Today marks the six year anniversary of 30 for 30, a project I started in 2013. It was a way to engage people, to attract people to my web site and to make it a place where others could find a creative play space. And, of course, it was a way to do something special for National Poetry Month, celebrated each year in April.
The first year was challenging for me; more accurately, I was very apprehensive. Who, I thought, would be willing to send me their poems to post on my website? Would my web site be considered a trusted venue? Would people think I was just trying to steal their work?
I addressed some of these issues by requiring a bio and a copyright statement. That way, people’s work for be protected. And I guaranteed that their work would remain on my site as long as my site remained in service. In addition, I try to present their poems as faithfully and accurately as I could, struggling often with the idiosyncrasies of WordPress.
To say the least, I was surprised, for my 30 slots quickly filled up, and there began an annual tradition that I am proud to continue.
In the years that have followed, I’ve tried to challenge the poets who wish to participate with themes. Last year’s them, “Love, in the Age of Alexis,” was a particularly interesting one, causing questions and uncertainties but, ultimately, producing some very good poems.
I usually spend several months contemplating a theme for the year, and this year was no different. As always, I struggled with some ideas wondering how people would respond or, even, if they would. And then I started reading Robert Haas’ A Little Book of Form, a wonderful exploration of poetic form throughout the ages. If you haven’t read it, you should. It is a true gem which explores poetry not just in the English tradition but in the Arabic, Persian, Italian, Spanish — need I go any further — traditions. The very basis of the evolution of poetry in the world.
And that’s where I got the idea of a two-line poem. (Count yourselves lucky: I was considering a one-line poem at first!).
As usual, I had my trepidation. Would anyone accept the challenge? For a two-line poem must be so succinct, so meticulous in its execution that it would pose a challenge to those who are more attuned to lengthier poetic discourse.
Yet, once again, I was surprised. For not only did my roster of 30 quickly fill up, but I found myself starting a waiting list that kept growing until I decided to accept up to 60 poets.
I didn’t’ quite get there but, this year, I am proud to present a total 58 poets (there are still 2 slots left is anyone else wishes to join). They comes from all parts of the states, including Virginia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Oregon.
This marks the second year that I am running this as a contest. I am honored to have, once again, Potomac Review as a sponsor. Many thanks to John Wei Han Wang, the editor, for agreeing, without hesitation, to support this endeavor. And thanks to David Lott who has agreed, once again, to be our judge. (If this continues, I need to find a way to pay our judges).
Thank you to the poets, new and returning, who share there work, and to you, our readers who visits and comment each day.
Happy National Poetry Month. I hope you enjoy our offerings.
30 for 30 is sponsored by Potomac Review
Well I got the math wrong but I’ve just corrected it. I started this in 2013, not 2015.