I am so pleased to announce that the winner of the contest is Shilo Niziolek, who also wrote multiple books, including Fever and atrophy, both from Querencia Press.

Her winning poem is entitled “Ekphrasis for the Salmon,” and it is a stunning portrayal of coming of age, growing awareness of the self and even our place in world, and a chilling encounter with a wild salmon. The imagery is gorgeous, and its connection back to Mary Ruefle is thoughtfully executed, and the entire experience of reading it is cutting, original, jarring… and lasting. I found it to be incredible and really hope you enjoy it.