Say What You Will: The Muse Award's Celebration of Poetic Brilliance

A Literary Legacy of Distinction

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of literary accolades, the Say What You Will Muse Award stands tall as a beacon of excellence, honoring the transformative power of poetry. Established in 2005, the award seeks to recognize and celebrate poets whose works ignite the imagination, provoke thought, and leave an enduring mark on the literary landscape.

Say What You Will (Able Muse Book Award for Poetry)

by Len Krisak

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2076 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	68 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Muse Award is a testament to the enduring legacy of poet and editor Marvin Bell, whose profound words, "Say what you will, and do what you can," have become synonymous with the award.

Criteria for Poetic Excellence

The Say What You Will Muse Award is bestowed upon poets whose work exhibits exceptional literary merit. The jurors, a distinguished panel of renowned poets and scholars, meticulously evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:

• Originality and Innovation: Breaking new ground in poetic form, language, or subject matter.
• Artistic Execution: Demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship, technical proficiency, and a mastery of poetic devices.
• Depth and Insight: Exploring profound themes, emotions, and ideas with sensitivity and authenticity.
• Resonance and Impact: Creating poems that resonate deeply with readers, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring reflection.

A Showcase of Poetic Luminaries

Over the years, the Say What You Will Muse Award has honored a diverse array of poets whose works have left an indelible mark on contemporary literature:

• 2005: Marie Howe for her collection "The Kingdom of Ordinary Time"
• 2007: Carolyn Kizer for "The Selected Poems of Carolyn Kizer"
• 2009: Robert Hass for "Time and Materials"
• 2011: W.S. Merwin for "The Shadow of Sirius"
• 2013: Louise Glück for "Ararat"
• 2015: Terrance Hayes for "Lighthead"
• 2017: Tracy K. Smith for "Life on Mars"
• 2019: Forrest Gander for "Be With"
• 2021: Jericho Brown for "The Tradition"

Transformative Impact on the Literary Landscape

The Say What You Will Muse Award has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of contemporary poetry by:

• Encouraging and supporting emerging and established poets alike.
• Elevating the profile of poetry as an essential form of human expression.
• Fostering a thriving community of poets, readers, and scholars.
• Preserving and celebrating the rich tradition of poetic craftsmanship.
• Inspiring new generations of readers and writers to engage with the power of language.

The Say What You Will Muse Award stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to ignite hearts, expand minds, and inspire profound reflection. By recognizing and celebrating exceptional poetic voices, the award not only honors the brilliance of individual poets but also nurtures the vitality and diversity of the literary landscape. As the words "Say what you will" reverberate through time, the Muse Award continues to champion the transformative power of poetic expression.