The Morton Marr Poetry Prize is an endowment by Marilyn Klepak of Dallas in honor of her father, whose love of poetry has encouraged her to pass this love on to others. Generous supplemental donations were also provided by Mr. and Mrs. David T. Searls, Jr. The first prize is $1,000 and the second place prize is $500. Both prizes earn publication in Southwest Review pages. Judging for 2008 was Charles Martin. To see the 2008 winners, click here.

RULES: This contest is open to writers who have not yet published a first book of poetry. Contestants may submit no more than six, previously unpublished poems in a “traditional” form (e.g. sonnet, sestina, villanelle, rhymed stanzas, blank verse, etc.). Poems should be printed blank with name and address information only on a cover sheet or letter. (If work is submitted online, please omit the author’s name from the final “submission content text area”). There is a $5.00 per poem entry/handling fee. Postmarked deadline for entry is September 30, 2009. Submissions will not be returned. For notification of winning poems, include a SASE. Winners will be announced in December. Entries should be addressed to: The Morton Marr Poetry Prize, Southwest Review, P.O. Box 750374, Dallas, TX 75275-0374.

For instructions on entering this contest via e-mail, visit smu.edu/southwestreview/Marr%20Contest.asp