The Iowa Poetry Association (IPA) announces the publication of its annual poetry anthology Lyrical Iowa. The poems bring to light the myriad experiences that inspire the setting of pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, according to Editor Marilyn Baszczynski. The 2023 edition of Lyrical Iowa is IPA’s 78th anthology.
“Iowa poets explore their world through their love of family, horror at war and injustice, delight in nature and Iowa, fear for the planet, zest for life, memories of childhood, and much more,” Baszczynski said. “Yet, the reader may often suspect an underlying search for softness, silence, and empathy, perhaps as shield against countless contemporary travails. Maybe it is more like a desire for kindness. This year, a third grader writes: ‘Roses are red. Violence is bad. Work it out peacefully when you are mad. Do not yell. Do not cry. We can be nice, yes, you and I.’”
Poems for the anthology are selected from among close to two thousand submissions each year to the Lyrical Iowa Competition. Membership is not a requirement for having poetry included in the anthology. Contestants need only reside in Iowa. The Iowa Poetry Association has about 320 members across the state.
Solon’s Milli Gilbaugh, Karen Schmitt, and Douglas L. Miller were recognized as Gilbaugh received third place in Poetry for Children, Schmitt received 2nd Honorable Mention, and Miller had a poem selected for publication.
Besides those awarded cash prizes or honorable mentions in the seven adult categories and four student divisions, many other top-ranking poems are showcased in this 178-page book with full-color cover. This year, a total of 354 poems was selected from about 2,000 entries submitted to IPA’s 2023 contests, including five Pushcart Prize nominations. Entries came from 72 of Iowa’s 99 counties, sent by persons ranging in age from kindergartners to near-centenarians. [Editors: See list of contest winners attached; also attached for your convenience is a listing by county of winners and poets to be published in this year’s anthology.
Books may be ordered from IPA, while the supply lasts. Cost is $15 per copy (plus shipping) to anywhere in the United States. Books from some previous years are also available. Check for details at iowapoetry.com or contact the editor at [email protected].
“We are also excited to announce our 2024 Lyrical Iowa Competition,” Baszczynski added. “Adult contests include the Lucille Morgan Wilson Award, Grant Wood Country Poetry Prize, Haiku, Traditional Forms (ghazal, pantoum, sonnet, villanelle), National/World Events, Humorous Verse, and Poetry for Children.” Student divisions are College, High School, Upper Grades (5-8), and Lower Grades (K-4). Contest entries may be sent January 1 — February 28, 2024. Complete contest rules for adult, college, high school and grade school entries are available on their website at iowapoetry.com. There is no entry fee. For information on Slam Poetry competitions, see iowapoetry.com/slam.htm.
Also on the website: how to order books, winning poems, judges’ page, Pushcart Prize nominees, resources for teachers, links to publication opportunities, workshop information, and more, all in support of Iowa poets. See iowapoetry.com. The mission of the Iowa Poetry Association, a non-profit organization, is to promote interest in and appreciation of poetry among Iowans through educational opportunities, poetry writing contests and the publication of an annual anthology of Iowa poetry. Besides sponsoring the annual contests and new, exciting Slam competitions, IPA offers two workshops for poem critiques each year, as well as IPA LIVE!, a vibrant monthly program of online mini-workshops and readings. IPA will also be at Art on the Prairie in Perry, Nov 11-12.
Association executive officers include Dawn Terpstra of Lynnville, President; Rodney Reeves of Burlington, 1st Vice-President; Heather Clark of Winterset, 2nd Vice-President/Historian; Barbara Edler of Keokuk, Secretary; Shelly Hamlin-Rodrick of Ankeny, Treasurer; and Marilyn J. Baszczynski of Earlham, Editor and Contest Chair.
About the Iowa Poetry Association: We were founded in 1945. Membership and contests are restricted to Iowa residents (see rules for student exceptions). We are a not-for-profit organization. We are affiliated with the National Federation of State Poetry Societies and with the Academy of American Poets. Editorial staff: Marilyn J Baszczynski, editor-in-chief; Steven Rose & Jared Pearce, associate adult editors; Rustin Larson, college editor; Joy Lyle, high school editor; Della Weems, grade school editor.