Fourth Annual Saint Paul Sidewalk Poetry Contest

It’s time for the Fourth Annual Saint Paul Sidewalk Poetry Contest. I am not a St. Paul resident, so I can't participate, but I bet at least one reader of this post could.

Look down! Some of Saint Paul's sidewalks are paved with poetry. Since the Every Day Poems for City Sidewalk program began in 2008, 31 poems have been impressed into the cement of 268 of the city's sidewalks.

Once again, the St. Paul Public Works Department and Public Art Saint Paul invites would-be bards to submit their poems to the citywide contest. Winning poems will be permanently “published” in the cement of a sidewalk.

For this year's edition, organizers are requesting short poems, preferably those with a topic revolving around nature and the outdoors. Poems may be inspiring, humorous or thoughtful, as long as it is appropriate for the general public. St. Paul residents of all ages are invited to participate. Up to 5 poets will receive a $150 prize and citywide honor.

An example from a previous contest winner:

A dog on a walk
is like a person in love −
You can't tell them
it's the same old world. 

By Pat Owen

Additionally, Poet John Minczeski will lead two workshops for burgeoning poets on Saturday, April 9. The first is at Merriam Park Library, 1831 Marshall Ave., from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 651-642-0385. The second is at the Rice Street Library, 1011 Rice Street from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 651-558-2223.

The contest began March 15 and ends April 17 at midnight. For more information and to submit entries, visit www.stpaul.gov/poetry.