Standout Stanzas
We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2026 Magpie Award for Poetry today! Selected from our shortlist, final judge Renée Sarojini Saklikar has chosen three excellent poems as this year’s winners, along with one standout Honourable Mention.
Congratulations and thank you to all of our poets for sharing your work with us this year. While you’re here, please admire the longlisted and shortlisted entries on the Pulp Literature blog.
Winner: Heather Simeney MacLeod with ‘The Unfaithful Singing’
An intriguing and intricate form poem with interesting contrasts and comparisons. The “fusion of musicality, imagery, and feeling with thought” is in harmony with the techniques of rhythm and cadence. A moving poem to read out loud and to ponder…
1st Runner-up: Mitchell Toews with ‘Here to Stay’
Great line breaks with strong visual imagery for place and personal history evoking a poignant sense of loss and longing.
2nd Runner-up: Marri Champie with ‘Wolves’
A sonnet repurposed to explore the personal with the fantastical. The matching rhyme scheme, overall, manages to not overwhelm the visual pleasures. I usually warn against one beat end rhymes but these read well!
Honourable Mention: Jude Neale with ‘The First Cup‘
Beautiful imagery capturing a contemplative vibe that’s just lovely!
Congratulations to all of these poets! And a hearty thank you once again to final judge Renée Sarojini Saklikar for her discerning eye and thoughtful commentary.
And thank you to all submitting authors for sharing your words and for supporting Pulp Literature!
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