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Read the winning poem from our 2023 poetry contest

We challenged our readers to turn one of our newsletters into a poem — here’s what you came up with.

A graphic with the words "2023 poetry contest finalists"

Drumroll, please.

Graphic by 6AM City

This April, we ran a poetry contest to celebrate National Poetry Month. We challenged you, our readers, to craft a poem using only the words that appeared in one of our newsletters (here are the original contest guidelines if you want to give it a try).

Turns out, you’re all poets and we didn’t even know it. We were beyond thrilled to read the original, creative, and awe-inspiring poems LEXtoday readers created from our newsletter copy. Check out the poems below, including the contest winner our readers voted for.

Winner: “Rebirth” by Chelsie K.

Severe storms in early March
put the spring spirit through a wood chipper,
turning it into mulch.
500 tons of leftover debris
and all the fun in between.

Passover begins at sundown.
Don’t miss this chance.
Look up at the sky after midnight
to glimpse the Pink Moon.

Talk to someone
about the art of bird-watching,
baby bunnies, lambs,

Jesus. Be honest.
Joke about everything.
This is the first step, the pathway
for life.

Finalist: “The Storms Are Coming” by Willard A.

LEXToday, LEXToday
Bluegrass Spring is here

Which brings with it
500 Storms severe

As they Passover
How will we celebrate?

With an Enchilada?
Or Red Mile Night of late?

How about with Dalhuas Fudge?
Or with George Lucas fans?

Only with some gusto,
For we are Lexingtonians!

Finalist: “Token” by Kiah A.

Are you the exception?
Exclusive in their private collection?
Excluding your partners;
Only you can turn the corner…
Limitation on the edition.

“Like you? They don’t make many of them.”
The easier of options.
This they express in their conversation.
Do you feel empowered because they’re being “inclusive?”

Appearing like it is a fair chance they give.
Think about that straight-away and ask yourself.
Different question– how is your environmental health?

Finalist: “My Mr. Hyde” Jordan L.

April is here
And your words appear
To mix and match
Like the limitation of a winner’s originality
And as narrow as today’s highlighting issue
You pull words from any direction
Crossing out the pretty titles you placed
Once a team
Excluding the rule
Unlike today’s fun game you please

Right now
At 11:59PM on a Sunday
April is calling
And you’re reading the words
The ones you once contest and throw

Don’t forget to keep
Your words
To yourself

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