ELIZABETHTOWN — Three poets battled it out Tuesday evening at the Bladen County Public Library in Elizabethtown in the first of what may become a regular poetry contest.
Donnie McAllister of Kelly, Juana Moore of Clarkton and Joyce Britt of Dublin brought their best prose to the competition, presenting them to a panel of judges who listened intently and then scored each entry.
McAllister was the lone competitor to present two poems, as the judges allowed — his main poem was titled “Everybody is Somebody.”
Moore read an energetic and uplifting poem titled “Wake Up My Sista.”
Britt presented a heartfelt poem about her grandfather, Levy Pait, titled Tribute to My Grandpa.”
After careful deliberation, the panel of judges — which consisted of Library Director Kelsey Edwards, Shannon McDonald and Daphne Fletcher — announced the the 1-2-3 finish.
Moore was awarded first place and was presented with a $50 gift certificate from Magnolia & Vine.
Britt took second place and was awarded a $50 gift certificate from “31.”
Both gift certificates were donated by Tammy Sue McGee.
McAllister was the third-place winner and was presented with an autographed copy of the children’s book “The Luckiest Leaf,” written by Bladen Journal Editor W. Curt Vincent.
“We hope we can do this again sometime,” Edwards said. “It would be really nice if we can get some children involved.”
Anyone interested in participating in another poetry contest, or providing prizes, can call Edwards at 910-862-6994.
