Comment by the Judge: Danielle Verwers opened her submission with three short poems that are marvelous. “Unmothered,” “Tropical Fish in a Single-Wide,” and “Biochemistry.” The tone is perfect, the stories are intriguing, but what stands out for me is her sophisticated use of sound in the vowels to build tension in each poem’s lines. The fourth poem “Between Two Poles” continues that sonic effort. The final poem “What I Know of Glass” is quite interesting, and a very good draft that’s well worth a revision. Overall, her poems show that the poet is very good and deserves the Susan Laughter Meyers Summer Scholarship.

 

Honorable Mention: Frances Pearce