Young Writers Project

Evening colors by Vicarious

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The Daily Read

  • the sky and the rock

    you do not have to look 
    at the moon 
    to know she is full.

    she is my sister, 
    full 
    more than full 
    more than infinite 
    more than 
    the line between the rock and the sky

  • Inescapable

    I've spent my life dancing in between the lyrics

    Like the bug avoiding humans on a summer day

    I buried myself away

    I tried to stay safe,

    Stay calm.

    Please everyone.

  • April

    How beautiful!

    The way it blooms

    red juice dripping from

    ripened fruit:

    her eyes, black velvet

    silver on her nails

    a mouth that curls

    when it says my name.

    What desire! I inhale her mind

Challenges

  • Writing

    Deadline

    Favorite Poem

    Write about a poem that you recently read and absolutely loved. Convey the effect this poem had on you in whatever form you’d like. 

  • Writing

    Deadline

    Quest

    Write a story where the protagonist is on a quest to deliver a vital piece of information concealed in a letter, but they are forbidden to read this letter or know what’s in it. 

  • Visual Art

    Deadline

    Green City

    Imagine a city has been taken over by plant life. Show what you would imagine this to look like using your preferred medium. Are there trees growing out of windows?

 

  • 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. 

  • Writing

    Cease-Fire

    Both sides in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran are claiming victory in a tenuous cease-fire deal. The world is questioning the U.S.'s credibility. Where do we go from here?

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