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Whispers Between The Lines Poetry Contest
Reading through the submissions for Whispers Between the Lines was a journey—quiet at times, piercing at others, but always deeply human. What stood out most was the way each writer embraced subtlety, emotion, and nuance, weaving meaning into silence just as much as into sound. This anthology reflects the diverse voices that answered the call to share something honest and unguarded.
To everyone who contributed: thank you for your bravery, your craft, and your whispers. Together, you’ve created something that lingers well beyond the page. It carries more than just words — it carries memories, feelings, and fragments of truth. I was moved, surprised, and often left in awe.
Let this collection be a reminder that even the quietest voices deserve to be heard.
Warm regards,
Pooja Vishwanathan
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Whispers Between The Lines – Winners Unveiled!
Without any further ado, let’s check out the winners. Beat the drums!
The Grand Winner – Tiffany Hinson - Powered
Tiffany Hinson, known by her poetic name Ahnama, finds power in the raw and resonant flow of poetry. She uses her voice to uplift and inspire, taking readers on a transformative journey from pain to evolution. Her winning poem, Powered, is a fierce and electrifying testament to resilience, healing, and rediscovery.
1st Runner-Up – Richard Eric Johnson - Out of Time’s Tunnel
Based in Arlington, Virginia, Richard Eric Johnson is a Pushcart nominee with five published poetry collections. His reflective and gracefully composed poem invites readers to traverse the passage of time, blending the everyday with the extraordinary.
2nd Runner-Up – Lily Anderson - The First Hints of Summer
Lily Anderson is a young, emerging author and architecture student at the University of Melbourne. Her poem is a delicate and nostalgic ode to the seasons, memory, and the quiet joys of childhood. Lily’s storytelling is steeped in wonder and wistful beauty.
Finalists:
Michelle Halsey - Orange Flame Azaleas on the Blue Ridge Parkway & March Birthday Twins: Dad and
Leighton
An English teacher and East Coast native living in California, Michelle’s dual entries offer a celebration of nature, family, and tender remembrance, rendered with vivid imagery and emotional depth.
Alan Keith - Party Like a Local
Alan is a Toronto-based poet and teacher whose sharp, observational poem critiques the global myth of ‘local’ authenticity, inviting reflection on travel, disillusionment, and cultural perception.
Junya Qian - Mother, Spoon
A Shanghai-based bilingual writer and former journalist, Junya’s deeply personal piece explores the tender, cyclical bond between mother and child, with masterful metaphor and emotional nuance.
Tierney Chapman - Pink Swans
An Appalachian poet and winner of the 2024 West Virginia Writers Competition, Tierney's evocative poem captures the bittersweet transformation from youthful dreams to adulthood, all under the quiet glow of poetic nostalgia.
Lina Buividavičiūtė - Legacy & Fig Seed
A Lithuanian poet and literary critic with an extensive international publishing record, Lina's two poems delve into generational trauma, personal freedom, and cultural inheritance with raw, courageous honesty.
Joshua Lindenbaum - Empty Calories
A poet and educator at George Mason University Korea, Joshua’s satirical and vivid piece captures our modern addiction to digital consumption, with biting wit and rhythmic brilliance.
Congratulations to all our winners and finalists!
Your work has added beautiful and meaningful threads to the tapestry of this anthology. Stay tuned for the release of the Amazon link, and don’t forget to check out the HeyZine Flipbook to read their full pieces.
Let the whispers between the lines continue to inspire...
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