2023 Poetry Competition

Posted on: May 13, 2022January 29, 2023

[Photo Caption: Reports show that 3,488 Falun Gong practitioners were arrested, 3,843 were harassed by Chinese police and 610 office agents, 633 were sentenced, and 172 died from persecution in 2022. (Courtesy of Falun Dafa Information Center)]

The Contest — Write & Win

Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
— Percy Bysshe Shelley, romantic poet

A poet’s work is to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world, and stop it going to sleep.
— Salman Rushdie, award-winning writer

In the name of poetry, we implore you…

Introduction

Today, the communist government of China, the world’s largest nation, is attacking the basic freedom of thought and belief that have been a cornerstone of human civilization throughout history. As China’s influence continues to expand to everywhere from the NBA to organ transplantations to hi-tech products in our homes and hands, we must confront the inconvenient reality of a genocidal regime that is right now forcing its evil agenda on the world. We call on you—poets, writers, fellow human beings—help us expose the especially heinous crimes committed against a peaceful and law-abiding group of Chinese citizens: Falun Gong practitioners.

Read real accounts of persecution and speak out, using the powerful voice of poetry, for those who urgently need their voices to be heard.

This contest is an excellent opportunity for those who have never encountered Falun Gong before to read a bit and learn about it, and through yours words, raise awareness among others.

Submissions & Guidelines

Submit one or two poems of no more than 50 lines each. Poems must encompass at least one of the following themes:

Advocate for Falun Gong practitioners’ fundamental human rights.
Expose the crimes against Falun Gong perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party.
Express why citizens of the free world should support Falun Gong’s rights

Traditional poetry with rhyme and meter is recommended but all styles and forms are welcomed. No profanity please. Poems should be submitted as a Word file or in the body of the email to fofgcompetitions@gmail.com by April 30, 2023, midnight EDT.

Winners will be announced on May 13, 2023, in honor of World Falun Dafa Day. Poems will be judged by a panel chosen by FoFG, which will include Evan Mantyk, President of The Society of Classical Poets.