2026 News

[Angeline]

Hello poets! Here it is almost Thanksgiving In America, with the December holidays and the end of 2025 fast approaching. That means it's time to firm up plans for 2026.

First off though thank you all for your contributions to the forum over 2025. The Poem-a-Week thread is thriving, Smiling_Lez has given us great Halloween and Thanksgiving challenges as well as her Choka thread. Jocelyn gave us her successful Tanka thread (with help from Alina and many others), and Red Lantern the Sijo thread which I've so enjoyed, Niv Kay has explored non-erotic poetry. All these are drawing more folks to the forum and that's the best thing that can happen imho because we learn from and support each other. I am grateful for each and every one of you, the new folks and the ones who stick around or show up periodically. It really is a privilege for me to write with all of you.

Yeah I know. I'm cheesy but also sincere.

So in 2026 we will have a Poem-a-Week challenge. It'll begin on 1/1/26 (or sooner if I can manage to post the thread before then: I know some of you like an early start) and follow the same rules like poems only (I'll amend the 2025 Poem-a-Week Discussion thread title to include 2026 so we can just continue posting challenge adjacent material there), and write what you like as often as you like or can. It's all good!

There will also be a 2026 Revision-A-Week challenge where you can take an old poem of yours and rewrite it. I think this thread should allow comments and feedback because they're an important part of revision. And this thread too will encourage weekly entries, but more or less frequent submissions are fine too. Whatever works for you. I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions about this thread.

Of course everyone is welcome to post in those challenges, any of our other ongoing ones, or start new ones. My only advice would be to check the threads to make sure you're not duplicating a prompt that's already in place (like Everyday Erotica or The Five Senses Challenge, for example).

Please feel free to share your ideas and recommendations for 2026 here. All comments are welcome. This place succeeds because all of you are here.

 

[SmilingLez]

Hello poets! Here it is almost Thanksgiving In America, with the December holidays and the end of 2025 fast approaching. That means it's time to firm up plans for 2026.

First off though thank you all for your contributions to the forum over 2025. The Poem-a-Week thread is thriving, Smiling_Lez has given us great Halloween and Thanksgiving challenges as well as her Choka thread. Jocelyn gave us her successful Tanka thread (with help from Alina and many others), and Red Lantern the Sijo thread which I've so enjoyed, Niv Kay has explored non-erotic poetry. All these are drawing more folks to the forum and that's the best thing that can happen imho because we learn from and support each other. I am grateful for each and every one of you, the new folks and the ones who stick around or show up periodically. It really is a privilege for me to write with all of you.

Yeah I know. I'm cheesy but also sincere.

So in 2026 we will have a Poem-a-Week challenge. It'll begin on 1/1/26 (or sooner if I can manage to post the thread before then: I know some of you like an early start) and follow the same rules like poems only (I'll amend the 2025 Poem-a-Week Discussion thread title to include 2026 so we can just continue posting challenge adjacent material there), and write what you like as often as you like or can. It's all good!

There will also be a 2026 Revision-A-Week challenge where you can take an old poem of yours and rewrite it. I think this thread should allow comments and feedback because they're an important part of revision. And this thread too will encourage weekly entries, but more or less frequent submissions are fine too. Whatever works for you. I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions about this thread.

Of course everyone is welcome to post in those challenges, any of our other ongoing ones, or start new ones. My only advice would be to check the threads to make sure you're not duplicating a prompt that's already in place (like Everyday Erotica or The Five Senses Challenge, for example).

Please feel free to share your ideas and recommendations for 2026 here. All comments are welcome. This place succeeds because all of you are here.

The revision thread is a great idea. Perhaps including the original poem/prose with the revised version will give us readers insight into the poet's creative process.

Revision thread shines,
Original meets the new,
Creative paths shared.

 

[Angeline]

The revision thread is a great idea. Perhaps including the original poem/prose with the revised version will give us readers insight into the poet's creative process.

Revision thread shines,
Original meets the new,
Creative paths shared.

Yes, I was thinking that too. It'll help to see what changes people are making.

 

[Tzara]

There will also be a 2026 Revision-A-Week challenge where you can take an old poem of yours and rewrite it. I think this thread should allow comments and feedback because they're an important part of revision. And this thread too will encourage weekly entries, but more or less frequent submissions are fine too. Whatever works for you. I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions about this thread.

