The WCPA is excited to announce the winners of the 2019 Annual Poetry Contest: the Frank O’Hara Prize. Contest judge Rachel McKibbens has selected the following poets for recognition.

First prize has been award to Worcester poet Carolyn Oliver for her poem “Rhododendrons.” Carolyn’s poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in FIELD, Indiana Review, The Shallow Ends, The Greensboro Review, Booth, Glass, Southern Indiana Review, and elsewhere. She is the winner of the Writer’s Block Prize in Poetry, selected by Maggie Smith.

Additional prizes are being awards as follows:

Second prize – Jacqueline Morrill – “Unhinged”
Third prize – Jennifer Freed – “RIPTIDE”
Honorable Mention – bg Thurston – “Gladiolas”

A Winners’ Reading took place on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at the First Unitarian Church (Main Street, Worcester) at 3:00 pm. The contest winners read their work followed by a reception and a featured performance by our contest judge, Rachel McKibbens.

Congratulations to all of the winners!