… I replied as soon as I received the congratulations. Firstly, I would like to thank everyone involved for this opportunity to share my work.
I cannot begin to express my gratitude to the judges, editors and everyone involved. I love poetry and I am so very thankful for the chance to compete alongside poets with equal passion. ~ Branden E.
Hello! My name’s Luc, for the Poetry Institute of Canada’s Open Ages poetry contest last year, I entered a poem “Fields in Fallow” and got an award of excellence for the entry! After that success, I wanted to enter again this year and I put even more effort into this poem. It’s a lot of fun! I’m glad these contests are offered. I just wish I had known about them earlier in high school. I’m attending the University of British Columbia next year in the sciences. Thanks to experience like these contests, I’ve kept strong a love for the arts and will pursue a well-rounded degree. Just so you know, you’re making a difference in people’s lives! – Luc
Thank you for the tremendous opportunity. I am so very grateful to you and the entire staff whom work so very hard to help aspiring poets achieve a step towards completing their literary goals. This contest, for me, allows me the privilege to see in print my works. I love the gift of word, and seeing my young daughter anticipate and aspire to become poet/songwriter as well lets me know what a true blessing The Poetry Institute of Canada bestows upon us. Now story writing, wow. Thank you ever so sincerely. Lorri B.
Reading the various selections in your latest anthology is most gratifying. I find it especially remarkable to see the great talent shown by some very young people. What a wonderful book! I look forward to reading the various selections on a regular basis! Michael P., Comox, BC
Recently, I received a letter from you informing me I had won Second Prize in your National Poetry Competition. This was accompanied by a certificate, a cheque, and a promise of a copy of the anthology, which also has arrived. Let me take this opportunity to thank you and your judges for finding “Sancho”, a bit of verse, worthy of their choice. As well I have to say I find it unusually generous of spirit that my not purchasing the anthology this year did not prejudice consideration of my submission. So thank you very much for this pleasant experience and please accept my good wishes for your continued success. Sincerely, G.A.
I was absolutely overwhelmed when I received your letter of congratulations upon the acceptance of my short story, “Good-Bye”. This is the very first time that I have been the recipient of such exciting news and I thank you and your staff most sincerely. I feel truly honoured, and I am grateful that there is the Poetry Institute of Canada to encourage would-be writers like myself. Jean G.
It was a thrill when your letter arrived telling me my short story had made the anthology again. I never dared to dream I’d make it once but the second time, almost unbelievably. Thank you so much. It’s wonderful to have somewhere to submit our tales and to have them published. Thank you, thank you all! Verna M.
I received my copy of your recent anthology – what a beautiful creation! Congratulations! And thank you for the honour of being in your book! I also wanted to say this – the first place winner was an exceptional poem. Such emotion and thought. It was well done. I can see why the judges chose this poem. Thanks very much. Suzanne O.
I am an entrant in your poetry contest. I feel that this contest is well done. I’m glad you give the contestants a choice in whether they want to buy a poetry book. In no way is your contest misleading from my point of view. I think it is great you print student’s poetry in a book, and give prizes to the contestants with the best poems. I hope you continue this contest in the up-coming years.
C. Petkau, BC
These are just some of the hundreds of testimonials we have received over the several last years.