Press Release: September 15, 2000
Halifax poet wins top honour
The Arc Poetry Society’s Poem of the Year 2000 Contest has been won by Nova Scotia poet Sue MacLeod, it was announced today in Ottawa. McLeod won $1,000 for her poem, “The God of Pockets.” Sue Wheeler of Lasqueti Island, British Columbia, was awarded second prize, $750, for a poem entitled “Darkening.” Michael V. Smith of Vancouver was third ($500) for “Particulars.”
Elizabeth Philips of Saskatchewan, poet and editor of Grain, was the final judge, choosing from a shortlist obtained from close to 1,000 submitted poems. This year’s contest was the fifth annual sponsored by Arc: Canada’s National Poetry Magazine. All winning poems are published in the Winter 2000 issue which will be released in early December.
MacLeod lives in Halifax with her daughter and works part-time at the public library. This year, she also won second prize in the League of Canadian Poets’ National Poetry Contest.
Two honourable mention awards this year went to Roger Nash of Sudbury and Patricia Young of Victoria.
0 The Poem of the Year Contest is an annual event. Find out about contest guidelines and previous winners.
Arc 45, Winter 2000
