Participate in the Words & Wonders Poetry Contest

Step 1.Review submission guidelines

Poems should be original work and short, no longer than one page. Poems can include free verse, rhymes, etc., whatever suits your vision of the poem. Even a haiku of 17 syllables can seize a moment and give it lasting impact. Writers of all ages are welcome. Writers under 18 are requested to list their age in their entry.

In your poem, you can explore:

• What does it mean to belong in a country where many stories exist at once?
• How do different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives shape our nation's shared future?
• What does unity look like (not sameness), but connection?
• What can we learn from listening to voices that are different from our own?

At 250 years, America is not one single story. Your poem can be personal, imaginative, reflective, or hopeful. You may write about your own family story, your neighborhood, your classroom, your community, or the feeling of standing in a busy airport hearing many languages at once. 

Photos of inspiration can be included but are not required.

Step 2.Submit your work by May 14, 2026 at 4 p.m. 

Submit your poetry

Step 3.We will review submissions

Orlando’s Poet Laureate Camara Gaither will review and choose poems to share with the community, and recognized poets will receive prizes.

Winners will be announced the week of June 8, 2026, on the City of Orlando's social media channels and will be contacted directly. Selected winning poems will be displayed at MCO from June 27 to August 31, 2026.