Masks We Wear

This Challenge is part of the Vocal+ Fall Poetry Series. Learn more

The Prompt

Some things stay hidden for a reason. A disguise can protect, distract, or reveal more than it hides. Whether it’s a truth we carry quietly or a version of ourselves we only show in certain light, what’s beneath the surface often says the most.

Let your poem explore that space. The tension between the seen and the secret. The shift between who we are and who we appear to be.

Write like there’s a mirror behind the words.

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

• A poem (any style or structure is welcome)
• Between 100 and 500 words.
• Submitted to the Poets community. Your story will be disqualified if it is submitted to any other community.
• Submitted before October 10, 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• Your work must be original and unpublished.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 100 and 500 words and adhere to our Community Guidelines.

Stories published on Vocal and entered into the Challenge up until October 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST will be entered for consideration. Official Rules for the Challenge can be found here.

The Masks We Wear 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.