The Third Annual Carmen Ziolkowski Poetry Prize Winners
The Literary Committee of the Lawrence House Centre For The Arts is pleased to announce the winners of the third annual Carmen Ziolkowski Poetry Prize. These poems were selected by judges Ryan Gibbs and Lois Nantais, with input from Carmen’s son Jim. They are:
First Place- Katharine Weinmann,of Sherwood Park, Alberta “Contemplating The Cherry Tree.”
Second Place- Emily Fortney, of Sarnia, Ontario, “every day (a love letter from Lake Huron to us)
Third Place- Grace Vermeer, of Sarnia, Ontario “The Rain”
Honourable Mention- Mike Madill, “Soothsayer’s Familiar (after Tarot’s ‘Mother of Pentacles’)
Honourable Mention- James X Wang, “a lotus blooms at dawn”
We were most happy to have Jim’s participation in this contest and he has been delighted with the work submitted. He wrote this poem in honour of his mother and we have his permission to share it with you.
Mamina – little Mother
From Caianello’s embrace to Sarnia’s shore, she came,
Carmen’s spirit, like fire, forever aflame.
In verse and vial, her passions claim,
A poet’s heart, her career in the children’s ward, her aim.
A chance encounter at the Polish hall, Bruno, their love pure,
70 years strong, their bond secure.
Two sons, Robin and Jimmy, by her side,
In Canadian embrace, their dreams abide.
Three grandchildren’s laughter, a joyful tide,
In family’s love, her soul doth reside.
With each hello, a story unfolds, so sweet,
In every encounter, her warmth complete.
Living in the memories of family and friends,
Immortalized in the poetry contest named after her.
Her legacy, a testament to love’s enduring grace,
In every verse, her spirit finds its place.
Thank you, Jim! The winning poems may be read by clicking on the thumbnails below.