Cue the applause... The crown goes to...

BRETT SALTER – FLOWERY THINGS

Hey there! Brett writes dragon novels and poetry! For his kids, and for fun. He does all his own writing, his own editing, his own promoting, and his own stunts with his extremely limited free time. IG - @talismanbrett.


If some things start on a sweet note, chances are they might end up shattered.
Just like this haunting piece that captures an unknown beauty in words that are almost impossible to describe. Flowery Things gave us the sweet, tangy taste of passionfruit—but this one turned the whole experience upside down. If one was fire, this is ice. Cold, dark, and sending shivers down your spine.
This poem doesn’t just speak; it reverberates in your soul, making you feel the spark of every line. Yet, it reminds us that even amid the freezing temperatures, there’s always a flicker of hope waiting to be discovered.
Haunting. Beautiful. A soul-stirring masterpiece that highlights every aspect of what makes poetry so raw and powerful. Let's hear it for Cold Morrow, our second runner-up!

KYLER AKAGI – COLD MORROW

Kyler Akagi is a writer from Kansas City, Kansas. He spent his childhood in Minnesota.
Wait, wait, and wait... the winning streak does not end here.

Even when standing on the edge of the great canyon, there's always a dawn after every dusk. After heart-wrenching moments, there comes light-hearted softness—smooth as butter. This one made its final call and, honestly, it was close. It truly made an impact.
A piece that celebrates the wonders of nature, and how miraculous Mother Earth truly is. Flowery Things shines as a tribute to the beauty that surrounds us. A natural masterpiece, capturing the essence of life in its purest form. This one is not to be missed.

Indeed this is something to be marvelled upon!


ANDY ALEX PHUONG – OUR FLOWER HOUR

Alex Andy Phuong earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University—Los Angeles in 2015. He was a former Statement Magazine editor who currently writes about literature, film, and culture. He also earned an Associate of Arts in English from Pasadena City College in 2013, and tutored there. He has written hundreds of film reviews for MovieBoozer, and has contributed articles to Mindfray. His writing has appeared in The Bookends Review and The Society of Classical Poets. Emma Stone inspired Alex to submit writing actively to publications after hearing the Oscar-nominated song, “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” from the “Best Picture” nominee La La Land (2016). His poetry collection is An Altruistic (Cyberwit.net, 2020).

Currently residing in Alhambra, California, he now writes with the sincerest hope to inspire readers while fully supporting the ones who dare to pursue their dreams. The link to his blog is http://alexandyphuongengl492playlist.blogspot.com/

.

There is no dearth of talent when it comes to writing and chasing creativity.
If one end is a river and the other a pit of fire, inspiration and the fight to continue that challenge seep from the most unexpected places. Some made us gasp in awe, some made us reconsider our choices, and others came out like underdogs, claiming their rightful place.
With every emotion and vulnerability, these roaring pieces shattered the glass walls, solidifying themselves as fierce contenders, standing tall like Player Number 456 in Squid Game.
We did not forget—and neither will you. These are not just mere words. These are treasures, hard work, and cherished pieces of someone’s heart and soul.


IN PLACE OF YOUR NAME – LOLA HOBSON

Lola Hobson is a writer/pet based in North Wales where she studies English Literature. She has previously been published by PoetryFest's blog, and Wingless Dreamer Publisher.


ELENA TALIA – DISSOLVING FILLERS

Elena Talia (she/hers) is an African American artist of slave ancestry. A Midwestern born and raised feminist with degrees in English Literature and Theatre. Elena is also an actress and commercial voiceover artist. Currently resides in NYC. @cornerofpostandpowell.


NIKKI FRYER – THE FINAL STRIKE OF MIDNIGHT

Nikki Fryer is an emerging poet and mother of 2 who lives in Birmingham, England. She turned to Poetry in 2023 as an alternative creative outlet, after a progressive neurological disease rendered her unable to continue to paint. Nikki’s poetry has been published recently by Wingless Dreamer and is forthcoming in The DawnTreader.

TERRY BRINKMAN – MELTING SNOW

Thanks For looking at my poems. Terry Has been painting for over forty five years; now he paints with words too. Poems in Rue Scribe, Tiny Seed. Winamop, Snapdragon Journal, Poets Choice, Adelaide Magazine, Variant, the Writing Disorder, Ink Pantry, In Parentheses, Ariel Chat, New Ulster, Glove, and in Pamp-le-mousse, North Dakota Quarterly, Barzakh, Urban Arts, Wingless Dreamer, True Chili, LKMNDS and Elevation. THANKS TERRY BRINKMAN.


DUANE L. HERRMANN – TO HEAL

Duane L. Herrmann, internationally published, award-winning poet and historian, has work translated into several languages, in print and online. He has nine full-length collections of poetry, more chapbooks, two collections of short stories and a sci fi novel. His poetry has received the Robert Hayden Poetry Fellowship, inclusion in American Poets of the 1990s, Map of Kansas Literature (website), Kansas Poets Trail, Keweenaw Art Walk, and others. His history, By Thy Strengthening Grace, received the Ferguson Kansas History Book Award. He holds degrees in education and history. These accomplishments defy his traumatic childhood embellished by dyslexia, ADHD; now compounded by cyclothymia, an anxiety disorder, and PTSD. He spends his time on the prairie with trees in the breeze, writes – and loves the light of the moon!


EKAM BEDI – THE FLOWERS ON MY DESK

Ekam is a teenage poet, public speaking enthusiast, and artist. She first discovered poetry by reading William Wordsworth's and Henry Longfellow's poems, she now writes herself. You can follow her on Instagram at ekam_ivlivs23.


MICA L. RICH - IN ANSWER TO “LONG LIVE THE WEEDS”

Mica L. Rich (they/them) is a New Hampshire born poet, performer, witch, and aspiring Feral Forest Being. Mica's work has been published with Button Poetry, Wingless Dreamer, The Avocet, and more. Their first full length collection, This is How Wildflowers Grow, can be purchased at Barnes and Noble or anywhere Mica performs. Mica is an organizer and frequent performer at Slam Free or Die and works for Poetry Society of New Hampshire's Touchstone Journal as it's Assistant Editor. Find Mica online at: www.micalediting.net/poetry Facebook: Mica Rich Instagram and TikTok: @feral_fairy_poet.