Maria
Her name was Maria
My mom's friend Maria
La mariposa she says
Soy la mariposa
Because she spread her wings
To the land of kings
Young Writers Project
The Daily Read
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Broken Promise
America was once known
For its promise
The American promise
That stated everyone was equal
No matter their race
Or gender
Now it’s known
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Whispers of a home
I hear the tick of a clock letting me know every second I am wasting as I scroll through my phone,
the slide of my finger against the screen,
the tap of my thumb as I message someone back,
artificial noise.
Gallery
Challenges
Visual Art
Deadline
Storm
Create an image of a vast hurricane or storm that eclipses everything in its path.
Writing
Deadline
Fantasy
Write a story or poem about someone who is magically transported to a fantasy world. What happens to them in this unknown land?
Writing
Deadline
Listen
Listen to all of the sounds around you right now. Is there a story in these different noises?
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
Djabril Boukhenaïssi
How do you paint a memory?
News & Events
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Summer Program in the Craft of Fiction Writing
High school writers: Here's a two-week intensive 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 March 14
Poetry from YWP's Tomorrow Project is being featured around the state this spring as part of a Vermont Humanities' series. Next stop: Essex Junction, March 14
