April is National Poetry Month
Pecantown Books & Brews presents
The Pecantown Poetry Writing Contest — 2026
About the Contest
We believe the heart of a poet lives in us all. This April, we’re inviting writers of all ages to capture big feelings and keen observations in verse.
For Adults
Open to all adult writers — no prior publication required. One, pocket-sized original poem per person, submitted anytime during April.
Open to All AdultsFor Kids & Teens
Two age-range prompts designed especially for younger poets: one for ages 7–12 and one for teens 13 and up. We can’t wait to see the worlds you create on the page.
Ages 7–12 Ages 13+The Judges
Winners will be selected by a panel of local poets and teachers who care deeply about prose and poetry, and appreciate the courage it takes to express yourself in writing. Judging will be blind, and based on adherence to the rules of the prompts, originality, and the ability of the poet to push the boundaries of language and form.
What Happens Next
All submitted poems become part of the Pecantown Chapbook — a printed collection available in store starting June. Winners are highlighted in store. Excerpts from winning poems will be featured on Pecantown’s coffee cups all summer long!
What You Could Win
Winners will be celebrated online, in-store – and in-hand, through chapbooks and coffee cups featuring your words, carried out into the world by Pecantown’s guests and customers.
Winners’ poems and names will be displayed at Pecantown Books & Brews throughout June. Your words on our walls, for every customer to read.
June in-storeLines from winning poems appear on Pecantown’s coffee cups beginning in June. Your verse, carried in the hands of readers and coffee drinkers all over town!
Cups available JuneEvery submitted poem will be included in the Pecantown Poetry Chapbook, a printed collection available in store starting June. A keepsake, a community document, a real book.
All entrants includedThe Writing Prompts
Each category has its own prompt. Choose the one that belongs to you.
Adult Prompt · One Prompt, Any Form
Begin by making a list of everything you’re currently carrying in your purse or pocket, backpack or bag — down to the nitty-gritty: bits of lint, a melted tube of chapstick, receipts, loose change.
Next, imagine you are also carrying something that could not possibly be contained in your bag or pocket — like the house you grew up in, your first love, a deep feeling, a significant loss. Now write a poem using items and ideas from both : the real and the impossible.
Kids Prompt 1 · Any Form, Up to 14 Lines
Write a poem using any form, but no more than 14 lines total, beginning with the title “If I Were [blank].”
For example: “If I Were Made of Glass” or “If I Were a Monster.” Be as wild and creative as you can in filling in the blank. Explore the concept using highly visual and engaging language — help us see exactly what it would look like, feel like, and sound like.
Teen Prompt 2 · Inspired by Gwendolyn Brooks
Read the poem below by celebrated poet Gwendolyn Brooks. Then re-write it using words that mean the opposite of those in the poem. Use your own first name — or the name of a friend or family member — in place of “Cynthia.”
Cynthia in the Snow
It SUSHES.
It hushes
The loudness in the road.
It flitter-twitters
And laughs away from me.
It laughs a lovely whiteness
And whitely whirs away,
To be
Some otherwhere,
Still white as milk or shirts.
So beautiful it hurts.
— Gwendolyn Brooks
One more rule: coin one new word of your own invention and use it anywhere in your poem — just as Brooks invented the word SUSHES. Make it a word the world has never seen before.
Further Reading
Pick up one of these books at Pecantown, and stop in to discuss your prompt.
For Adults
A Poet’s Handbook
A warm, practical guide to the craft of poetry from one of America’s most beloved poets. Oliver writes about voice, imagery, and the habit of attention with characteristic grace and clarity.
Adventures in Form
A lively anthology exploring the possibilities of poetic form, from the traditional to the experimental. Perfect for writers curious about shape, structure, and the architecture of a poem on the page.
How to Write It
A bold, contemporary guide to writing poetry with confidence and intention. Anaxagorou addresses voice, identity, and the political power of the written word — essential reading for any serious poet.
For Kids & Teens
How to Write a Poem
A joyful, interactive introduction to poetry from award-winning author Kwame Alexander. Full of prompts, examples, and encouragement for young writers finding their voice for the first time.
A Book of Nonsense
The classic collection of limericks and nonsense verse that has delighted children for over 170 years. A wonderful reminder that poetry can be wildly, gloriously silly — and that made-up words are always welcome.
Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry
The beloved children’s poet shares his secrets in this playful how-to guide. Prelutsky shows young poets how to find ideas anywhere — from lunch to daydreams — and turn them into something wonderful.
Key Dates
April 1, 2026
Contest Opens
Submissions begin. All categories — adult and youth — open simultaneously.
April 30, 2026
Submissions Close
Last day to submit your poem. Midnight deadline. All entries must be received by end of day.
May 13, 2026
Winners Announced
Winners notified directly and announced in-store and online. Come celebrate with us!
June 2026
Chapbook & Cups
The Pecantown Poetry Chapbook is available in-store. Winning lines appear on our coffee cups all summer.
Ready? We are.
Submit one original poem — your own words, never before published — anytime between April 1 and April 30. Email your poem to poetry@pecantownbooks.com and include the prompt number/age group in the subject line. Be sure to include your name, age category, a contact number in the body of the email, too.
Submit Your PoemDeadline: April 30, 2026 · All ages welcome · No entry fee
About the Judges
“Winners will be selected by a panel of poets and teachers who love language and amplifying the voices of those brave enough to express their truest feelings and observations.”