Paying It Forward!
Welcome to Paying It Forward
Poetry has the power to move hearts, inspire change, and echo through time.
But it’s not just found in books or classrooms. It’s in you.
It’s in the voices of those just beginning to write — and those rediscovering their voice after years of silence.
"Paying It Forward” — a living, breathing part of The Poet’s Playground,
where we honor the words of others by passing along the gift of being heard.
Each season, a small group of poems — written by kids, teens, and adults — will be chosen to appear in a very special place:
📖 A printed section inside my upcoming poetry anthology: The Greatest Silence She Ever Heard.
These aren’t just “great poems.” They’re brave.
They’re honest.
They carry a spark of something deeper.
They remind us that every voice matters — no matter how old, how quiet, or how new.
If you’ve ever written something that made you feel:
- “This is me.”
- “This might help someone else.”
- “This is my small way of giving back…”
Then we invite you to share your words — and pass the poetry forward.
Keep reading to find out more!
Paying It Forward – Submission Instructions & Details
We’re thrilled you’re here and ready to share your words.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to submit your poem for consideration in the Paying It Forward feature of The Greatest Silence She Ever Heard.
Who Can Submit?
We welcome submissions from:
- Kids (ages 6–12)
- Teens (ages 13–18)
- Adults (ages 18+)
You don’t need to be an experienced poet — just someone with something to say.
What We’re Looking For:
- Poems written from the heart
- Free verse or structured — your choice
- Pieces that express truth, imagination, emotion, or personal growth
We’re not judging grammar or perfection. We’re looking for connection.
How It Works:
Each season, a limited number of submissions will be selected to appear in a special print anthology section titled Paying It Forward. These poems will be published alongside author Tammy Friedman’s personal work and shared with readers everywhere.
What does “each season” mean?
Entries should be submitted by September 30, 2025, to be considered for inclusion in author Tammy Friedman's upcoming anthology, The Greatest Silence She Ever Heard.
Poems received after this date will still be considered for our ongoing Treasure Trove Spotlight and other future opportunities.
🎉 In addition, select poems may be:
- Featured in the Treasure Trove Spotlight on The Poet’s Playground website
- Included in future anthologies or poetic showcases
How to Submit:
Send your poem using the “Contact Us / Send a Note” form — or simply click the “Contact Us” button located under the Submit Your Entry or Inquiry section on this page.
- Include:
- Student or author’s first name and age
- Poem title
- Parent/guardian permission form (for ages under 18)
- Student or author’s first name and age
- Submission Deadline for Anthology: September 30, 2025. All entries received by this date will be considered for inclusion in the Paying It Forward section of Tammy Friedman’s upcoming anthology. Submissions received after the deadline will still be reviewed monthly for possible inclusion in our Treasure Trove Spotlight on The Poet’s Playground.
- Optional: A short note about why you wrote it or what it means to you
Important Notes:
- For students under 18, a signed permission form is required for inclusion in the printed anthology
- If selected, you’ll be notified before publication
- One entry per person per cycle (you may submit again next cycle!)
Remember: Even if your poem isn’t selected this round, it may still be featured on the site — and your voice is always worth sharing.
We can’t wait to read your words.
Let’s keep the poetry moving forward.
Submit Your Entry or Inquiry
To share your entry or ask a question, just click the “Contact Us” button below.
You’ll hear back within 48 hours.
If you're submitting for a student or you're under 18, don’t forget to attach the signed permission form!