Winners of The Hemlock Journal Poetry Contest Announced

The Hemlock Journal proudly announces the winners of its latest Poetry Writing Contest, celebrating powerful poetic voices from around the world.

First of all, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed judges, Asha Ponnachan and Suchismita Ghoshal, for their thoughtful reading, deep insight, and generous engagement with the entries.

Pragya Gogoi wins 1st Prize for “Shiuli, Shondesh, and You“

Suchismita Ghoshal wrote about the poem: “A lush, lyrical masterpiece soaked in Bengal’s soul, this piece reads like a memory dipped in nostalgia, love, and the scent of shiuli flowers—tender, intimate, and timeless.”

Nicole Yurcaba wins 2nd Prize for ‘Valentine’s Day“

Asha Ponnachan wrote about the poem: “It’s a brilliant piece that takes the reader through time-travelling literary genius and makes the reader feel the pain of the gashes and push pin… love it.”

Jonathan Chibuike Ukah is awarded 3rd Prize for “Love in Times of Hunger“

Asha Ponnachan wrote: “Powerful imagery, brilliant use of similes, comparisons drawn between nature, natural disasters, manmade dangers, the plight of children… very evocative and well-structured.”

Selected Poets and Poems will be featured in this Special Issue, including the following ones.

4th Position: “We Are” by Nala Washington

5th Position: “Plum Cake in My Chest” by Aditi Dasgupta

6th Position: “Love you. Would like to wash your face with love” by Prashant Pundir

7th Position: “Child” by Evita Arakelian

‘Ode to Maternity‘ by Spencer Keene; ‘How Could Anyone Else Understand‘ by Luanne Castle; ‘For a Son as He Moves On Into This World‘ by Bruce Gunther; ‘The Cursed Moonbroch‘ by Atharwa Rewarkar; ‘Nameless‘ by Ananda Klopstra; ‘Concealed‘ by Vinita Agrawal; ‘Love Song for My Mother‘ by Melanie Hess;  ‘Venus not Retrograde‘ by Ifigeneia Melissinou;  ‘Triforce of Sisterhood‘ by Juan Amador; ‘Longing in the Grocery Store‘ by Aastha Dixit; ‘A Risen Demon‘ by Sathvika R; ‘Healing Love‘ by Priyanka Raja Siddharthan; ‘The Unseen Symphony of Eternity‘ by Sahil Pathan; ‘What Does It Mean to Love?‘ by Prashanti Chunduri; ‘First, Love the Earth‘ by Ajeeti S;  ‘Wince‘ by Ujjawalla Bhandari; ‘The Liturgies of Crimson‘ by Rudransh Kantharia;  ‘A Daughter’s Elegy‘ by Neeta Mohla

Congratulations to all the winners, and sincere thanks to everyone who submitted their work. The Hemlock Journal remains committed to uplifting diverse literary voices—stay tuned for future contests and upcoming issues.

We are open for Annual Anthology Submissions.