BUDDY RAY DEERING – HEIRLOOM

Buddy Ray Deering is a Writer, Actor and General Nuisance from London. They are currently studying at Bangor University, where they have been writing a great deal more than they have been studying — don't tell their lecturers. In their free time, they enjoy watching pretentious old films.

We all adore Spring in its traditional beauty, but let’s be honest—our excitement and anticipation reached new heights when we saw the incredible submissions pour in. Judging was never easy, and selecting the one that truly captured the essence of Vernalis was no simple task. Each entry brought something special, something unique and out of the box, and the decision – making was always on the edge, teetering between brilliance and creativity. But in the end, one voice stood out—Summer Arehart, whose breezy verses and fresh perspective brought a breath of spring into our hearts.

With grace and originality, Summer’s words exceptionally bloomed. Truly a beacon of light and hope.


SUMMER AREHART – TESTAMENT

A young writer based in Wisconsin, Summer Arehart is passionate about free verse poetry or poetic prose, creating pieces that resonate with a reader’s emotions and experiences. As a beginning writer, she is dedicated to advancing her career and extending her work’s reach.

Have you ever read a poem refreshingly creative, flowing with fun juices that makes you see the seasons in an entirely new light? Matt Cooper’s Glasses exactly did that for us. Standing out from the crowd with it’s fun, quirky tone, this poem reimagines spring beyond its traditional blossoms and sunshine, offering a perspective that is as unexpected as it is fabulous.

What truly set it apart was its daring experimentation—every line felt like a playful leap into the unknown, guided by confidence and a unique voice. It wasn’t just an artform; it was an experience, one that made us pause, smile, and appreciate the season in a way we never did before.

For its originality, charm, and sheer creative brilliance, Matt Cooper takes his well-deserved place among our Vernalis winners!


MATT COOPER - GLASSES

Matt Cooper is a writer and teacher working based out of Wichita, Kansas. He collects wheat pennies and has eight cats. Matt is the son of an Irish-American father and a Lakota-Sioux mother.



This is not end of the road. Every ending has a new beginning – far from it. Vernalis has been a wild celebration of voices, a symphony of poets from around the globe coming together in unity, each bringing their own unique rhythm, charm, and perspective. No barriers, no boundaries – just pure passion for poetry. Perhaps the toughest challenge was choosing winners from such an extraordinary pool of talent.
Every poem was exquisite, something that made us gasp, reflect, and feel.

And at the end of the day, it wasn’t just about ranking or titles—it was about the voices that resonated the most, the ones that lingered like the scent of spring after the rain. Winning and losing? That’s just how life goes on. What truly matters is the courage to create, to share, and to leave a mark. And in that, each of you has already won. Just as spring breathes life into the world, your words breathed life into this anthology, filling our hearts with warmth, wonder, and inspiration.

To every poet who poured their hearts into this—thank you! You are the essence and soul of Vernalis.


ZOE FORBES – SPRINGING

Zoe Forbes is a 21 year-old Liberal Arts student with an IB scholarship at the American University of Paris. She majors in Creative Writing and Art; her Instagram is zsf.cw.ar .


BILL SIMMONS – GOING TO WORK

Bill Simmons lives and writes in the San Joaquin Valley in California.


ALEX ANDY PHUONG

Alex Andy Phuong earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University—Los Angeles in 2015. He was a former Statement Magazine editor who currently writes about literature, film, and culture.

He also earned an Associate of Arts in English from Pasadena City College in 2013, and tutored there. He has written hundreds of film reviews for MovieBoozer, and has contributed articles to Mindfray. His writing has appeared in The Bookends Review and The Society of Classical Poets. Emma Stone inspired Alex to submit writing actively to publications after hearing the Oscar-nominated song, “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” from the “Best Picture” nominee La Land (2016). His poetry collection is An Altruistic (Cyberwit.net, 2020).

Currently residing in Alhambra, California, he now writes with the sincerest hope to inspire readers while fully supporting the ones who dare to pursue their dreams. The link to his blog is: http://alexandyphuongengl492playlist.blogspot.com/


JOEY FOX

Joey Fox is a college student at North Dakota State University. He is attending to get a degree in journalism and a minor in creative writing minor. Upon graduation he will pursue his MFA in creative writing and a PhD in English teaching to become an English/poetry professor. Joey Has been writing poetry for the better part of a year and has two poems published online with his poem "Ruined" being posted via WILDsound Writing festival last November and his poem "I love" being posted via the same festival this January. Joey has also started a poetry club at NDSU giving students a safe space to share, improve and learn about their and other peoples poetry.