Sherry Chandler » Kudzu Poetry Prize
Kudzu Poetry Prize
I am very proud to announce that my poem “Manifesto, Age 59″ has won the 2006 Kudzu poetry prize. Frank X. Walker was the judge.
I didn’t mention it before because they wanted to make their announcements at the Evening with Poets. Unfortunately I got myself double-booked and didn’t make that event but as soon as I find out the complete winner list, I’ll post it here.
I have very special associations with this poem. For many years, the Green River Writers had their retreats at the Shelby Campus of the University of Louisville but a couple of years ago we got kicked out of that home. I wrote that poem at one of our very last retreats in Dorm C, read it the first time at Carmichael’s books on Frankfort Avenue. The poem always reminds me a bit of the spirit of that place and old times, good times.
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9 Comments
1. Terry replies at 23rd April 2006, 6:43 pm :
Woo-hoo Sherry! Huge congratulations! And what a great dedication, too. I miss the Old Shelby campus and the wonderful gatherings we had there. One of those evening sharing circles was the first time I ever read a poem of my own out loud. I never thought of myself as a poet until you told me that night that I was, and could be.
2. Gin replies at 23rd April 2006, 9:01 pm :
(And to think, I knew her way back when.) Congratulations, gal, but I’m not surprised. It’s a well deserved honor.
3. Charlie replies at 24th April 2006, 8:15 am :
You might have to get a bigger mantel. Well done. –charlie
4. JimT replies at 24th April 2006, 8:50 am :
Wonderful news, Sherry! A well-deserved award, I’m sure. (Be warned though. This particular award can be invasive, unlike the more socially amenable Joy Bale Boone.)
5. sherry replies at 24th April 2006, 9:26 am :
Thanks to all of you. I am thrilled. I’ve worked hard and I have great support from my writing groups. I’m grateful to all of you.
6. sherry replies at 24th April 2006, 9:27 am :
Jim T — I’ve seen that Kudzu down there south of Hazard. It is strangely beautiful and really scarey stuff! As for Kudzu the magazine, I hope it does grow and spread! More power to it. I really think the folks at HCTC are doing great things for literature in their part of the world.
7. sherry replies at 24th April 2006, 9:32 am :
Blow winds, and crack your cheeks! Terry, we rocked!
I remember with great pleasure many things about that retreat week when we met. One of my favorites is the choral reading we did of that passage from Lear. It was you and me and Ernie O’Dell and I can’t remember who else? Georgia Wallace? Jean Tucker?
Anyway, I laughed out loud when I opened my copy of Lear to that particular speech. Mad as Lear was, I’ll always smile to hear those words.
8. Melinda (Sour Duck) replies at 25th April 2006, 5:29 pm :
Congratulations on winning the Kudzu poetry prize, Sherry!
Best,
Melinda
9. sherry replies at 26th April 2006, 9:38 am :
Thanks, Melinda. I feel greatly honored to have been awarded this one. Those folk down at Hazard are really remarkable.
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