Residents who want to see their literary creations displayed in Alexandria’s buses and trolleys have until Friday to enter DASH’s 12th annual poetry contest.
“DASHing Words in Motion” is accepting poetry submissions until 5 p.m. Friday from writers age 16 and older who live, work or study in the city. Contest winners’ poems will be displayed for thousands of city transit riders to see during National Poetry Month in April.
Poems should “showcase your unique voice, creativity, and connection to the city.”
“The poetry contest’s theme stems from the DASH’s mottos, ‘Keeping Alexandria Moving’ and/or ‘Driving Alexandria Safely Home,’ as well as from everyday scenes such as bus stops, neighborhoods, roads, and various modes of local transportation,” according to the application form. “Writers may also reflect on the sense of community, shared spaces, and the human connections we form as we travel from one place to another.”
Applicants can submit up to three previously unpublished poems that are up to 30 words in length and 15 lines or less.
Seven poets were selected as winners during last year’s contest, which drew a total of 45 submissions from 21 community members. This year’s winners will be notified in mid-February.
