The World Poetry Collective is privileged to announce the January 2025 Poet-In-Residency program—an unparalleled opportunity for an exceptional poet to assume the spotlight and dedicate an entire month to their poetic craft. For those unacquainted with this initiative, it serves as an imminent gateway to enduring recognition, a dedicated readership, and the foundation for a thriving poetic legacy. Despite being in its nascent stages, the World Poetry Collective has already attracted considerable media attention. Engaging with the World Poetry Collective is synonymous with participating in a significant mission, one that is only beginning to unfold.

About the Poet-In-Residence Program

The Poet-In-Residency role is a prestigious title bestowed upon a single poet each month, offering them the unique opportunity to share their vision with our global community. Over the course of one month, the chosen poet will perfect their work, build meaningful connections, and captivate audiences on WorldPoetryCollective.com. The impact of this residency extends far beyond its duration—it has the potential to launch a career, foster devoted readers, and establish the poet as a defining voice in contemporary poetry.

The residency also serves as an audition for future possibilities. Exceptional performance could lead to an exclusive long-term contract with World Poetry Collective, solidifying your place in the literary world.

Creative Freedom to Show The World Your Talent

We honor the individuality of every poet. As our Poet-In-Residency, you are free to create in any format that inspires you—whether through video, written word, or visual art. This platform is your canvas to innovate, inspire, and resonate with readers worldwide.

Don’t Miss Our Other Prestigious Opportunity

In addition to the Poet-In-Residency program, we proudly present the World Poetry Publishing Prize, a competition that offers its winner an unparalleled year-long opportunity to develop their manuscript with expert guidance, culminating in free publication. This prize not only amplifies your voice but also lays the groundwork for a lifelong poetic journey.

This contest is currently active, but will end on December 31st, 2024.

Preface to the Winning Poem

It is with great honor that we present the winning poem of the January 2025 Poet-In-Residency contest: If I Could Heal The World by Bhavneet Kaur (Avyneet). This remarkable piece stands as a testament to the transformative power of words. With vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion, Bhavneet Kaur has created a work that deeply resonates, capturing both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.

This poem is not just a collection of words—it is a journey into the very soul of healing, a call to compassion, and a reflection on the enduring scars that shape us. We are privileged to share this extraordinary creation with our community and celebrate the profound artistry of our winning poet.

Official Winer Announcement

Announcing Our January 2025 Poet-In-Residence: Bhavneet Kaur (Avyneet)

Bhavneet Kaur now embarks on her residency with World Poetry Collective, where her talent will take center stage, inspiring poets and readers across the globe.

Here is her winning poem.

If I Could Heal The World

*If I could be a therapist
I would treat wounds
like precious artifacts
carefully excavating pain
from beneath years of soil

I would open sealed pores
let skin breathe again
like flowers meeting sunlight
for the first time
apply turmeric paste
to yellowing bruises
offer painkillers
like communion wafers

sit through nights
until stories pour out
like cleansing rain
washing away decades
of gathered dust

I would guide each child
through the maze of growing
protect them from thorns
that turn hearts to armor

but these are just dreams
of fixing what’s broken
when what I really wish
is to prevent the breaking

because even healed bones
remember their fractures
even mended hearts
carry ghost-scars

even when pain fades
innocence doesn’t return
like morning dew
that once disturbed
never forms again

if I could really change things
I wouldn’t be the one
who bandages wounds
but the one who stops
the wound from happening

(because some things
once broken
can be fixed
but never return
to their first wholeness—
like trying to put
morning frost
back on a flower)*

Post-Announcement: Join the Next Contest

Inspired by Bhavneet Kaur’s breathtaking work? This could be your moment to shine!

Submissions are now open for the January 15th, 2025 Poet-In-Residence contest. This is your chance to share your voice, gain recognition, and build a loyal audience while creating alongside the global poetry community. Whether you’re an emerging talent or an established poet, this platform is your opportunity to make an impact.

What You Will Get as the Poet-In-Residence

Becoming the World Poetry Collective Poet-In-Residence is not just an accolade—it’s a transformative opportunity that provides unparalleled resources, recognition, and connections to elevate your poetry career. Here’s what you’ll receive:

1. A Platform to Showcase Your Talent

• Your work will be prominently featured on WorldPoetryCollective.com, reaching thousands of poetry enthusiasts worldwide.
• Gain dedicated blog posts, social media promotions, and newsletter features to showcase your voice.

2. Creative Freedom to Shine

• Create in any format that inspires you—whether written poetry, video performances, or visual art.
• Use this month to explore new creative avenues and engage with an audience that values poetic innovation.

3. A Supportive Community of Poets and Readers

• Engage with a passionate community of poets and readers who appreciate and celebrate your work.
• Build meaningful relationships that could lead to lifelong collaborations and mentorships.

4. Professional Growth and Visibility

• Gain a professional portfolio boost that adds credibility to your artistic journey.
• Your residency could open doors to future publishing contracts, speaking engagements, or creative collaborations.

5. Potential for a Long-Term Partnership

• Stand out during your residency, and you may be offered a long-term contract with World Poetry Collective.
• This ongoing partnership can serve as a cornerstone for your poetry career, offering additional opportunities to grow and thrive.

6. Dedicated Mentorship and Feedback

• Receive one-on-one feedback from World Poetry Collective editors and curators to refine your work.
• Benefit from personalized guidance to help you maximize the impact of your residency.

7. Monetary Recognition and Incentives

• A generous stipend to honor your time, dedication, and contribution to the poetry world.
• Additional opportunities to earn income through exclusive workshops or events during your residency.

8. Global Recognition as a Poet-In-Residence

• Carry the prestigious title of Poet-In-Residence—a hallmark of poetic excellence.
• Gain credibility and recognition that can help you stand out in future poetry contests, publishing opportunities, or academic applications.

9. A Tailored Feature on Your Journey

• Share your story through an exclusive spotlight feature that highlights your journey as a poet.
• Inspire others with your unique perspective, and leave a lasting legacy within the World Poetry Collective.

10. An Unforgettable Experience

• This is more than a contest—it’s a chance to transform your passion for poetry into a meaningful career.
• Immerse yourself in an experience that celebrates your creativity and opens new doors for your artistry.

Submit your poem today at WorldPoetryCollective.com and take the first step toward a life-changing journey.