Instructions for Disappearing

This Challenge is part of the Vocal+ Summer Writing Series. Learn more

The Prompt

This challenge invites you to write a poem that reads like a set of instructions. Not for cooking or crafting, but for disappearing. You could disappear into the woods, into a memory, into someone else, or into yourself. Maybe it’s metaphorical. Maybe it’s emotional. Maybe it’s literal.

Your poem can be subtle or surreal, fragmented or rhythmic. Don’t be afraid to play with structure or repeat lines like incantations. Use language like a trail of breadcrumbs, or let it vanish completely.

There are a thousand ways to disappear. Show us yours.

In order for your submission to qualify, it must be:

• A poem (any style or structure is welcome)
• Between 50 and 500 words.
• Submitted to the Poets community. Your story will be disqualified if it is submitted to any other community.
• Submitted before August 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
• Your work must be original and unpublished.

The Prizes

• 5 Winners: $200 each
• 15 Runners-up: $15 each
• 10 Honorable Mentions: $5 each

For your story to be eligible, it must be between 50 and 500 words and adhere to our Community Guidelines.

Stories published on Vocal and entered into the Challenge up until August 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST will be entered for consideration. Official Rules for the Challenge can be found here.

The Instructions for Disappearing Challenge is exclusive to Vocal+ members. To learn more and upgrade to Vocal+, visit https://vocal.media/vocal-plus.

To be eligible to win, you must be over the age of 13 and reside in a country where Stripe is available at the time of entry. A complete list of countries where Stripe is available can be found here—winners will need a Stripe account created and connected to receive prizes. Entrants located outside of these countries will not be eligible to win.