Do you Sci-ku?
Image design by John Willanski
Write a science-themed haiku
See your name up in lights
Win awesome prizes
The RiAus, Friendly Street Poets and COSMOS Magazine are holding their second annual sci-ku poetry competition. This year we are calling for sci-kus with either chemistry or forest themes in recognition of 2011 being both the International year of Chemistry and Forests. So unleash your inner poet and send us your best science haikus.
Great prizes await those who can master the art of the sci-ku.
HOW TO ENTER
What is sci-ku?
Inspired by the Japanese haiku, sci-ku is basically a short, three-lined poem about the sciences. Sci-ku is a small, modest and humble poem that depicts the everyday world around us, aiming to give a flash of insight into that world — like a scientific ‘Eureka!’ moment expressed briefly in words.
Write your sci-ku
Each poem must have a thematic link to chemistry or forests and not exceed the three-line maximum. Syllable counts are irrelevant. Each entrant may submit a maximum of three sci-kus.
Pick your category
Entries can be made in primary (12 years and under), secondary (13-18 inclusive) or open (no age limit) categories.
Some rules
All poems must be original, unpublished (in text form or online) works by the poet entering the competition.
All poets must be residents of Australia.
All entries must be received by Friday 15 July 2011 or be date stamped 14 July 2011 at the latest.
No poems will be returned.
The judges’ decision is final; no further correspondence will be accepted.
The prizes
1st prize winners in each category will receive an e-Reader and a $50 book voucher.
2nd & 3rd prizes will be awarded in each category, with prizes of $80 and $50 worth of book vouchers, respectively.
1st, 2nd & 3rd prize winners in each category will see their sci-ku and name in lights on RiAus’ unique digital sash artwork on the exterior of the Science Exchange building in Adelaide (as pictured above).
1st, 2nd & 3rd prizes (and other selected entries) will be published on the RiAus & Friendly Street Poets websites and in the Friendly Street Poets annual anthology Reader 36.
Other great prizes from Wakefield Press.
Please direct any questions to sciku@riaus.org.au.
Submissions may also be posted to: RiAus/FSP Sci-ku Competition, PO Box 3652, Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000. Please state on the envelope: Sci-ku + Your Name + Category (primary, secondary, open).
Message should contain the Name, Age, Address, Telephone number and Email address of the entrant. Up to three poems submitted as text should be included.
