Each year, the North Carolina Poetry Society sponsors the Pinesong Awards, awarding publication in the Pinesong anthology to the first place, second place, and honorable mention in each of the many categories. As North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green wrote, “It is both delightful and inspiring to read the breadth of literary genius that we have in our State.”
Many NC Writers’ Network members were honored in the 2021 Pinesong Awards—too many to list in a Hats Off!, or even a blog post. Here are the category winners who also are members of NCWN:
“Piecework†by Susan Alff won the Poet Laureate Award; final selection by Jaki Shelton Green.
“Love in Black and White†by Jenny Bates won the Carol Bessent Hayman Poetry of Love Award; final judge was Lindsay Rice.
“Lost Poem†by Mark Smith-Soto won the Joanna Catherine Scott Award; final judge was Leatha Kendrick.
“What is at stake†by Mary Hennessy won the Mary Ruffin Poole American Heritage Award (heritage, sibling-hood, or nature themed); final judge was Davis McCombs.
“Storms†by Lucia Walton Robinson won the Poetry of Courage Award; final judge was Robin Anna Smith.
“Blank Billboard Blues†by Jeanne Julian won the Bruce Lader Poetry of Witness Award (contemporary events or issues); final judge was Kristina Erny.
“Old Man with Old Dog†by Jane Shlensky won the Ruth Morris Moose Sestina Award; final judge was Barbara Sabol.
For the complete list of contest winners and finalists, click here.
The North Carolina Poetry Society’s objective is to foster the study, writing, and publication of poetry; increase, for a diverse audience, an appreciation of poetry; and offer events of poetry and fellowship throughout the state. NCPS is an inclusive, welcoming community that does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, age, political preference, or any other category which has been used to divide human beings from each other and the natural world. They value diverse voices and variety of expression.
Learn more at www.ncpoetrysociety.org.