Triolet Contest 2026

It's Back like a Clever Refrain

Last year this fairly insignificant publication hosted its first potentially annual triolet contest. This year, I am happy to announce that it is officially annual.

Below you can find the post for the original challenge (with example poems) followed by the winning selections and several honorable mentions.

I love this little form, and I am doing my part here at Verdurous Glooms to increase familiarity with its qualities and incentivize its practice.

Guidelines:

As before, compose an original triolet or two and send them to me on or before New Year’s Day. You can message me here or email at jtullius@substack.com. I’ll pick my favorites (3) and Venmo the “winners” each $50. The top three (and honorable mentions) I’ll share on this site (with commentary), but submissions will always belong to the poets to publish or submit elsewhere as they please.

By submitting, however, participants agree to have their submissions published on Verdurous Glooms, my personal and (intentionally) unprofitable account. I cannot promise great exposure or acclaim, but $50 can buy a decent bourbon, and you may find some reward in outside affirmation even by a stubborn nobody of dubious expertise.

My goal will be to review entries and select winners by Theophany (January 6th).

I am myself a formalist and appreciate the smooth and accurate execution of formal constraints, but deviations or innovations within the spirit of the triolet are no less welcome. Brevity and repetition are no less amenable to a great range of possibilities.

---