I like the idea of a revision thread, though I doubt I'd want to try to add to it every week. But, as you say, that isn't a requirement. I especially like the idea of the poems, comments, and feedback being embedded in the same thread, as I find switching back and forth between poem threads and comment threads distracting, though I understand the reasoning behind it.

Anyway, I'm just trying to make it to the end of the year for the 2025 poem a week. Keeps me writing, though.

 

[42BelowsBack]

Hello poets! Here it is almost Thanksgiving In America, with the December holidays and the end of 2025 fast approaching. That means it's time to firm up plans for 2026.

First off though thank you all for your contributions to the forum over 2025. The Poem-a-Week thread is thriving, Smiling_Lez has given us great Halloween and Thanksgiving challenges as well as her Choka thread. Jocelyn gave us her successful Tanka thread (with help from Alina and many others), and Red Lantern the Sijo thread which I've so enjoyed, Niv Kay has explored non-erotic poetry. All these are drawing more folks to the forum and that's the best thing that can happen imho because we learn from and support each other. I am grateful for each and every one of you, the new folks and the ones who stick around or show up periodically. It really is a privilege for me to write with all of you.

Yeah I know. I'm cheesy but also sincere.

So in 2026 we will have a Poem-a-Week challenge. It'll begin on 1/1/26 (or sooner if I can manage to post the thread before then: I know some of you like an early start) and follow the same rules like poems only (I'll amend the 2025 Poem-a-Week Discussion thread title to include 2026 so we can just continue posting challenge adjacent material there), and write what you like as often as you like or can. It's all good!

There will also be a 2026 Revision-A-Week challenge where you can take an old poem of yours and rewrite it. I think this thread should allow comments and feedback because they're an important part of revision. And this thread too will encourage weekly entries, but more or less frequent submissions are fine too. Whatever works for you. I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions about this thread.

Of course everyone is welcome to post in those challenges, any of our other ongoing ones, or start new ones. My only advice would be to check the threads to make sure you're not duplicating a prompt that's already in place (like Everyday Erotica or The Five Senses Challenge, for example).

Please feel free to share your ideas and recommendations for 2026 here. All comments are welcome. This place succeeds because all of you are here.

That nailed it. The revision thread and set up are a fabulous idea.

 

[Angeline]

I've been thinking it might make sense to make the two challenges, Poem-a-Week and Revise a Poem, either/or. So that means you'd only write one poem per week in either of those two threads. Of course you could write more or, if your muse needs a break, less.

What do you think?

 

[42BelowsBack]

On the poem a week. Keep the target as 52 poems: The goal being to consistently write with regularity i.e. habit forming. A solid writing habit is key to developing as a poet and a writer. Best of all it doesn’t matter if we reach 52 poems or not. The pressure and freedom to do so or not is perfect.

Therefore, I think, count wise, keeping both separated works also.

You know better than I there is always a crop of new emerging talent on Lit. Which is always exciting. I see the poem self review serving the purposes of fostering personal growth. We can indicate if we want genuine feedback i.e. no requests for ass licking my poems please

Just my genuine opinion

 

[Angeline]

On the poem a week. Keep the target as 52 poems: The goal being to consistently write with regularity i.e. habit forming. A solid writing habit is key to developing as a poet and a writer. Best of all it doesn’t matter if we reach 52 poems or not. The pressure and freedom to do so or not is perfect.

Therefore, I think, count wise, keeping both separated works also.

You know better than I there is always a crop of new emerging talent on Lit. Which is always exciting. I see the poem self review serving the purposes of fostering personal growth. We can indicate if we want genuine feedback i.e. no requests for ass licking my poems please

Just my genuine opinion

It's a good opinion. I think we've all experienced personal growth as poets over the past year. I see it in others more than myself lol but that's normal for me. And it's true we don't have to either write or revise a poem every week. The 52 thing is just a suggestion, encouragement. I'm personally more interested in revising right now so maybe I'll be more focused on that than producing new stuff.

As for the quality of feedback, well that has been an issue since I first joined the forum in the paleolithic period. I doubt people who just want praise will invest much in revisions but we shall see.

