"I Believe in Superheroes" Winning Poems from the 22nd Annual John Gardiner Poetry Contest

The 22nd Annual John Gardiner Poetry Contest concluded on June 6 with the virtual Public Reading Event. The prizes awarded were up to $100 in gift certificates from Laguna Beach Books in five age categories from pre-school to adults, and the winning poems published in this booklet:
https://issuu.com/ocgov/docs/2020_booklet_final_verified_?fr=sOWY5NTg2MjU0Mw

Virtual Reading by the winners here:

This year's theme, "I Believe In Super Heroes" was inspired initially by the Public Art Installation by Robert Holton on Forest Ave. where he converted a red British telephone booth into a "Super Hero Changing Station." 

Installed in May last year, it has taken on a new meaning. The mythical superhero costumes decorating the booth are now lined with uniforms of front line worker superheroes. Even a new name for the public art sculpture "Your Hero, My Hero, Our Heroes" stands in tribute to the professions making ultimate sacrifices for the sake of other human beings.

Friends of the Laguna Beach Library graciously funded the prizes and the production costs of the contest. The booklet will be available at the library when it opens back up.

Next year's theme is "Between the Clouds and Sea," and it is open to anyone, anywhere. So could you give it some thought and get creative? The contest opens up April 1, 2021, and closes April 30, 2021. More info at OCPL.org