Haiku, the world’s shortest poetic form, originated in Japan. This concise verse captures a fleeting moment or expresses the beauty of nature. The Golden Triangle BID’s annual Golden Haiku contest invites poets worldwide to share their original haiku and potentially see their work displayed on colorful street signs throughout Washington D.C. This article delves into the details of the 2024 haiku contest, including guidelines, prizes, judging panel, and key dates.
Contents
Golden Haiku Contest Guidelines and Judging
The Golden Haiku contest adheres to the Haiku Society of America’s guidelines for contemporary haiku, which doesn’t require the traditional 5-7-5 syllable structure. This allows poets more freedom to use evocative language to capture a moment or express beauty within a short, descriptive verse.
A panel of esteemed haiku experts judges the submissions, selecting winners in various categories. The judges for the 2024 contest included Abigail Friedman, author of The Haiku Apprentice, Lenard Moore, a North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame inductee, and Kit Pancoast Nagamura, a columnist for The Japan Times.
Prizes and Display
Winners receive cash prizes, with awards given for first, second, and third place in the adult category, a regional favorite, and prizes for high school and elementary/middle school students. Regional/DC specific prizes are also awarded in both adult and youth categories.
Winning haiku are displayed on colorful signs in hundreds of tree boxes along Washington D.C.’s streets from March through early May. This public art project brightens the late winter landscape and reminds passersby that spring is approaching.
2024 Haiku Contest Dates and Submission Details
The submission period for the 2024 Golden Haiku contest opened on December 10, 2024, and closed on January 19, 2025. Participants could submit up to two original haiku via an online submission form. Previously published poems or those under consideration for publication were eligible. Winners were notified via email in early March and publicly announced on March 18, 2025.
Haiku Writing Workshop
A free in-person haiku writing workshop was held on January 15, 2025, at the St. Gregory Hotel in partnership with the Japan-America Society of Washington D.C. The workshop, led by Golden Haiku judge Abigail Friedman, offered an interactive session exploring haiku’s essence, structure, and the art of capturing moments in just a few lines.
Conclusion
The Golden Haiku contest provides a unique platform for poets of all ages and skill levels to share their work and celebrate the beauty of haiku. This annual event brings a touch of artistry and inspiration to the streets of Washington D.C. and fosters a vibrant community of poetry enthusiasts. For more information, or if you have questions, please contact [email protected].