Submit Your Poem

PoemVillage is Bristol’s celebration of National Poetry Month. In April, PoemVillage transforms Bristol into a literary gallery of community poetry. From January-April 2026, we offer free poetry workshops, community gatherings, and events.

Tour Bristol in April to explore a self-guided poetry walk!

Poems will be displayed across Bristol in April. Check back for a map of display locations!

    • Dec 2025: Poem submissions open

    • Jan – Apr 2026: Workshops and community events (listed below)

    • April 2026: PoemVillage installations open, self-guided walk available

    • May 2026: Online gallery live

    • Submit a poem

    • Attend workshops or gatherings (schedule TBA)

    • Explore self-guided poem walk

  • Documentary Screening: Come See Me In The Good Light

    • Friday, January 30th

    • 6:30 PM

    • Lawrence Memorial Library

    • Join us for a community screening of Come See Me in the Good Light, a documentary following the life and final years of the late Andrea Gibson, poet, writer, and activist.

Submissions are now open!

Deadline for submissions is February 28th, 2026.

One poem per person, all ages welcome.

Poems will be reviewed, printed, and displayed throughout Bristol in April 2026.

How to submit

Submit a poem
  1. One poem per person

  2. Maximum 24 lines

  3. Original works only

  4. Submit as PDF or Microsoft Word doc

  5. Parent/guardian permission required if under 18

  6. No hate speech, discriminatory language, or plagiarism

  7. We do not accept AI-generated work.

  8. Open to all VT residents

Every poem submission will be printed and displayed if it meets the above guidelines.

poem guidelines

PoemVillage: Bristol is organized by Bristol CORE in partnership with Lawrence Memorial Library, with funding from the Vermont Arts Council. The project is made possible thanks to Lily Hinrichsen and a team of dedicated volunteers, who will support poem review, installation, and community events throughout the program.

Email: poemvillage@bristolcore.org

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