same story that winners are announced, I will also shout out every writer and give my thoughts on their poetry submission!

1st Place: $20

2nd Place: $15

3rd Place: $10

Honorable Mention(s?): $5

If you have any questions, feel free to ask below!

Can't wait to see what y'all submit. Happy writing!! : D