Youth Poetry
Around Each Corner, a book of poetry by Annapolis Youth is returning in the fall of 2023.
From September 15th to November 15th 2023, The Annapolis Office of Community Services will open its application portal for youth to submit poetry.
Inspired by the poem " Where I'm From" by George Ella Lyon, the poems are a literary painting of one's most memorable childhood moments, family traditions and their culture that made them who they are.
If you are from Annapolis, and enrolled at any education level, you can submit your poem!
About this program:
The City of Annapolis in partnership with the Organization of Hispanics/Latin Americans (OHLA), Annapolis High School, and the Annapolis Art in Public Places Commission, is pleased to announce that we are opening applications for the the second issue of “Around Each Corner,” a youth poetry book created to share the voices of our city’s youth.
This project got its start in 2021 as a classroom initiative of Mrs. Romey Pittman, where young people were asked to share poetry that told their stories, background, experiences, lives and traditions. Her assignment was inspired by the “Where I am From” poem of George Ella Lyon.
The City of Annapolis enhanced the project by launching a poetry contest in April 2021 in what is both “Month of Poetry” and “Diversity Month.” It proved an excellent opportunity for young people to share their poetry and provided a chance for them to be published.
Poetry is an important form of expression. It is a way to find meaning in experiences. It is an exercise tool for strengthening memory muscles and building self confidence.
To continue to highlight the City’s diversity, to showcase the different backgrounds and lives that our youth have lived, and to shine a light on their creative potential, we have decided to continue this project into a third year.
Requirements:
In order to participate in this contest, you must:
- Be enrolled in an Annapolis educational institution, Annapolis home school or pursuing a degree at Anne Arundel Community College.
- Fill out an application here.
Poem Guidelines:
Write a poem inspired by George Ella Lyon about where you are from, you can read her poem here. You can either use her template or write a poem in freestyle about where you are from, your culture, traditions, your family, and/or what makes you YOU. If you would like to submit a drawing that accompanies your poem, please feel free to do so as well. Applications will be accepted from September 15th to October 15th, 2023. You may also email your poems.
For questions and/or poetry applications, please email: communityservices@annapolis.gov with the subject line, YOUTH POETRY.
If you are interested in learning more about the 2021 Youth Poetry book, please reach out to the email listed above for a book or digital request.
Read Around Each Corner, Volume I (2021) here.
Read Around Each Corner, Volume II (2022) here.