Nature Poetry Competition 2025 Winners Announced

Our January writing competition saw teens across the globe pick up their pens in honor of nature. Guest Judge Rachel Eliza Griffiths had a difficult task to choose from all the wonderful submissions, but these winners and finalists dazzled her with their capturing of the world around us – read on to discover who they are.

Please note: Winning and finalist pieces on the site are now publicly viewable.

WINNER:

‘the ocean remembers’ by a_g_ (Singapore)

The wisdom, generosity of spirit and imagination in 'the ocean remembers' have stayed in my mind for all the best reasons. Strong yet delicate, the voice of the poet here sings, challenges, grieves, confronts, and celebrates memory itself, and how it can be located in a relationship between nature and language. 

The courage and dignity of each section of the poem mirrors what memory and poetry attempt to do. The poet draws a clear bridge between human nature and the ocean in a way that is immediately original in voice and style. This poem gives the ocean human qualities so that readers can enter the world of the poem on their own terms and their own memories. The deliberate repetition of words ("I laugh/"I laugh"/"I laugh") and the lyrical line breaks achieve a complex and intuitive voice. I admire how the poem can take us on a journey from the sea to Mars and bring us back to earth to remind us of our brief human presence in a greater universe. 

Reading this poem aloud, many times, I could hear it set to music! Inside of a broad universal image of the ocean, the poet's powerful voice also establishes roots. The poet's awareness of growth, life cycles, and the dangers nature continues to suffer by human devastation are exquisite. I hear a truly beautiful song in every line and memory shared here. I feel grateful for this poem's courage.

RUNNER-UP:

‘Nightlight’ by carrotcake143 (United States)

The sensory atmosphere and lyric storytelling create a vivid world in the poem 'Nightlight', where the narrator fuses the generations of a family to the cycles of nature. The world inside of this poem feels profound and haunted, and yet there is also a feeling of hope and respect for both family and nature. The description of "the smoke-thistled sky" and "wing-lidded" twilight is unforgettable. The way that the narrator of the poem questions the rhythms of the moths and their need for light despite its consequence of death is inquisitive and wonderful. The meditations that happen in this poem, quietly and intensely, are the very kinds of profound questions and feelings that strong poems ask of us. 

BEST PEER REVIEW:

‘A Not So Innocent Mocking-bird’ reviewed by Sunggeri (China)

One of the most important aspects of peer review is to remember to respect the poet's intention for the piece rather than responding in a way that reflects the reviewer's own style and tastes. This peer review was generous, encouraging, and specific—these are all fantastic qualities to help a poet reflect and revise the next version of the poem. The review gives careful, thoughtful attention to all aspects of this poem in language that’s concise and open, not closed off. Praising the moments where the poem is successful and offering suggestions where the language or ideas may not be completely realized is very important. I appreciated and agreed with the positive perspective and tone that the reviewer kept throughout the entire review. And I immediately felt the grace and generosity offered in each word and question by a peer reviewer who cares about strong writing and how we all can work together to craft memorable poetry!

PIECE FINALISTS:

‘And God Steps Away’ by Madeline Rosales (United States)

‘First Rain’ by Sima Simpson (Israel)

‘From Chrysalis to Sky’ by Yechan (Chloe) Leo (South Korea)

‘Hail the Sun’ by mollydoodles (United States)

‘Just Close Your Eyes’ by JavaJammer (Jordan)

‘the stones cry out’ by E.V. McCall (US)

PEER REVIEW FINALIST:

‘How the Forest Speaks’ reviewed by Emmi_B (Australia)