In the opening pages of last year’s “A Forest of Words” anthology, teen poets from throughout Whatcom County created metaphors about bees and honey; described how skating was akin to flying; talked about how blending in allowed them to stay free; wrote of secrets and stars; made mention of their varied cultural heritage; and eloquently related the chilling effects of gun violence.
Tamar Clarke, teen services coordinator at Whatcom County Library System (WCLS), said those who contribute to the annual writing challenge open to sixth- through 12th-graders throughout the county routinely open up in ways that catch her off guard.
“I’m surprised in that no matter what the subject they’re writing [about], every poet is putting a bit of themselves out there in the world,” Clarke said. “Writing and publishing your work is a courageous act. On the other hand, I’m not surprised that teen writers are willing to share with us a part of themselves we don’t usually get to see. Writers are a brave breed and these teen writers are no different.”
This year, “A Forest of Words” (AFOW) is accepting submissions through March 15 — either online, snail-mailed or dropped off at any WCLS library. Those whose work is chosen to be part of the book will be notified by April 30, and will ultimately receive a copy to keep (it will also be in the WCLS catalog and posted online for others to view or check out).
Clarke said the committee of evaluators choosing the selections look at originality, creativity and craft. Writers of all skill levels are encouraged to submit, with the idea being the publication is richer when it has a spectrum of poems from burgeoning writers who are working on their craft.
“What’s so great about AFOW is that every poem fits,” Clarke said, urging those who haven’t yet submitted to take the plunge. “The world needs youth voices, your voice, more than ever.”
Original writing submissions from area youth are also being accepted for the annual Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest, which takes place March 1–31 and is open to Whatcom County residents of all ages. Those who take on the challenge will want to read the guidelines before submitting, but — much as with AFOW — they’re free to choose their own topics.
For examples of what 2022 winners wrote about, head to the garden space in front of the Bellingham Central Library to read the poetic placards in the Sue C. Boynton Poetry Walk. The subject matter focuses on everything from spring in Bellingham to the Nooksack River flooding, cats, retirement, and becoming one with nature. Each spring, that year’s winning poems are displayed on the walk and/or inside Whatcom Transportation Authority buses, and poets are invited to read their work during an awards ceremony in May.
Joan Packer, a volunteer for the contest, became involved after reading one of the winning poems on display at the library. She contacted the steering committee to ask permission to send the poet her personal congratulations, and was subsequently invited to join the ranks.
Packer said she’s glad poets both young and old take part in the annual contest. She also hopes people who are hesitant to share their words know everyone deserves to be heard.
“Celebrating poets of all ages unifies us as a community, as well as encouraging the youngsters among us to express themselves through the arts,” she said, adding that when people write poetry, it can also be a participatory, cathartic process benefiting more than themselves.
“It is a great contribution to many when something shared is expressed eloquently and stirs emotion in others,” Packer said.
In Skagit County, a “Seeds for the Future” writing contest is also open through March 31. This event organized by La Conner’s Skagit County Historical Museum veers from the other two contests, in that both poetry and essays will be accepted from writers of all ages.
Relating to the theme of “Seeds for the Future,” authors must incorporate the concept of “seeds” into their work. Examples on the museum’s website direct contestants to “think of something that is being done or has been done within the county that may have a lasting impact,” such as seed farming in the county or the new La Conner-Swinomish Library — where the seed is the La Conner community and the Swinomish Tribe coming together to build a new library.
Although cash prizes will be awarded to winning poems or essays, it’s not about the money.
“The Skagit County Historical Museum is tasked with presenting the rich and unique history of our beautiful county,” Museum Director Jo Wolfe said in a news release. “For the museum’s third annual writing contest, we hope to inspire writers and poets young and old from diverse communities and culture with Skagit County.”
For more details about submitting to these creative collaborations, go to wcls.org/a-forest-of-words, thepoetrydepartment.wordpress.com or skagitcounty.net/museum.
