Inverse
Write a poem that takes on a different meaning when you read the lines from bottom to top.
Prizes
- Grand Prize:
- $500
- Second Place:
- $200
- 10 Runners-up:
- $50
Status
CompletedTimeline
Submissions opened
Jan 19, 2024
Submissions closed
Feb 23, 2024 4:59 AM CUT
Results
Mar 07, 2024
Prizes
- Grand Prize:
- $500
- Second Place:
- $200
- 10 Runners-up:
- $50
Status
CompletedTimeline
Submissions opened
Jan 19, 2024
Submissions closed
Feb 23, 2024 4:59 AM CUT
Results
Mar 07, 2024
About this challenge
The Prompt
Write a poem that takes on a different meaning when you read the lines from bottom to top.
Your task is to create a reverse poem—an enchanting composition that unfolds with one meaning when reading the lines from top to bottom, and an entirely different meaning when reading the lines in reverse from bottom to top. Carefully choose words to construct lines that reveal hidden depths and unexpected twists in both directions. Your poem does not need to start and end with repeated lines.
This challenge invites you to explore the creative boundaries of expression, playing with the reader's expectations and delivering a unique linguistic experience. Craft a poem that seamlessly transitions between two distinct perspectives, offering a literary dance where the verses gracefully pivot to convey contrasting meanings. This dual-layered exploration in form can be tricky, but when it works, it's magical.
In order for your submission to qualify, it must be:
The Prizes
Special shout-out to Tressa Rose for inspiring this challenge idea in Share Your Ideas to Shape the Future of Vocal Challenges.
How to enter
For your poem to be eligible, it should be submitted to the Poets Community, follow the rules above, and adhere to our Community Guidelines. Poems published on Vocal and entered into the contest up until 11:59 PM ET on February 22, 2024 will be entered for consideration. Official Rules for the Challenge can be found here.
The Inverse Challenge is exclusive to Vocal+ members. To learn more and upgrade to Vocal+ visit https://shopping-feedback.today/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 Team13 days ago in Resources
Public Announcement Challenge Winners
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