Where words dance between the lines

About the Contest

Welcome wanderers of words to the inaugural Verse Voyage by The Wise Sapiens!

In a world of noise, we invite you to craft silence into meaning. This journey celebrates the ancient art of distilling human experience into verse—where emotions crystallize into metaphor, and thoughts bloom into stanzas.

Whether you've danced with poetry for decades or are just beginning to hear its call, your voice belongs in this symphony of language. Join us as we traverse the landscapes of imagination together in both English and Urdu, two beautiful languages with rich poetic traditions.

"Words, when well chosen, have so much force in them that a description often gives us more lively ideas than the sight of the things themselves."
— Joseph Addison

Languages of Expression

English

Craft your verses in the language of Shakespeare and Keats

Express yourself in the global tongue of our times

Urdu

شاعری کی زبان میں اپنے جذبات کا اظہار کریں

Express yourself in the language of Ghalib and Iqbal

Journey Timeline

April 20, 2025

Submissions Open

The journey begins. Prepare your finest verses.

May 15, 2025

Submissions Close

The last stanza falls upon our page at midnight.

June 1, 2025

Judging Period

Our sages contemplate the gathered verses.

June 15, 2025

Results Announced

The chorus of chosen voices is revealed.

The Poet's Code

Universal Principles

  1. Your poems must be original compositions, never before published or awarded.
  2. Each verse should honor the dignity of life; avoid content that glorifies harm.
  3. By sharing your work, you grant us permission to feature selected poems in our anthology and platforms.
  4. Include a brief illumination (70 words maximum) revealing your inspiration or intent.
  5. You may submit between 3 and 5 poems in total across both languages.
  6. Visual elements that enhance your poetic expression are welcomed.

English Poetry

  • You may submit poems in any form - sonnet, free verse, narrative, lyrical, or haiku.
  • Maximum length: 50 lines per poem.
  • Embrace or abandon rhyme as your vision demands.
  • All poems must be primarily in English, though occasional phrases in other languages are welcome.

Urdu Poetry

  • All traditional forms are welcome - ghazal, nazm, qasida, or modern experimentation.
  • Maximum length: 50 lines per poem.
  • Poems should use the Urdu language, written in either Nastaliq script or romanized transliteration.
  • Include English translations with your submissions to aid our judges.

Submission Guidelines

  • Digital text only (DOC, DOCX, or PDF format).
  • Maximum file size: 5MB.
  • No watermarks or signatures within the poems.
  • All submissions must arrive before the closing date.

Your Rewards

  • Recognition on our platforms and an internationally verifiable certificate.
  • All participants receive certificates acknowledging their artistic journey.
  • The invaluable experience of sharing your voice in a community of poets.
  • Exposure to a wider audience seeking meaning through verse.
  • Connection with fellow wordsmiths and literary custodians.
  • Thoughtful feedback from experienced judges to nurture your craft.
  • A meaningful addition to your creative portfolio.

The Path to Submission

1

Prepare Your Verses

Refine your poems according to the guidelines of your chosen language.

2

Complete the Scroll

Click below to access the registration form that will carry your words to us.

3

Share Your Story

Provide your details and upload your poems with their illuminating notes.

4

Release Your Voice

Submit your completed form and join the chorus of this poetic voyage.

Begin Your Journey

Let your words take flight in this gathering of voices...

Questions from Fellow Travelers

Who may embark on the Verse Voyage?
Our journey welcomes all who love language—from novice scribes to master poets. There are no barriers of experience or credential.
Can I submit in both English and Urdu?
Yes, you may submit poems in both languages, but please ensure you follow the specific guidelines for each language category.
How many verses may I contribute?
You may offer between 3 and 5 poems in total, distributed across both language categories as you wish.
What vessels carry our words to you?
We receive poems in DOC, DOCX, and PDF formats, allowing your formatting and visual elements to remain intact.
Must I translate my Urdu poetry?
Yes, to ensure our judges fully understand your work, please provide English translations alongside your Urdu poems.
May visual elements accompany my verses?
Yes, illustrations or visual companions that enrich your poetic expression are welcome additions to your submission.
By what measure will poems be contemplated?
Our judges consider creativity, technical craft, adherence to tradition (where applicable), emotional resonance, and originality of voice.
Will all voyagers receive recognition?
Yes, all participants will receive a certificate within 15 days of the journey's completion, along with acknowledgment across our platforms.
May I revise poems after sending them forth?
Yes, you may submit revised versions by contacting the guides before the submission deadline closes.
Is tribute required to join this gathering?
No, the Verse Voyage requires no financial offering. Participation is entirely free.
What illumination should accompany my poems?
Include a brief note (under 70 words) revealing your inspiration, context, or intent behind each work.
May I share poems written before this call?
Yes, if they are your original creations and have not been published or awarded elsewhere.
What if I encounter difficulties on this path?
Should you face any challenges in submission or understanding, our guides await your call and will assist you promptly.