“Peace” is the order of the day for this year’s Poetry Corners competition.

The topic for the annual original works showcase was suggested by island poet Diane Walker and will serve as the basis for submitted works in both adult and student categories.

The submission deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Since 1999, Poetry Corners has showcased original poems by our local poets. Posted along our island’s busiest routes throughout the month of April, National Poetry Month, these well-chosen words work to inspire us to pause, read, absorb and reflect.

Given the current international climate, this year’s topic is clearly a timely one.

Defined on a global level as an agreement to end hostilities, peace can also be expressed on a personal inner level through freedom from oppressive thoughts and emotions. Peace can be an interjection asking for silence or calm. Peace can be a greeting, a sign, a Nobel Prize, a personal salutation or something as simple as a bumper sticker, displayed for all to see.

The contest is open to all Bainbridge Island residents or anyone with a strong island connection.

Submissions will be grouped and juried in separate adult and student (Kindergarden through 12th grade) categories.

The final 45 selections, chosen by the panel of three judges, will be displayed in public windows throughout the community and shared aloud at a celebration reading, “Poetry Corners LIVE!”

All submitted work is read and judged blind, with no names visible, but a maximum of one poem per author will be chosen.

The submission guidelines are:

• Poems must relate to the theme “Peace.”

• Each poet may submit up to three poems for consideration.

• Students K-12, please indicate your grade level when you submit. Your work will be evaluated in the student category.

• Poems cannot be more than 25 lines (including title and line spaces so as to accommodate the physical constraints of the display posters), but the poet’s name need not be included in the counting of the lines.

Poems are now being accepted, email submissions to kathyh@bainbridgearts

humanities.org with the subject line “Poetry Corners Submission.” All submissions must be sent via email as an attached Word document (.doc or .docx format).

Include with your submission your name, address (both physical and email), grade level and school if applicable and phone number. Any poet submitting work who is not an actual island resident must also describe their connection to Bainbridge.

There is an entrance fee, $12 for adults and $6 for students, which can be paid by check or credit card.

Checks should be made out to the Bainbridge Island Arts & Humanities Council (221 Winslow Way W., Suite 201, Bainbridge Island, WA  98110).

Visit www.bainbridgeartshumanities.org to pay by credit card, or call 206-842-7901.