Poetry Contest Winner: "Bestiary" by Seth Peterson
Judge Corey Van Landingham on the poem:
“Bestiary” captures the wonderfully mythical world created through a six-year-old’s imagination, as well as the gravity of a mounting awareness to the world’s exterior, solemn pressures. This poet makes the waning innocence (“I know things / I’m not supposed to”) and the stubborn bravado (“Nothing but me is invincible”) of this young mind pulse with drama. What a stunning, convincing portrayal of youth and the small-but-spreading cracks in its façade.
Nonfiction Contest Winner: "Notes on Property" by Esther Ra
Judge Aaron Burch on the essay:
“Notes on Property” is kind of exactly what I want from an essay: a premise and a title that is exactly what it is — indeed, “notes” on property — while also being so, so much more — thinking about and wrestling with and braiding together ideas of parents and family, home and love, church and religion, ownership and power and identity. It reminded me a bit of favorite essays from Eula Biss and Maggie Nelson and Ross Gay, while also always feeling uniquely interestingly, powerfully itself.
Fiction Contest Winner: "Two Burials" by Jumaana Abdu
Judge Halle Hill on the story:
“Two Burials” sang with timeless language that was rich, fluid, and gripping. This was a pleasure to read and a challenge for the heart and mind. I found the story to be arresting while bright, which shows a command of skill and sensitivity. I could not put it down.
Stay tuned for the launch of 54.2 in May, where you can read these lovely pieces and the other finalists.