2025 Red Wheelbarrow Poetry Prize Results

announcements
Written By Poetry Center San José

Poetry Center San José and Red Wheelbarrow Magazine announce the 2025 Red Wheelbarrow Poetry Prize winners, judged by poet Stephen Kuusisto:

Winners:

  • 1st Prize ($1,000): Emily Pease, "Veer" (Williamsburg, VA)

  • 2nd Prize ($500): Michele Parker Randall, "Mother Lode" (Sanford, FL)

  • 3rd Prize ($250): Melissa McKinstry, "Once Opened" (San Diego, CA)

Selected from 2,000 submissions by over 700 writers, these winning poems will be published in Red Wheelbarrow's fall national edition. Prize celebration: March 18th, 2026.

Congratulations to all who all the finalists! Read the complete list below.

Poetry Center San José