Showcasing the Top Three Winning Poems of the World Poetry Collective Contest!

The October 2024 poetry contest showcased the profound artistry and emotional resonance of exceptionally talented poets. We are pleased to announce the selection of the top three winning poems, each meticulously evaluated for its impact, originality, and depth. We shall proceed with a countdown from third place to first, with each entry bringing us nearer to the grand prize.

3rd Place: “Garden or Grave” by Maria Lee

Garden or Grave
by Maria Lee

She lies down on the chest
of another failed distraction,
her heart yet again refuses
to turn in its resignation.

Familiar with the carousel
of blurred names and unremarkable
conversations—
a perpetual child,
never able to win the war
against this temptation.

His name alone she calls out,
again and again,
envying his future
she has not crossed paths with yet.

Time passes without any clues
of when heaven will come,
not a single trace.

Years-old fantasies become the butterfly
trapped under the glass case.

Carefree and so fun, they all describe her,
but really, it is feral how she behaves.

When fireflies dance at a distance,
no one can tell
if it’s over a garden or a grave.

“Garden or Grave” is a poignant exploration of love and longing, capturing the bittersweet tension between attachment and letting go. Maria’s introspective lines and vivid metaphors create an atmosphere of introspection and vulnerability. Her poem delicately balances the beauty of love with the melancholy of separation, making it a truly memorable piece.

2nd Place: “Leaderboard” by Cody Watters

Leaderboard
by Cody Watters

A leaderboard of love,
displayed in the kitchen.
How can I get my name on top?
Points accrued from achievements—
love is quantifiable and limited.

Wearing adoption as a handicap,
how can I ever lead the board?

The end-of-meet medals hung heavy on my neck,
knowing the others did just as well,
and the board won’t move.
The end-of-season trophy, too heavy to raise—
the weight of the work behind too much to carry.

Achievements became meaningless.
Compliments became meaningless.
Everything was meaningless because,
back at home, behind closed doors,
the leaderboard of love was displayed in the kitchen.

I struggle to accept love now because of that board…
but my kids will never know
love is quantifiable or limited.

Cody’s “Leaderboard” takes us into a deeply personal narrative, using the metaphor of a leaderboard to explore the weight of conditional love. This unique approach to the theme of familial relationships resonates with readers, inviting them to reflect on love’s meaning beyond accomplishments and external validation. The emotional complexity of the piece earned Cody a well-deserved second place.

1st Place: “The Challenger Deep” by Grace Smith

The Challenger Deep
by Grace Smith

When I first descended,
I remembered a lift—
the crack of
glass chains.
I don’t ever remember feeling end.

Now I know.

10,000 meters deep.
This is the part unexplored,
the depth where seawater
becomes toxic.
Down here, it’s volcanic—
then only cold.

I knew of the color blue,
but here, it is not like the sky.
It is a blue you haven’t seen,
a blue that does not lie.

When I first saw
the Challenger Deep,
I could no longer say
the word love.
Going down
instead of up,
my submarine imploded.

This is the blue
I was made of.

All this time,
being told
you should
look up.
There is so little
down below.

But sight
is not all
to me
that I owe.

This
is
the
deepest

the end really goes.

Grace’s “The Challenger Deep” dives into the depths of human experience with a haunting exploration of isolation and self-discovery. Set against the metaphor of descending into the deep sea, the poem beautifully conveys the complexity of emotions that lie beneath the surface. Her captivating imagery and rhythmic structure pull readers into a profound, introspective journey—one that feels as endless as the sea itself.

A Grand Finale: Honoring Grace Smith, the Poet of Depth and Discovery

Congratulations to our first-place winner, Grace Smith, for her breathtaking poem, The Challenger Deep. In this haunting exploration of self and solitude, Grace masterfully brings us into the depths of the unknown, using vivid imagery and profound introspection to reveal the complexities of the human spirit. Her words resonate with those who have felt both the beauty and weight of isolation, and her portrayal of “the blue that does not lie” invites us to see beyond the surface into places seldom explored.

Grace’s remarkable ability to capture the soul’s descent into its own mysteries has set her apart in this contest. Her poetic voice is both daring and honest, leaving readers with a sense of awe and a deeper understanding of what lies within us all. The Challenger Deep is not just a poem; it’s an experience—an invitation to journey inward, to confront what is often left unsaid, and to emerge transformed.

As a testament to her talent, Grace has won our grand prize of a free book publishing package! This prize includes professional editing, cover design, and the complete support of a dedicated publishing team, bringing her poetic vision to life. We’re honored to be a part of her journey and eagerly await the impact her collection will have on readers everywhere.

Thank you, Grace, for your bravery and brilliance. Here’s to you, our October 2024 champion—a poet who dives fearlessly into the depths and brings back treasures for us all.

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