Monthly Themed Poetry Contest
At the beginning of each month, the Berlin Poetry Society invites community members to propose themes for the upcoming poetry contest via Instagram.
Submitted themes will be shared publicly, and the theme receiving the greatest community engagement will be selected and announced.
Once the theme is announced, poets are invited to submit original work for that month’s contest. Entries may be submitted through the designated submission form or via private message on the Society’s social media platforms.
All submissions will be reviewed by the Berlin Poetry Society’s Advisory/Editorial Committee, which will select the monthly featured poet.
Submissions must be received no later than the final day of each month.
Selected poets will receive recognition that may include Berlin Poetry Society merchandise, featured placement on the Society’s website and social platforms, and/or a complimentary Berlin Poetry Society membership.
Theme for February 2026: Resistance in Art
Poet: Linda Lee Adams
Thundersnow
After the clearing of a hazy clementine sunset,
a cascade of snowflakes surprised a frozen early morning.
Layering a white afghan over the barren earth,
the snowfall reminded me of my mother’s plum cake,
when she sprinkled vanilla ice sugar.
I listened …
the whispers of snow were hushes playing a soft melody of kind disciples;
each one unique, each one gifted.
As the snow danced and dangled
above the eaves of a slanted roof,
its pure glaze shimmered
beneath the street lamp.
A miracle began with a brave ascension,
like a shining Orion in the sky.
Nothing was broken or hurting or needed mending.
My body felt the beauty of peace,
while the world was spinning.
Then a cacophony of rumbling
thunder boomed three times.
I thought machines were plowing,
but life remained innocent.
A concurrent color of neon blue light
beamed through a corridor of space.
I believed I was dreaming.
I witnessed a natural phenomenon;
electrically charged ice crystals escaping from cloud lightning.
During this transcendence,
I also experienced my own
fluorescent constellation of freedom.
Freedom to welcome my divergent mind with all the luminous colors, the shyness and sensitivities,
electrical impulses of music;
and the blooming of a million thundersnow moments.
Poet: C. S.
Weather, I stay inside now
My friends, they all ask me how?
I try to make them see
That the weather, it scares me
Rain, it’s in my eyes
And for some reason
It makes me want to cry
But instead I just ask why?
I’m screaming at nothing but the sky
And I think it’s time I go back inside
But deep down I know, I cannot hide
Cold, they said I would be fine!
That is what I was told
But I just feel cold
I just wanted to stay warm
But I think I'm learning
That I cannot control the storm
Wind, it's making me stumble off my
path.
The wind pushes me back, and I think of the aftermath
Strenuous steps make me ponder the fall.
That is why, I don't go outside at all
For don't think I can take another fall
Maybe, I'll find my way to the sun
Maybe, I'll try to run
Maybe, I wouldn't be here if I didn't fall
Or maybe, this is the weather inside us all.
January 2026 Poetry Contest Winners
Catherine Schwind & Linda Lee Adams
