Third Annual Poetry Prize
First Things is pleased to announce its Third Annual Poetry Prize for an original poem that exemplifies a high view of form.
In addition to being published in First Things, first place will be awarded $2,000 and $1,000 to second place.
Our judges are James Matthew Wilson, Micah Mattix, and R. R. Reno.
Rules
- Entries must be original and up to 40 lines.
- Poems must be previously unpublished and should not be under consideration elsewhere.
- Each entrant may submit up to two poems using the online form below.
- Each poem must be submitted in separate WORD attachment.
- Do not include your name or any identifying information on the WORD document.
- Submissions must be received before June 30, 2026.
Selection
- Our winners will be announced in August and their respective poems will be published in the October print magazine.
- Due to the number of submissions, we are only able to notify the winners of their selection.
Our 2025 Prize Winners
First place: T. O. Brandon, “Madonna and Child”
Second place: Brian Brodeur, “Not Versed in Country Things”
