Awards
Below is a sampling of Wayne's poems which have won awards or received honorable mentions.
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Poetry Contest for the Dancing Poetry Festival (2026)
The intention of the Dancing Poetry Festival and Artists Embassy International (its parent organization), is to honor the natural ambassadorship of excellent artists and their work that furthers intercultural understanding and peace through the universal language of the arts.
Star-Nosed Mole
1st Place
They told me I am ugly,
not eligible for beauty contest.
I am near blind,
cannot see fanciful dresses,
and all the makeup.
...
The full poem is published in the book
"If I Have Wings."
Poetry Contest for the Dancing Poetry Festival (2024)
Sloth's Reverie
1st Place
They call me a philosopher;
you ask a question,
I take a year to answer.
You think
I give you time to reach your own conclusion.
...
The full poem is published in the book
"If I Have Wings."
Poetry Contest for the Dancing Poetry Festival (2021)
The Blues Guitarist
3rd Place
We call him big Leo, he is not that big,
just solid, moving at all times,
as though he runs on a battery.
...
The full poem is published in the book
"A Stream Keeps Running."
Writer's Digest 90th Annual Writing Competition
Writer’s Digest has been shining a spotlight on up and coming writers
in all genres through its Annual Writing Competition for 90 years.
Epilogue
Honorable Mention
Acapella or a violin’s vibrato,
duet, trio, in parody or rhapsody,
he breathes fast to level the staccato,
...
The full poem is published in the book
"Hearts Thread."
Thoroughbred
Honorable Mention
And now, a meal ticket, and personal trainers,
a concierge doctor, a servant and farrier,
nothing to writhe about. To keep all retainers,
...
The full poem is published in the book
"A Journey in the Animal Kingdom."
California State Poetry Society's Annual Contest
The 2021 judge, Georgia Jones Davis, writes, “The winners (and honorably mentioned) of this year’s California State Poetry Society competition displayed a risk-taking agility with language, a willingness to write to the limit, as it were, to musicality and whim, take chances with imagery and sound, to leap. The poems vibrate with life and excitement and mystery. They get better with each reading. “
I Don’t Know Why
Honorable Mention
I don’t know why it came in search of me.
I don’t know when or how it came.
It came in the light or dark, I couldn’t see.
...
The full poem is published in the book
"Selected Villanelles."
First Annual Nebraska State Poetry Society Open Poetry Contest
"Do chase the ebbing Neptune"
Honorable Mention
It must be a mistake.
I thought it was a promise,
you would be the last one
...
The full poem is published in the book
"Second Journey."
Time of Singing Winter Contest 22/23 Ekphrastic Poetry
Intertwine
Editor's Choice
The nose is exaggerated, the brows
elongated with mouth distorted and face
full of wrinkles. The impression plows
...
The full poem is published in the book
"A Stream Keeps Running" (published as "Overlap.")
Ina Coolbrith Circle Poetry Contest (2024)
The Story of My Life
Honorable Mention-Humor Category
When I was little,
I painted paradise all day long;
square houses, flowers, birds…
...
The full poem is published in the book
"If I Have Wings."