FOR BETTER OR VERSE
San Antonio Public Library seeks next generation of young poets
The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) is looking for the next Amanda Gorman. Alamo City youth can now submit imaginative odes and emotional sonnets to be featured in the annual Young Pegasus Anthology, the long-running chronicle of emerging poetic voices.
Founded in 1927, Young Pegasus is the longest continuously running youth poetry competition in the United States. Over the years, the anthology has published some of the most recognizable names in San Antonio letters, including former mayor Henry Cisneros, Naomi Shihab Nye, Anthony "The Poet" Flores, and Jay Brandon.
"This competition has empowered young people to express themselves through writing for nearly a century," says San Antonio Public Library Director Sukrit Goswami, via a release. "Writing gives young people a creative outlet to interpret their experiences, process their emotions, and make sense of our world. Young Pegasus reaffirms that their words have value."
The annual poetry competition is open to Bexar County poets ages 18 and under who live in Bexar County through December 8. Once evaluated by the library's panel of experts, selected poems will be published in Young Pegasus and celebrated at a private reception in spring 2026.
The contest does have a few rules and regulations. Young poets can submit up to five entries, but they can't be more than 4,000 characters. Budding Dante Alighieris are encouraged to edit their epics down to a digestible form.
The library welcomes submissions in English and Spanish. Other languages must be accompanied by an English translation. A complete list of guidelines and submission instructions is available online. And if promising bards need a little inspiration, the site also offers a few tips from Flores. The first one: "Don't take any poetry writing tips from anyone (except Anthony)."
