Two Gillette Poets honored in WyoPoets contest

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GILLETTE, Wyo. — Two Gillette poets were recently honored at the annual WyoPoets, members-only poetry contest.

That’s according to a release from Writing Wyoming, which states that Don Oakley placed third for his poem, “The Gleaner’s Homestead.” He also received an honorable mention for another one of his entries.

Reatha Oakley received an honorable mention as well.

Josh Nesbutt, from Torrington, placed first for his poem, “Field Workers,” while Pay Frolander of Sundance placed second for the poem, “Influenced.”

“WyoPoets, a statewide organization supporting writers and dabblers of poetry, announced contest winners at its recent spring workshop in Cheyenne on April 25-26, an event held each year in honor of April as National Poetry Month,” the release states.

Other honorable mentions include: Rose Hill of Sheridan, Myra Peak of Green River, Bev Kenik and Tom Spence of Buffalo, Reatha Oakley of Gillette and Karen Call of Aurora, Colorado.

“So many of these skilled, smart poems deserved the highest praise and recognition,” Connie Wanek, this year’s contest judge said. “Every single poem I received has merit. I must tell you that at least 15 of these poems could have legitimately been chosen, based on pure skill and heart and authenticity.”

According to the release, Wanek is a nationally-known, prize-winning poet whose poetry collections include “Rival Gardens” (2016), “On Speaking Terms” (2010), “Hartley Field” (2002) and “Bonfire” (1997), which was the winner of the New Voices Award from New Rivers Press.

“WyoPoets is a nonprofit organization for all those who write poetry for publication or as a hobby,” the release states. “Its mission is to provide a base for mutual help and inspiration by encouraging interest in poetry throughout the state of Wyoming. This is achieved by writing, publishing, studying, and sharing poetry in its many forms. WyoPoets is affiliated with the National Federation of State Poetry Societies.”

For more information, visit wyopoets.org.