The Frost Farm Prize for Metrical Poetry stands as one of the most significant recognitions for contemporary poets working within the tradition of formal verse. Named in honor of the poet Robert Frost and hosted at the historic Frost Farm in Derry, New Hampshire, this annual competition celebrates the enduring art of metrical poetry. Unlike free verse, which dominates much of modern poetic expression, metrical poetry follows structured rhythmic patterns, bringing a distinctive musicality and discipline to the written word. The prize is more than just a competition it is a beacon for those who cherish the classical craft and wish to see it thrive in the twenty-first century.
Origin and Mission of the Frost Farm Prize
A tribute to Robert Frost’s poetic legacy
Robert Frost is often remembered for his vivid depictions of New England life and his mastery of metrical form. The Frost Farm, once his home, now serves as a cultural landmark and the setting for a yearly poetry conference that includes the Frost Farm Prize. Established by the trustees of the Hyla Brook Poets and Friends of the Frost Farm, the prize seeks to continue Frost’s commitment to accessible, yet formally sophisticated poetry.
The value of metrical poetry in modern literature
In an age where poetic trends often lean toward free-form expression, the Frost Farm Prize reinforces the importance of structure, rhythm, and the musical quality that meter provides. By rewarding poets who work within traditional or innovative metrical forms, the prize affirms the continued relevance of formal technique in capturing the complexities of human thought and emotion.
Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Who can submit?
The Frost Farm Prize is open to poets from around the world. There is no requirement for previous publication, making the prize accessible to both emerging voices and established writers. The competition welcomes poets writing in English and encourages diversity of style and theme, provided the submission adheres to metrical form.
Submission requirements
- Each entry must be a single poem written in metrical verse. Poems that do not follow a discernible meter are disqualified.
- There is typically a maximum line limit (often around 50 lines), though this may vary from year to year.
- Submissions must be previously unpublished and submitted anonymously to ensure impartial judging.
- A small entry fee is required to support the administrative costs and prize fund.
The Role of Meter in the Prize Criteria
What defines metrical poetry” for the Frost Farm Prize?
Metrical poetry relies on rhythmic patterns based on syllabic counts or stress patterns. Traditional meters such as iambic pentameter, trochaic tetrameter, or anapestic trimeter are all acceptable. However, innovation within meter is also appreciated. Judges look for poems where form supports and enhances the content, not where meter is used for its own sake.
Quality over strictness
While adherence to meter is essential, the Frost Farm Prize does not seek rigid formulaic execution. Instead, it values creative interplay between content and structure. A winning poem will use meter to amplify meaning, evoke emotion, and add musicality without feeling mechanical or overly constrained.
The Judging Process
Anonymous evaluation
All poems are reviewed anonymously to maintain fairness. The judging panel typically includes experienced poets, educators, and editors who specialize in formal verse. These judges are chosen for their deep understanding of metrical poetry and their ability to discern both technical proficiency and artistic voice.
What judges look for
- Strong use of meter that supports the poem’s emotional or intellectual content.
- Originality and freshness in imagery, theme, or voice.
- Effective use of poetic devices such as rhyme, alliteration, and enjambment.
- Coherence between form and message, ensuring the poem is more than just an exercise in structure.
Prizes and Recognition
Award details
The winner of the Frost Farm Prize receives a monetary award and an invitation to read their poem at the Frost Farm Poetry Conference. In addition, the winning poem is often published in a respected literary journal or the conference’s program, gaining broader exposure in the poetry community.
Long-term benefits
For many poets, winning the Frost Farm Prize serves as a significant milestone in their literary journey. It can open doors to further publication, fellowships, and teaching opportunities. More importantly, it affirms a poet’s commitment to the demanding yet rewarding path of metrical writing.
The Frost Farm Poetry Conference
Celebrating craft and community
Each summer, the Frost Farm Poetry Conference gathers poets, scholars, and enthusiasts for several days of workshops, readings, and lectures focused on metrical verse. The conference fosters a tight-knit community of writers who share a deep respect for formalism. Workshops are led by distinguished faculty, and attendees have the chance to refine their skills and receive constructive feedback.
Honoring the winner
During the conference, the winner of the Frost Farm Prize gives a public reading of their poem. This event is often one of the highlights of the gathering, showcasing the vitality of contemporary metrical poetry and inspiring others to pursue their own formal experiments.
Why the Frost Farm Prize Matters
Reviving an essential tradition
In a literary landscape often dominated by experimental and free-form poetry, the Frost Farm Prize plays a crucial role in preserving and revitalizing metrical traditions. By spotlighting poets who use form with elegance and innovation, the prize reminds us of the enduring power of rhythm and structure in poetic expression.
Encouraging new voices
Perhaps the most important impact of the Frost Farm Prize is its encouragement of new voices. Emerging poets may feel isolated in their dedication to meter, but through the prize, they find validation, support, and a community that shares their passion. In this way, the prize is not just about competition it’s about celebration, mentorship, and growth.
The Frost Farm Prize for Metrical Poetry stands as a shining example of how traditional forms can remain vital and expressive in contemporary literature. It honors the legacy of Robert Frost while carving out a space for future generations of formal poets. Whether you’re an experienced writer of sonnets or a newcomer exploring dactylic meter for the first time, the Frost Farm Prize offers a platform where meter is not only respected but celebrated. In doing so, it helps keep the pulse of formal poetry alive and strong, one well-measured line at a time.