Birds and Hayfields
I dreamed
I was a bird
in an open hayfield,
flying through
playfully,
never stopping to notice
that the sun was setting.
Young Writers Project
The Daily Read
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wild things
Every spring, we throw ourselves
unceremoniously into the birthing world, abandon
all remnants of the cold dark snow. We are sun-drunk
and terribly deprived. We give little shrieks
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The Cabin Will Be Gone
Once upon a time,
there was a cabin.
It was not big,
it was not grand,
but it was ours.
Our great-grandparents built it so many years ago,
they wanted a cabin that would be passed down for generations.
Gallery
Challenges
Visual Art
Deadline
Self Portrait
Create a self portrait that you feel best represents who you are, using collage. This collage can look like anything and does not necessarily have to resemble a face; it could be a collection of things you like to do or foods you like, etc.
Writing
Deadline
Pastoral
Describe a calm place (a river valley, a mountain path, a beach) where you feel at peace. Do you go there often? Why does this place speak to you?
Writing
Deadline
Windsparks
Need a poem starter? Try windspark poems – five-line, often nature-related poems that follow this format:
"I dreamed"
"I was ______" (something or someone - a noun)
Location (where)
An action (-ing verb)
How (adverb)
Writing
Deadline
Spring 2026 Writing Contest
Throw open the windows, poet Billy Collins urges in "Today," his joyful poem about spring. Let the "warm intermittent breeze" lift you up and carry you off. In poetry or prose, explore the sense of freedom and celebration of spring.
Visual Art
Deadline
Spring 2026 Visual Art Contest
When spring takes over from winter, there is a sense of new beginnings, rebirth, hopefulness. Share your discoveries through photography, painting, or another artistic medium of your choice.
Visual Art
National Protest
If you attend a No Kings rally on March 28, write about your experience and share your photos. More info about the event.
News & Events
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Summer Program in the Craft of Fiction Writing
High school writers: Here's a two-week virtual program in fiction writing, led by editors of Amherst College's literary magazine. Scholarships are available. Find out more.
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YWP's Spring Writing and Art Contest!
YWP's Spring Writing and Visual Art Contest is on! In writing or art, explore the sense of freedom, renewal, and celebration as winter turns to spring.
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Tomorrow Project Writing Featured in Series of Talks
Poetry from YWP's Tomorrow Project is being featured around the state this spring as part of a Vermont Humanities' series.
