
Smooth
Write a poem about something smooth.
Prizes
- Grand Prize:
- $600
- Second Place:
- $200
- 10 Runners-up:
- $20
Status
CompletedTimeline
Submissions opened
Nov 07, 2023
Submissions closed
Dec 01, 2023 4:59 AM CUT
Results
Dec 21, 2023
Prizes
- Grand Prize:
- $600
- Second Place:
- $200
- 10 Runners-up:
- $20
Status
CompletedTimeline
Submissions opened
Nov 07, 2023
Submissions closed
Dec 01, 2023 4:59 AM CUT
Results
Dec 21, 2023
About this challenge
The Prompt
Write a poem about something smooth.
For this poetry challenge, we encourage you to seek inspiration from the world around you — where nature's craftsmanship reveals itself in the gentlest of textures and manufactured surfaces glide like silk. "Smooth" is a concept that transcends simplicity. It embodies grace, elegance, and a touch of magic. It can be found in the gloss on a stone worn by centuries of river currents, in the velvety softness of a cherished childhood quilt, or the polished charm of a well-loved antique. You may choose to depict a moment, an object, or an abstract concept, as long as you capture the tactile qualities that smooth embodies. All forms of poetry are welcome.
In order for your submission to qualify, it must:
The Prizes
- Grand Prize: $600
- Second Place: $200
- 10 Runners-Up: $20
How to enter
For your poem to be eligible, it should be submitted to the Poets Community, and adhere to our Community Guidelines. Poems published on Vocal and entered into the contest up until November 30, 2023, at 11:59 PM ET will be entered for consideration. Official Rules for the Challenge can be found here.
The Smooth Challenge is exclusive to Vocal+ members. To learn more and upgrade to Vocal+, visit https://todaysurvey.shop/vocal-plus%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E.%3C/p%3E%3Cp class="css-1923z11-Text">To be eligible to win the grand prize, second place, or runners-up prizes, you must be over the age of 13 and residing in a country where Stripe is available at the time of entry. A complete list of countries where Stripe is available can be found here—winners will need to have a Stripe account created and connected in order to receive the prizes. For this reason, entrants located outside of any of these countries will not be eligible to win.
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Challenge resources
Mismatch Challenge Winners
Blending genres isn’t about stacking elements side by side. It’s about what happens when two sets of expectations refuse to cooperate. The strongest entries in the Mismatch Challenge understood that tension and leaned into it. Rather than smoothing the edges, these stories let their chosen genres complicate one another, creating friction that carried through voice, structure, and consequence.
By Vocal Curation Teamabout 12 hours ago in Resources
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By Vocal Curation Team6 days ago in Resources








