top of page

The 2025 Exhibit

Submission Window:
May 1st, 2025 - May 31st, 2025

What style of haiku is being considered?

The 2025 Exhibit will be Midwest-themed, so there is a preference for subject matter that is consistent with images one may encounter in the Midwest. Senryu that are not overtly comedic will also be considered, especially if they include images one may encounter in the Midwest. Stylistically speaking, The Heron's Nest and Acorn are two journals that embody the desired aesthetic.  

What forms are being considered?

Although the majority of the poems will be 3 lines, monoku and vertical haiku will also be considered. In order to ensure the lettering on the rock isn't too small, monoku are limited to 46 characters including spaces.

Are submissions limited to poets in the Midwest?

For the Midwest-themed 2025 Exhibit, submissions are limited to poets who currently live in the Midwest or who have previously lived in the Midwest. The Midwest is defined as: OH, MI, IN, IL, WI, MO, IA, MN, KS, NE, SD, and ND. In the future, there may be a submission call for a Special Edition that will focus on a more narrow theme, such as baseball. All poets, including those outside of the Midwest, are welcome and encouraged to submit to Special Editions.

Submission Details

  • Please submit up to five of your published haiku using the Google Forms link at the top of this page. Submission indicates your permission for the haiku to be placed on a rock and to be included in the rock garden when it is on display to the public, and submission indicates your permission for a photo of the rock(s) to be shared on the website and social media. All rights remain with the poet.

​

  • Please include a citation for each poem indicating where it was first published, along with the issue number, if applicable, and the year it was first published.

​

  • The plan is for future submission windows to also be May 1st - May 31st.

​

  • Submissions are limited to one submission per submission window. Poets are welcome and encouraged to participate in future submission windows as well.

​​​​​​

  • Relevant Dates:​​

    • 5/31/25 - Submission window closes.​

    • 7/1/25 - Poets notified via email (acceptances only) which poem or poems were selected.

    • 8/26/25 - Poets receive an email with a photo of their rock(s) for a final proofread.

    • 9/2/25 - The list of poets that will have forthcoming rocks will be announced on the Facebook page and the Instagram page.

    • Starting 9/3/25 - One rock per day will be released on the Facebook page and in the Online Gallery on this website. The poems will be sequenced.

​​

bottom of page