 

[SapioSexual9]

 

[Angeline]

Welcome back

 

[_Land]

If we were to actually get back to realistic feedback and critique I would invest time in revisions... I just don't know that anybody's going to invest that time in actually making a critique

 

[Angeline]

If we were to actually get back to realistic feedback and critique I would invest time in revisions... I just don't know that anybody's going to invest that time in actually making a critique

I'll be revising for myself because I feel I can improve something I've already written. If someone wants to comment great and if not it's fine. I may or may not want to comment on other's poems. No requirements. If critique happens it'll be organic.

 

[42BelowsBack]

I am human. Sometimes I have bad moments. And I write thoughtless poems. Or comments. Self reviewing and giving others deft feedback is a skill I don’t really have. To grow as a poet I need to develop my feedback skills. And personal review ability.

Apologies to all I ever have and will offend. Because baby I’m really looking forwards to the 26 self-review thread.

 

[calmlikeabomb]

On the poem a week. Keep the target as 52 poems: The goal being to consistently write with regularity i.e. habit forming. A solid writing habit is key to developing as a poet and a writer. Best of all it doesn’t matter if we reach 52 poems or not. The pressure and freedom to do so or not is perfect.

Therefore, I think, count wise, keeping both separated works also.

You know better than I there is always a crop of new emerging talent on Lit. Which is always exciting. I see the poem self review serving the purposes of fostering personal growth. We can indicate if we want genuine feedback i.e. no requests for ass licking my poems please

Just my genuine opinion

I really like the idea. I don't do well with discipline (unless I'm the one administering it hur hur), and there are weeks when I can churn out five or six, and there are weeks when I just have too much on my plate. Were I a younger man, I might have managed it, but these days free time is a luxury I have to be very careful with.

 

[42BelowsBack]

I really like the idea. I don't do well with discipline (unless I'm the one administering it hur hur),

Brilliant ️️️️️ Lit is a fun space to write poetry.

 

[calmlikeabomb]

Actually, writing poetry on Lit is what got be back into writing properly. It was almost a year ago when I came back, and on a whim, I wrote something (Xmas or passion, one of those threads), and suddenly, I was hooked to writing again.

And I love the poetry threads, even though I'm usually a lurker. For one, it's much more positive here (unlike AH), and every once in a while, I actually learn something new that fires my imagination (like the Siju thread by @TheRedLantern ).

I don't do commitments well (unless it's about my large penis hur hur), but I'm really excited about writing and reading more poetry here.

 

[calmlikeabomb]

Love the name, calmlikeabomb kaboom. Large penis hur hur Welcome. We poets love you already.

Thank you. It's a reference to a Rage Against the Machine song.

I am similar. I love the freedom @Angeline carefully curates for us to write what, when, if, we can. And the gentle pressure Angeline exerts on my penis to squirt out a poem, hur hur

I know what you mean. It's like a cozy little cottage in here, no pressure to show up every day, and exciting new things to learn.

 

[SapioSexual9]

There & Back Again

Cuck Queenss & Dildoss & bellended Bagginsess come eat me my precious. You are excited about I Galadriel re revisiting some, all, of my fuck(en) poems! -The twin towers, -The Lord of my rings, the anal annals, An unusual Journey, -The Battle of Two Salamies the list goes on & on -Frodo & Sam get it on

2026 Get Ready To Sapio Rumble I pinch & a punch you in your man tits.

 

[42BelowsBack]

Regarding feedback & rejection.

I know there is a difference between poems written for magazines and poems written for publication in a personal collection. Recently I submitted a poem to a prestigious publication. I was confident of the poem’s craft. After the usual delay I received a reply to the effect,

“…your poem was compelling…we received a record number of submissions… your poem made the shortlist…unique… we couldn’t make it sit within the other short listed poems…”

They then included a brief actual piece of feedback. Which is very unusual for many publications including theirs.

One thing I have learnt, writers improve through rejection. And, wise writers carefully consider the feedback. Of course we don’t have to agree with it. Initially I printed and rejected the feedback ZapzAP!

But in the post ride unwind I saw three things: Printing off the rejection email then burning it under my bikes back wheel, with loss of traction, burning rubber was awesome!

The poet who shared their personal thoughts on my poem are world appreciated. There was no requirement for them to share their personal experience as a gift. I fully see now, themed magazines and seasonal collections are where the poetry community plays together. Don’t turn up as the best CONAN HULK ever when the theme is Barbie does Dallas.

