The recent thread about contests came to mind when I read this poem, the
first in Kooser's first book (he is the current US poet laureate), Official
Entry Blank, which was published by University of Nebraska Press in 1969.
Official Entry Form
The contest closes January 1st;
All entries postmarked after 12 PM
Will be disposed of by the Editors,
Who cannot be responsible for them.
All poems must be typed and double-spaced,
And every sheet must bear the poet's name
And current street address. These should be placed
In the upper right-all zip code numbers same.
The Editors reserve the right to claim
All rights on winners (stamps will be returned);
The judges will be chosen as to fame;
All entries lacking postage will be burned.
Good luck! And please remember that we all
Prefer free verse to traditional.
Richard
|