This Is How I Remember It

This Challenge is part of the Vocal+ Summer Writing Series. Learn more

The Prompt

Memory isn’t always accurate, but it is always honest in its own way. This challenge invites you to write a poem that returns to a specific moment, image, or feeling; something you remember, whether it happened exactly that way or not.

Your poem can be personal, imagined, fractured, or even surreal. What matters is how the memory lives in you. What details surface? What gets blurred? What still stings or sings?

Let your lines follow the rhythm of remembering. Wander if you need to. Interrupt yourself. Let the form reflect the way memory actually works.

In order for your submission to qualify, it must be:

• A poem (any style or structure is welcome).
• Between 50 and 500 words.
• Submitted to the Poets community. Your story will be disqualified if it is submitted to any other community.
• Submitted before August 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
• Your work must be original and unpublished.

The Prizes

• 5 Winners: $200 each
• 15 Runners-up: $15 each
• 10 Honorable Mentions: $5 each

For your story to be eligible, it must be between 50 and 500 words and adhere to our Community Guidelines.

Stories published on Vocal and entered into the Challenge up until August 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST will be entered for consideration. Official Rules for the Challenge can be found here.

The This Is How I Remember It 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, you must be over the age of 13 and reside 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 a Stripe account created and connected to receive prizes. Entrants located outside of these countries will not be eligible to win.