To celebrate the 105th anniversary of The Lyric poetry magazine, the oldest in continuous publication of traditionally themed and structured poetry, we are dedicating the Summer issue to Emily Dickinson, America’s greatest lyric poet.

For poems to be considered for publication and prize competition, they must adhere to the following guidelines: (1) the format should be in quatrains or in short (18 lines or less) lyric forms. This ensures we can include as many poems as possible; (2) Proper nouns may be capitalized and dashes used for longer, rhetorical pauses; (3) Rhyming words may be slight as well as exact, and; (4) All poems considered will be an observation, a commentary or a description of the natural world during the Summer season. Remember, her poems were, in the main, either of a seasonal or a religious nature. She is the master of blending both as well as contrasting one theme with the other.

Jonathan Kinsman will provide editorial assistance with those poets who request it. Please consult Jonathan with any thoughts or editorial questions. His email contact is jkinsman@mjusd.com.  His text cell is 530-751-6509.

Refresh your memory and open a book of her poems. Emily is the nonpareil nature observer. From her school days collecting plant and insect specimens (we still have some of her fieldbooks) to acute and minute observations of the seasons (Summer was her favorite), there is no other poet with such a deft touch bringing the natural world into our inner lives. And when we remember that she suffered from iritis throughout her life, yet still managed to make it new and make it now, our minds stutter in awe of her skill and accomplishments.

Submission deadline is July 15th

A Rose

A sepal, petal and a thorn,
Upon a common summer’s morn;
A flash of dew,
A bee or two,
A breeze
A caper in the trees ……
And I’m a rose!

Emily Dickinson