Words & Wonders Contest Many Voices, One Sky

Last updated on April 09, 2026

City of Orlando Announces “Many Voices, One Sky” Theme and Invites Community Poetry Submissions for Words & Wonders Contest

Orlando, FL - April 14, 2026 - In celebration of National Poetry Month, the City of Orlando is proud to announce the latest theme for the Words & Wonders Poetry Contest: “Many Voices, One Sky.” This year’s theme invites writers of all backgrounds to reflect on the shared experiences that connect us, even as individual stories, cultures, and perspectives differ.

Inspired by the daily rhythm of Orlando International Airport, where travelers from across the nation and around the world converge, the theme highlights the beauty of diversity under a shared sky. As the United States commemorates 250 years, participants are encouraged to explore what it means to belong in a country shaped by many voices.

Orlando Poet Laureate Camara Gaither invites residents, past participants, members of the arts community, and City employees to take part in this creative opportunity.

“This is an invitation to look at the world around you and put your observations into verse,” said Gaither. “Through poetry, we can better understand the connections that bind us together.”

Poets may consider questions such as: What does unity look like in a nation rich with differences? How do diverse cultures and perspectives shape our shared future? What can we learn by listening to stories different from our own? Submissions can be personal, imaginative, reflective, or hopeful, drawing from experiences in families, neighborhoods, classrooms, or communities.

Submissions will be accepted through May 14, 2026, at 4 p.m.

Participants can learn more and submit their entries by visiting: orlando.gov/poetrycontest.

This initiative aligns with National Poetry Month celebrations and reflects the City’s continued partnership with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), reinforcing a shared commitment to community, culture, and creative expression.

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