Judge Paul Violi Picks Frank Osen's Penelope's Shield as Winner of The Best American Poetry Poem Challenge II

Read Osen's winning poem here.

Violi also singled out as runners up As the Underworld Turns by Sally Cook and Lo Mein Palace, Here I Come by Michael Quattrone

Violi has this to say about Penelope’s Shield: “What struck me about "Penelope's Shield,” besides its subtle command over "Some peaceful Province in Acrostick Land," is the way the poet packs so much into a short, affecting monologue. There's a good ear and a sharp eye at work here, a fine ironic touch tipping the balance on a very sensitive scale.

The three poems selected by Violi will be published in a forthcoming issue of Pool.

Check back often to read selections of the other fine entries.