shining light on outstanding literature
Poet and poem of the Month
Welcome to our Poem of the Month Page! We are delighted to honor poets from diverse backgrounds and varying experience levels who have contributed their incredible work. Our mission is to celebrate the transformative power of poetry and offer a stage for new and upcoming creatives!
PRIZES
Featured in our monthly newsletter and on our website
Winning poem is featured in our Quarterly Magazine, The Writing Fae
Headliner for your month’s Open Mic in Charleston, SC
Poet’s work will be included in the 2026 WBP Poetry Collection Book
2025 Winners
Submit Your Poetry
Submit your masterpiece today and be part of a community that cherishes the art of poetry. We can't wait to read your work!
Submission Details
Open to U.S. poets within the first five years of their publishing journey.
Must be 18 or older.
Submissions must be original and unpublished.
Poems should be typed and submitted as a PDF.
Each poem should not exceed 40 lines and must include a title.
Up to 3 poems per poet each month.
Submissions are due by the 25th of each month.
Our panel of judges reviews poems.
Selected works will be featured in our monthly newsletter and on our website.
Poets retain all rights.
By submitting, you grant us the right to publish your poem in our magazine, newsletter, future anthology, and website.
Poem Guidelines
All submissions must be the poet's original work. Plagiarism or use of AI tools will result in immediate disqualification and a ban from future competitions.
Poems must align with the monthly theme.
Each poem should not exceed 40 lines.
Poems must be written in English unless specified otherwise.
Poets wishing to remain anonymous must state this in their submission notes. Breach of anonymity will lead to disqualification.
Poets must ensure their work does not infringe on the copyrights of others. Violations will result in disqualification and potential legal consequences.
WBP partners, authors, or freelancers cannot participate in POTM contests.
Poems must not promote violence, discrimination, harassment, contain offensive language, hate speech, or inappropriate content, and will be banned.
Each Month’s Theme
January: New Beginnings
- Fresh starts and new opportunities
- Setting intentions for the year
- Renewal and rebirth
2. February: Love and Compassion
- Self-love and self-care
- Celebrating relationships and connections
- Acts of kindness and empathy
3. March: Growth and Transformation
- Personal development and change
- Embracing imperfections
- Overcoming challenges
4. April: Courage and Strength
- Facing fears and uncertainties
- Stories of resilience
- Inner strength and bravery
5. May: Joy and Gratitude
- Finding happiness in small moments
- Appreciating beauty in everyday life
- Expressions of thanks and contentment
6. June: Freedom and Exploration
- Exploring new horizons
- Embracing individuality
- Breaking free from limitations
7. July: Awakening and Awareness
- Discovering inner truths
- Mindfulness and presence
- Nature's rebirth and its parallels with human life
8. August: Reflection and Introspection
- Looking back and learning from the past
- Deep self-reflection
- Understanding one's purpose
9. September: Harmony and Balance
- Finding equilibrium in life
- Balancing work, play, and rest
- Inner peace and serenity
10. October: Mystery and Depth
- Embracing the unknown
- Delving into deeper emotions
- Mysteries of the human experience
11. November: Legacy and Memory
- Honoring ancestors and heritage
- Reflecting on personal legacy
- Memories that shape us
12. December: Hope
- Looking forward with optimism
- Spiritual renewal and reflection
- Celebrating life's journey and the promise of tomorrow
Support our growth
Donating tips to our poetry judging panel is an investment for poet-centered events and a celebration of diverse voices. With your support, we can offer better resources and tools to our judges, ensuring a fair and thorough evaluation of each submission. Donations allow us to reach more poets, providing a platform for emerging talents to shine and connect with a broader audience.