Cento is a poetic form composed entirely of lines from other poems. Cento has evolved to include a patchwork poem composed of quotes or lines from other authors.
The poet selects lines or passages from various sources and rearranges them to create a new and original work. The resulting cento poem often takes on a new meaning or conveys a different message from the sources.
This form allows poets to engage in a unique form of intertextuality, drawing on poetry's rich tradition to create something fresh and innovative.
Contest instructions:
Using your personal list of favorite poems here on PS, (the poems you have, “faved”, over the years) Construct a Cento consisting of 16 to 20 lines on any theme .
Use poetic devices, imagery, etc Think outside the box and be creative. I love a good surprise ending, or anything that moves me emotionally, or humor!
IMPORTANT!! Once you've chosen which poems you will likely take lines from, send the authors a soup mail and ask for their permission to use their writing. If you do not get permission, do not use it. The reply email is your documentation so no need to do anything further. Except in the notes section, please include the title and author of each poem you pulled from for your cento. Do not just use one poem to create your cento…let it be a combination of at least 5 poems and up to 20.
I will also include a standard request email that you are welcome to copy and paste when you send for permissions.
Example standard request form:
Dear________________,
I am entering Crystol Woods’ poetry contest, Cento Faves Poetry Contest which requires the poet to pull phrases and/or lines from other poems to form something new. I'm asking for your permission to use a line or phrase from one or more of your poems here on PS. I will attribute credit to you and other poets I might use in the notes section. Please reply as soon as possible. Thank you! Sincerely, _____________
What to Submit?
1 original, poem on the theme of .............
Any form is acceptable.
Prizes
First Prize, Glory
Second Prize, Glory
Third Prize, Glory
Twelve Honorable Mentions
Preparing Your Entry
Submit one copy of your poem online. Format your poem. Please make your entry easy to read — no illustrations or fancy fonts.
English Language
Poems should be in English. Poems translated from other languages are not eligible, unless you wrote both the original poem and the translation.
A Note to Poetry Contestants
You are welcome to enter this contest, whether or not you won a prize in one of my previous contests.