You see, of all the things to fuck up it was my title! I share this because, wise writers write with rejection. Not to ignore it.

Lit is where I experiment. Unintentionally often puke out poems. I am grateful to you all for supporting experimentation and growth. And for sharing your individual poetic explorations.

Steel sharpens steel.

beware owner shoots ans rides a motorcycle.

 

[Angeline]

Regarding feedback & rejection.

I know there is a difference between poems written for magazines and poems written for publication in a personal collection. Recently I submitted a poem to a prestigious publication. I was confident of the poem’s craft. After the usual delay I received a reply to the effect,

“…your poem was compelling…we received a record number of submissions… your poem made the shortlist…unique… we couldn’t make it sit within the other short listed poems…”

They then included a brief actual piece of feedback. Which is very unusual for many publications including theirs.

One thing I have learnt, writers improve through rejection. And, wise writers carefully consider the feedback. Of course we don’t have to agree with it. Initially I printed and rejected the feedback ZapzAP!

But in the post ride unwind I saw three things: Printing off the rejection email then burning it under my bikes back wheel with loss of traction rubber was awesome!

The poet who shared their personal thoughts on my poem are world appreciated. There was no requirement for them to share their personal experience as a gift. I fully see now, themed magazines and seasonal collections are where the poetry community plays together. Don’t turn up as the best CONAN HULK ever when the theme is Barbie does Dallas.

You see, of all the things to fuck up it was my title! I share this because, wise writers write with rejection. Not to ignore it.

Lit is where I experiment. Unintentionally often barf. I am grateful to you all for supporting experimentation and growth. And for sharing your individual poetic explorations.

Steel sharpens steel.

beware owner shoots.

A. Congratulations (if this is the publication I think you're talking about then add these: )

B. I am not surprised!

 

[Obeylily]

I want for nothing but peace alighnment for all Top countries so as a military woman i can have all the time in my hand to have a sub have my bidding all year 2026

 

[Angeline]

Hiya poets. As you see I've posted the 2026 Poem-a-Week thread. It's not active yet because I have a few more edits to tighten it up. I know some folks could probably start posting in it now but I'll wait till closer to the 31st to unlock it. Also there's a week left (till the 28th) for the current challenge. And there's still surprises there. Will I reach 70 poems? Will Tzara hit 100? _Land a gazillion?

Seriously you all rock. This has been a great year, spammers notwithstanding. I love you all! SpermFactory, consider that gentle pressure on your ahem nethers.

Have I forgotten anything for the 2026 challenge? I think we can just keep the current discussion thread going. I'll just fix the title. If I need to add or fix anything else let me know.

I'll work on the Revise-a-Poem challenge soon. I appreciate all your thoughts and suggestions on that. If you've more let me know.

Again thank you all for being here and happy, merry everything. Oh look: it's mistletoe!

 

[42BelowsBack]

Most excellent.

 

[Angeline]

Happy Sunday Poets! How are y'all doing? Are you sick of being festive yet? Has the combination of rich food, trying to find a parking place in a crowded shopping center, and listening to All I Want for Christmas is Youuuu or some relative cornering you at the ugly sweater party making you bilious? I understand. The crescendo of good cheer reaches its tipping point for me about now.

As you see I've drafted the Revise-a-Poem challenge. It's mostly finished: I just need to add some links and maybe a very brief summary. How does it look to you? Is there anything I need to fix, anything to change or add? I don't want to go overboard with blah blah about giving feedback but it's (imho) so important. Some people don't have a lot of experience with it or don't feel they know how to give (or receive) it. I was thinking of adding a few links: there are some articles online that share advice on the subject. Would that be helpful? Would it be better to have a separate (maybe sticky) thread about feedback? If you have thoughts to share please let me know! Meanwhile I'll be overdosing on peppermint and snickerdoodles here in Jersey.




ETA: I'm planning on unlocking both challenge threads on the 29th which will give early starters a few days to post before the new year commences.

 

[SmilingLez]

Should we go ahead and use only one post in the revision thread?. By that I mean post the original poem and then all the other edits (in that same post) until it is the chef's kiss? This way the work will be in one place instead of scattered in the thread