Monadnock Writers’ Group and Cathedral of the Pines will recognize the winners of the 2023 Poetry in the Pines contest Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. at Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge.
The event will include poetry readings by guest judge Henry Walters, current and past contest winners and a short walk on the trail where the poems are posted. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event. Cathedral of the Pines and Monadnock Writers’ Group jointly sponsor the Poetry in the Pines contest. Three winning poems, selected from more than 80 submissions, will be announced at the event. The winning poems will be displayed along designated trails, joining winners from prior years.
Walters is the author of two books of poetry, including “The Nature Thief,” published last year, which was a finalist for the Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize. His work has appeared in journals such as The Threepenny Review, The Yale Review and Orion. He lives in Hancock with his family.
Poetry in the Pines began in 2018 to bring together the Monadnock region’s natural beauty and creative traditions. Since 1945, Cathedral of the Pines has honored the service of American men and women. Its open-air cathedral and historic monument are open to the public as a place of spiritual, cultural and environmental appreciation.
Beginning in 1984, the Monadnock Writers’ Group (MWG) has supported local writers of all genres and levels of achievement. Monthly meetings, held on the third Saturday of each month, bring a variety of writers to the Monadnock region to offer their experiences. In addition, MWG publishes periodic anthologies and Smoky Quartz, a semiannual online journal of literature and art. MWG also hosts public readings and informal gatherings throughout the year to raise awareness of the literary talent in the Monadnock region.
Learn more at monadnockwriters.org and smokyquartz.org. For information about Poetry in the Pines or other Monadnock Writers’ Group activities, send email to monadnockwriters@gmail.com.