2026 freeport poetry competition

What Holds Us Together?

Freeport Folio and the Freeport Community Library are announcing a
Freeport Poetry Competition in honor of National Poetry Month

I. The theme explores community.

Poems should explore community in any form, including but not limited to people, place, tradition, language, memory, shared struggle, shared celebration, digital belonging, chosen family, or nonhuman connections such as ecosystems or objects.

II. Who is eligible?

Open to all poets residing in the Town of Freeport

III. What are the rules?

One poem per entrant (unless otherwise stated)

  • Poems must be original and previously unpublished

  • Maximum length: 40 lines (excluding title)

  • Any poetic form is welcome (free verse, formal, experimental, spoken word, etc.)

Poems must relate clearly to the theme but interpretation is intentionally open

Submissions

IV. Submission format:

  • Typed, legible font: Times New Roman, Arial

  • 12-point font

  • Submit as PDF, Word document, or in person, printed form

  • Do not include your name anywhere on the poem (for blind judging), only the title

V. Submission Process:

  • Include a separate cover page (or use the online submission form below) with:

    1. Poet’s name

    2. Poet’s address

    3. Email address

    4. Poem title

      By submitting, poets confirm the work is original and grant permission for public display and retention for archive by the Freeport Historical Society

Submit:

  • Deliver poem & cover letter in person, by sealed envelope, to the Freeport Community Library desk - by 4:59 on March 2nd

  • Via mail to Freeport Folio, PO Box 23, South Freeport, ME 04078 - must be received in mail by March 2nd

  • Email to info@freeportfolio.org - by 11:59pm on March 2nd

  • Online form upload (submission form below) - by 11:59 on March 2nd

Judges’ Rubric & Evaluation Criteria

Judges will evaluate each poem using the following criteria. All interpretations of community are valid.

I. Engagement with Theme (25%)

  • Does the poem meaningfully explore the idea of community or connection?

  • Is the interpretation thoughtful, surprising, or emotionally resonant?

II. Originality & Insight (25%)

  • Does the poem offer a fresh perspective, voice, or approach?

  • Does it avoid clichés or use them in intentional, effective ways?

III. Craft & Technique (25%)

  • Attention to language, imagery, rhythm, structure, and form.

  • Effective use of poetic devices (metaphor, sound, line breaks, etc.).

  • Craft choices feel purposeful and support the poem’s meaning.

IV. Emotional Impact & Cohesion (25%)

  • Does the poem evoke feeling, reflection, or connection?

  • Is the poem cohesive and complete as a whole?

  • Does it leave a lasting impression?

Our Judge is encouraged to value risk-taking, authenticity, and clarity of voice.

Awards Judge Colin Cheney
Poems will be considered and judged by National Poetry Series winner and Pushcart Prize recipient, Freeport poet Colin Cheney.

V. Selected Poems will be notified by March 31, 2026 and will be:

- Publicly displayed on a Freeport Poetry Walk throughout the Freeport community

- On Display at the Freeport Community Library

- Select poems will be archived by the Freeport Historical Society

online submission form

If you would like to submit your poem online, please use the form on the right.

Questions?
Contact Us