THE MORE chatter there is in the world, the more I appreciate the impact—emotionally, intellectually, spiritually—of a great poem. Just the right words, in the right amount and in the right order. The ability of poetry to capture a moment, a thought, or a feeling stops us in time and space. Gone is the mundane world of daily chores and errands, doom scrolling and work. Reading poetry gives us a chance to breathe. And these days, we need all of those chances.
Today our Poetry Week 2026 contest opens. We’re looking for five great poems (or series of thematically related poems) with a max. word count of 1000. Previously published poetry and simultaneous submissions are welcome. But please if your poem gets picked up elsewhere—withdraw it from the contest through your Submittable account. The submission window runs from today, April 13 to April 27. Winning entries will be posted on the CommuterLit website the week of May 11-15. There is a small entry fee to keep the contest financially afloat.
Our top five winners will receive cash prizes:
First-place: CA$100
Second-place: CA$50
(3) Honourable Mentions: CA$25
We’re open to any theme or type of poetry. Avoid cliched language and trite sentimentality. Do interesting things with meter and rhyme. Or don’t rhyme at all. Make us laugh. Make us angry. Make us sad. Make us think.
Our Drabble of the Month Contest Is Still Open!
Can you write a great story in just 100 words? Submit here.
Missed last week’s stories/poems?
Catch up with them here:
April 7
Tuesday’s poem: Seasonal change. “Close Seasons” by Jeremy Nathan Marks
April 8
Wednesday’s story: Ends and beginnings. “The Geese Return” by Mary Schulz
April 9
Thursday’s poem: Awkward. “The Kiss” by Hattie King