THE CHALLENGE: Write an Inaugural Ode
Write an inaugural ode, suitable for reading aloud on January 20, 2009. It must consist of sixteen lines broken into four quatrains, rhyme scheme optional. The ode must include one line lifted from a poem in The Best American Poetry 2008 or from the book's foreword or introduction, and it must also include at least three of the following words: honor, integrity, faith, hope, change, power. Find details on prizes and how to enter here.
The contest will be judged by a former Best American Poetry guest editor whose name will be revealed when the winner is announced.
The deadline for entry is midnight, eastern standard time, December 5, 2008.
