By Dorie Spangler
“Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn.” This sentiment, penned over two-hundred and fifty years ago by the English poet Thomas Gray, rings true today as we continue to look towards poets to impart wisdom and ignite wonder. A successful poet renders their emotions and insights onto the page in ways that surprise and move us as readers and listeners. The poet’s job is one of evocation; of using language, metaphor, and imagery to bring aspects of the human experience to life. A good poem “breathes,” and “burns.” This is exactly what the finalists of COCA’s first ever Youth Poetry Contest accomplished on the evening of April 15, as their families and friends gathered at Midtown Reader to hear readings of the winning poems.
Eighteen students from ten different high schools in Leon, Gadsden, and Wakulla counties submitted their work to COCA’s 2026 Youth Poetry Contest. The contest was born out of an intent by COCA’s Arts Education program to enhance community engagement in the literary arts and expand opportunities for young writers in recognition of National Poetry Month in April. Through partnerships with the Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library, Midtown Reader, and Sangha Press, and with additional promotion through local high schools, the Palmer-Munroe Center, and COCA’s monthly newsletters and social media, COCA was able to spread the word about the new contest and garner interest among young poets in the region. Additionally, Windwood Communications, led by founder Holly McPhail, sponsored prizes of up to $150 for the finalists.
The contest culminated in a reading and awards ceremony held on April 15, 2026 at the “Piebrary,” the upstairs cafe of Midtown Reader. Poet and Translator Qiang Meng served as the guest judge for the contest. Meng, who received a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Miami and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Florida State University, brought a high level of attention and enthusiasm to the judging process. The finalists—Jayla Dunn-Marin, Sophia Holden, and Jajuan McGill–were chosen for their poetry’s exceptional craft and depth of meaning.
As emerging poets, some of the finalists had not yet experienced performing their poetry aloud. “I felt good about participating,” says Jayla Dunn-Marin, a 9th grader at Wakulla High School in Crawfordville. “I was nervous reading in front of an audience but glad I was able to push through for the first time reading my writing in front of others.”
Jayla’s poem “I’m Losing You Brownie” was praised by the judge for its “lyrical power.” “A deeply tender piece,” its depiction of a relationship’s downfall demonstrates a keen eye for imagery and a precise portrayal of heartbreak. “I made the idea for a title first and once finalized, I wrote out the poem and key points,” explains Jayla of her writing process. Jayla’s father Jerrell Dukes was proud to see his child excel in the literary sphere: “I was beyond excited for my daughter,” he says of her participation in the contest, “especially knowing how much others valued and appreciated her writing skills.”
Finalist Sophia Holden’s mother Angela Holden felt similarly about her daughter’s participation: “I was thrilled,” she said upon learning of Sophia’s invitation to read at the event. She goes on to praise the other readers, “I loved the different backgrounds and styles of the poets. I really enjoyed hearing each of them give voice to their work.”
Sophia Holden, an 11th grader at SAIL High School, presented a poem that judge Meng described as a “heartfelt narrative that connects family history to social advocacy relevant to every one of us.” Entitled “WOMAN. IMMIGRANT.,” the poem received a powerful response from the audience as Holden implored listeners to fight for their rights and stand up for those suffering under systemic violence.
Jajuan McGill, like Sophia, delivered a captivating performance. A 10th grader at Rickards High School, Jajuan has been writing poetry since the second grade and has previously performed at various events. His poem “Rules,” was lauded by Judge Qiang Meng for its “confident, witty voice” and unexpected ending. A treatise on the arbitrary strictures of authority, the poem dances through wordplay and sharply points out contradictions in social conditioning. “I want to write a poem that invokes the power of life and death in my tongue,” declared Jajuan at the peak of his performance.
Jajuan McGill won first place at COCA’s inaugural Youth Poetry Contest, with Jayla Dunn-Marin in second place, and Sophia Holden in third. All participants were recognized and celebrated at the event, with many attending in support of their peers. Judge Qiang Meng expressed an overall sense of pride in the event: “I was so impressed by the audience’s welcoming passion and the young poets’ diverse voices.”
COCA looks forward to continuing this contest in future years. As an art form, poetry thrives on the introduction of fresh perspectives and passionate voices. Young writers are a vital part of the literary landscape; opportunities that shine a light on emerging poets, such as contests and readings, ensure that poetry will enrich our communities for years to come.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about how COCA supports arts education: https://tallahasseearts.org/arts-education/
Guest Judge Qiang Meng’s poems have appeared in POETRY, Electric Literature, the Texas Review, Palette Poetry, and Salt Hill Journal, among others, and his manuscript-in-progess “Year of the Bunny” is a finalist of Miami Book Fair’s Emerging Writer Fellowship. Read Meng’s award-winning poem “Bubu the Bunny” here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/157942/bubu-the-bunny
Check out other literary events, including book clubs and readings, happening at Midtown Reader: https://midtownreader.com
Enjoy literary resources and programming from Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library: https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/library
Find out about private letterpress workshops from Sangha Press: https://www.sanghapress.com/
Learn more about our sponsor for this contest, Windwood Communications: https://www.windwoodcommunications.com/
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