The Great Poetry Escape
Poetry Contest
Ideal for 10-18
A DIFFERENT WORLD IS JUST A PAGE AWAY.
WHERE WILL YOUR WORDS TAKE YOU?
What if you could escape the everyday and go anywhere your imagination takes you?
The Great Poetry Escape is a FREE poetry contest for middle and high school students, inviting you to explore the idea of escape through poetry.
You could leave something behind, discover somewhere new, or find freedom in the things you love. The possibilities are endless!
Your poem could be published in a real Young Writers book, with fantastic prizes to be won!
Free to enter · Closing date: December 18, 2026
THREE WAYS TO ESCAPE...
Choose a starting point that inspires you, or create your own escape!
ESCAPE FROM
What would you leave behind? The same old routine, other people's expectations, or something you'd change about the world?
ESCAPE TO
Where would you go? Another time, a distant planet, your dream destination, or a world that exists only in your imagination?
ESCAPE THROUGH
What takes you somewhere else? Music, books, gaming, sports, art, or something completely unexpected?
OR CREATE YOUR OWN ROUTE! These are just starting points. Mix ideas, explore a different meaning of escape, or take your poem somewhere nobody expects.
YOUR ESCAPE. YOUR POEM.
You don't need to follow a set formula. Find an idea that matters to you, and make it your own.
CHOOSE YOUR ESCAPE
Decide what you're escaping from, where you're escaping to, or what helps you escape.
EXPLORE YOUR IDEA
Think about the voice, mood, and experiences you want to bring to life.
WRITE YOUR POEM
Use any poetry style, experiment with techniques, or write freely in your own voice.
Your poem could be funny, imaginative, thoughtful, powerful, or completely unexpected. There is no single right way to express your escape!
IMAGINE SEEING YOUR POEM IN A REAL BOOK!
The Great Poetry Escape gives you the opportunity to become a published young author, sharing your words with readers beyond the classroom.
Whether your poem takes readers somewhere extraordinary or explores something personal, your writing deserves an audience.
AMAZING PRIZES TO BE WON!
$50 AMAZON GIFT CARD TROPHY
Three winning poets will each receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a trophy!
SEE YOUR WORDS IN PRINT
Selected poems could be published in a real Young Writers book.
READY TO ENTER?
Write your poem in any poetic style and give it a title. Make sure to include your name, age, and contact details so we can contact you about your entry.
ENTER ONLINE
Submit your poem using our online entry form .
ENTER BY MAIL
Send your poem and contact details to:
Young Writers Great Poetry Escape
77 Walnut Street
Unit 11
Peabody, MA 01960
Free to enter.
Rules
To make sure your entries are valid, please follow the rules listed below:
YOUR POEM
- Your poem must be your own original work.
- You can write in any poetic style and explore any interpretation of escape.
- Choose to escape from, to, or through something, or create your own route.
- Your poem can be handwritten or typed.
- There is no specified word or line limit for this contest.
YOUR ENTRY
- Include your name and age on your entry.
- First names only or initials can be used if necessary.
- One entry per person.
- Give your poem a title.
- Include contact details so we can get in touch about your entry.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Free to enter.
- No purchase is necessary to win.
- Open to US entrants only.
- Copyright remains with the author.
If you are unsure on any rules or have any queries, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.
Prizes
$50 Amazon Gift Card and trophy each
Selected poems could be published in a real Young Writers anthology, giving young poets the chance to see their words in print.
Every student who enters will receive a bookmark for taking part.
Young writers whose work we'd love to publish will also receive a Certificate of Merit.
Winners will be chosen from eligible entries received for The Great Poetry Escape. Independent entrants are eligible for the same student prizes as school entrants. No purchase is necessary to win.