MIAMI — Do you marvel at Miami? If so, how much? Those are the questions organizers of a citywide initiative invited native writers to answer.

Called “Sonnet Boom,” the contest, which launched in January, invited Miamians to submit original poems reflecting their connection to the “305.” More than 500 people, including first-time writers, students and a poet as young as 7-years-old, accepted the invitation and submitted a 14-line sonnet.  

The writings were submitted in Spanish, English, French and Creole and touched on culture, music and the all-familiar Cafecito.

“This is the biggest contest that we’ve experienced from a community involvement perspective in over 15 years,” said Caroline Cabrera, Co-Executive Director of O, Miami.

O, Miami is an organization that provides resources for people to identify and express themselves through poetry.

A panel of distinguished judges, comprised of literary leaders, selected the primary winners. The public also had the opportunity to vote on their favorite submissions through an online gallery. The voting period drew an astounding 140,000 votes.

 “Having this many votes is wildly impressive and proves that Miamians are hungry to share their story,” added Cabrera.

In the adult category, the poem “Magic City,” won for its vivid description of “hibiscus trumpets blaring life” and “mangrove roots prophesying.” In the youth category, first prize went to “The Pink Hotel Threw Fire” for its celebration of family and cultural identity describing “The city spoke in tongues I came to teach — I learned its pulse inside that room by the beach.”

First place winners received prizes of $2,000.  Second and third place winners were also selected for each category and won $1,000 and $500, respectively. All winners received opportunities for publication and live performance across the city.

“Sonnet Boom brought Miami together across languages, generations, and neighborhoods, and it proves that our culture is one of our greatest strengths,” said City of Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins. “That is civic pride in action, and it is exactly the kind of community spirit we want to keep building across Miami.”

Elevate Cities and Elevate Miami, in partnership with O, Miami and SWWIM, announced the winners.  Both winners and finalists were recognized during a special community celebration at YoungArts earlier in April in celebration of National Poetry Month.

For more information and to read the winning poems, click here.

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