2-Day Poem Contest

Michelle says

“ 10 words. 1 poem. 2 days of delightful pressure. The annual 2-Day Poem Contest is fun and exciting. ”

Melody says

“ Wait. I think you can do better. ”

Michelle says

“ The annual 2-Day Poem Contest is a convivial online occasion that will leave you thoroughly preoccupied. ”

Melody says

“ Did you use the thesaurus for that one? ”

Michelle says

“ The annual 2-Day Poem Contest will frustrate your skill and expand your mind to new reaches of possibility, it will twist your pen like the striped hook of a candy cane, it will have you shouting ‘Heel! Stay! Get back here you rogue flea bag!’ as your poem darts and lunges at those 10 rambunctious, mandatory words. ”

Melody says

“ Maybe we should stick with ‘fun and exciting’. ”

Register now for the 2-Day Poem Contest 2012. This contest challenges you to write an original poem in 48 hours — with only one catch. The final poem must include ten words that we provide. These words are released at midnight, April 14th, leaving you 48 hours to use each of them at least once in an original poetry composition. Prizes include cash, publication, and a copy of the issue containing the winners, not to mention a whole weekend of wordy entertainment.

It’s easy to enter. The registration and payment buttons below will take you through the process. Be sure to provide your permanent, active email address in order to receive the 10 words without a hitch when the contest opens.

By registering, you have the opportunity to take advantage of our Play & Read discount, which includes a 1-year subscription to CV2 magazine for only $10. This 60% discount is only available to contest entrants, and can be used to start a new subscription or renew your existing subscription. Play & Read! A whole year of CV2’s exceptional poetry, feature interviews, and critical writing.

Step 1 › REGISTER

Registration form

Step 2 › PAY

After submitting your registration form, you will reach the payment screen. Select the Play & Read discount for $26 (includes 1-yr subscription), or registration only for $16.

(If you’ve already registered and only need to pay, click here.)

Step 3 › PLAY

Prior to the contest, we’ll send you full contest details and confirm the accessibility of your email address. At midnight on April 14th (when Friday becomes Saturday) we’ll send you the list of 10 words. You will have 2 days to compose your poem, submitting it by email by 11:59 pm Sunday.

Contest fees

"Play & Read" discount - $26. Includes registration plus a 1-year subscription (or extension) to CV2 magazine. You save over 60% off our standard subscription price.

Registration only - $16.

Contest prizes

1st place: $500
2nd place: $300
3rd place: $150

All three winners and three honourable mentions receive paid publication in the print journal, a 1-year subscription, and publication on our website.

Everyone who registers for the contest gets a copy of the issue featuring the winners.

Contest rules

At 12:00am CST on April 14 (when Friday becomes Saturday) CV2 sends a list of 10 words to registered participants by email. Participants then have 2 days (48 hours) to write their best poem using each word at least once. The final poem may not exceed 48 lines. Poem entries must be submitted to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it prior to the deadline with the author’s name in the subject line. Winners will be notified by June 1, 2012 and their names posted on the website. This year’s judge is Paris Elizabeth Sea.

Not sold yet?

Read the winning poems from last year's contest.