Out of Order
Write a poem that presents moments or thoughts out of sequence.
Prizes
- 5 Winners:
- $200
- 15 Runners-up:
- $15
- 10 Honorable Mentions:
- $5
Status
CompletedTimeline
Submissions opened
Apr 29, 2026
Submissions closed
May 30, 2026 3:59 AM CUT
Results
Jun 10, 2026
Prizes
- 5 Winners:
- $200
- 15 Runners-up:
- $15
- 10 Honorable Mentions:
- $5
Status
CompletedTimeline
Submissions opened
Apr 29, 2026
Submissions closed
May 30, 2026 3:59 AM CUT
Results
Jun 10, 2026
About this challenge
The Prompt
Write a poem that presents moments or thoughts out of sequence.
Time doesn’t have to move in a straight line. This challenge invites you to disrupt sequence and reconsider how a poem unfolds.
You might shift between past and present, interrupt a scene with something that hasn’t happened yet, or maybe place cause after effect.
The sequence may be broken, but it should still feel intentional. Focus on how arrangement shapes meaning and emotional impact.
In order for your submission to qualify, it must be:
- A poem (any style or structure is welcome)
- Between 100 and 800 words.
- Submitted to the Poets community. Your story will be disqualified if it is submitted to any other community.
- Submitted before May 29, 2026 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- Your work must be original and unpublished.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
How to enter
For your story to be eligible, it must be between 100 and 800 words and adhere to our Community Guidelines.
Stories published on Vocal and entered into the Challenge up until May 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST will be entered for consideration. Official Rules for the Challenge can be found here.
The Out of Order 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.
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Challenge resources
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