The Poetry Society of Virginia is the state's oldest poetry nonprofit. The organization was founded in May 1923 in Williamsburg. We encourage excellence in writing, reading, study, and the appreciation of poetry through annual poetry contests, an annual anthology, book awards, statewide readings and programs, and literary festivals.

This is the annual anthology for 2024, featuring 54 first and second place poems from 27 adult contest categories. (We also offer an annual student contest, this year with 16 categories, open to students from lower school to 12th grade, but those winning poems do not appear here.)

While for some adult categories only society members are eligible to enter, anyone who wishes to join the society, nationally or internationally, may do so, and most categories are open to all, regardless of membership status, upon payment of an entrance fee. Submissions close each year on Edgar Allan Poe's birthday, January 19. Entries are submitted via submittable.com; each category is judged blind by a different judge. Up to four prizes may be awarded per category; the top two in each category are offered publication. Visit https: //www.poetrysocietyofvirginia.org/ in the late fall to see the requirements and opportunities for our 2025 contests.

Derek Kannemeyer, Editor