The Central Avenue Poetry Prize 2025

by Beau Adler (editor)

Imagine having access to the finest debut poetry from a diverse array of emerging poets, all conveniently compiled in a single volume. The second instalment of The Central Avenue Poetry Prize maintains the exceptional standard set by its inaugural edition.

Representing a collaborative effort among poets worldwide and from various backgrounds, this second volume offers a poetry collection unparalleled in its depth and breadth. Within its pages, readers will find a tapestry of emotions—heartache, longing, laughter, and the essence of life itself—each poem capturing the essence of human creativity and experience.

From humorous anecdotes to poignant reflections, from tales of beauty to moments of raw truth, this collection celebrates the multifaceted nature of poetry. It serves as both a tribute to the art form and a poignant reminder that writing is an extension of living—an act of self-expression that allows us to both reveal and connect with others.

Genres: Poetry

96 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Ursula K. Le Guin fanboy number 1.

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The Central Avenue Poetry Prize 2025 is another fantastic collection of poems by different poets/authors with a range of topics. As with any book of poetry some of these resonated with me more than others but all have a deserving spot within this collection.
My favourites were:
Liberation
Medusa (both of these medusa poems)
Sometimes, I fear the sandglass mad a mistake
Goodbye has a sound.

I read the 2024 collection and look forward to 2026s and discovering new poetry voices.

[Steph Percival · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a poem published in this collection feels like playing an instrument in a harmoniously-conducted orchestra. The poems together make up a beautiful symphony, each one playing its part in a greater whole.

[Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend Steph has a poem in there. it's soooooooo good. She has to read it for me when the time comes. Then have a scotch. She'll know when.

[Summer Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this collection! I loved being able to sample so many different poets in one spot. My favorite poems were:
- SOMETIMES THE BURNS ARE WORTH IT
- TENDER FLESH
- MEDUSA
- HRT IS ALCHEMY
- COCKTAIL QUEENS
- A NOTE ON RUIN
- SOMETIMES, I FEAR THE SANDGLASS MADE A MISTAKE
- DON’T WORRG ABOUT THE BLACK TIE DRESS CODE, - TULIPS V WILDFLOWERS
- ME IN YOU
- I REGRET NOT TELLING YOU
I also really enjoyed the quote “the age-old question of whether I wanted to be him or be with him” from the poem “PINK PARAPHERNALIA,” and “Our finest hour was when we set each other free. Our seed burned, but still, I turned into a tree.” From the poem “I REGRET NOT TELLING YOU.”

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you review a collection of poems by dozens of poets, each pouring their hearts onto the page? To me, a good poem makes me feel something, while a great poem leaves a lasting impression, stirring something special within me. But what feels special to me might mean nothing to someone else. Poetry is so subjective, how do you even begin to rate it? Well, let’s try.

This anthology evoked a wide range of emotions in me. With its variety of styles and themes, I believe anyone reading it would find at least one poem that stays with them.

The collection is divided into sections, Journeys, Phantoms, and Bonds, each separated by a simple yet elegant illustration. After each poem, there’s a brief section about the author. While informative, I found that it disrupted the flow of reading. I imagine if that information were placed at the beginning or end of the book, many readers might skip it altogether, I certainly skimmed through it.

The Phantoms section stood out the most for me, with dark and intense themes that deeply resonated. Although I found myself highlighting quotes from poems throughout the entire collection.

Overall, this is a fantastic anthology. While some poems weren’t to my personal taste, they were all skillfully crafted. I think anyone interested in poetry, especially those seeking fresh, emerging voices, would enjoy this book. These poems undoubtedly capture the pulse of the human experience.

***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Gabriel Noel · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC given by NetGalley for Honest Review

A collection of poetry put together for the second annual Central Avenue Poetry Prize. I was a feeling a little disappointed with this collection as last years was much more robust and put together. I find the collection this year wasn't as well curated but despite that I did find many poems I did love. The collection is split into sections and poets may have multiple pieces in the collection. There were many that I thought would have been better choices for the winner or runner ups but alas, it comes down to opinion I suppose!

My favorites from this collection are:
"Tender Flesh" by Elise Powers
"Listen, It's Very Simple" and "Melissa Asks Me If I Were An Animal What Would I Be" by Sophie Morelli
"In Order To Sleep At Night" by John Weirick
"Lent On The Ruscom River, 1939" by Romeo Desmarais III
"If God Was Time" by Isabella Leigh
and
"The Pomegranate Is A Grenade" by Maha Hashwi

[Taura Wildes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ

“𝑰’𝒎 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚…𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚.”

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦 2025 is a collection of poetry that brings together authors from across the globe who depict the intricacies of the human experience.

Despite being crafted by different writers, each poem transitions seamlessly into the next, offering vivid depictions of how our experiences can live within us and then surface in unique and intriguing ways.

The thing I like most about poetry is that feeling that you’re glimpsing into the most personal moments in the writer's life, where their vulnerabilities are laid bare and those painful moments that many feel the need to hide are finally being given the validation and awareness they deserve.

That is how this collection felt. Exploring themes such as violence against women, the complexities of family relationships, the inhumane actions of others and the undeniable impact social media is having on our psyche, this anthology houses some powerful voices who bring attention to situations that can still be glossed over by the masses.

Despite some heavy themes, there are also poems that highlight the quieter moments, where the overwhelm of expectations iis shut out to enjoy peace and simplicity, which evoked a strange sense of feeling seen.

I am really grateful to have been introduced to many writers that were unknown to me in one sitting and now need to add their individual works to my ever growing TBR list!

[Ime Corkery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Central Avenue Poetry Prize by Beau Adler

emotional reflective fast-paced
4.0

This collection is a powerful showcase of 21st-century form and rhythm, capturing raw voices and emotions in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. Each piece brings something unique to the table, offering a variety of perspectives that feel deeply personal yet universally resonant. The range of styles keeps the collection engaging, making it a testament to the evolving landscape of contemporary literature. While some pieces stood out more than others, the overall impact is undeniable.A thought-provoking and beautifully crafted read.

[Bethany Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some really good poems in this collection, and I liked that they were separated into different themes.

I did find it a bit odd how the same information was repeated for recurring poets. I think it might have made more sense to link all the poems up rather than giving the poet's background multiple times over.

Overall, it's a good collection and I would recommend it to fans of poetry.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC

[DesanaRose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m finally in my poetry era, and I’m loving it! This collection is full of incredible people sharing their stories in the most beautiful ways. I’m always amazed at how much emotion can be packed into just a few lines.

One that hit me hard:

"I wish that some right decisions didn't ache as deep as the wrong ones." — Did I Metamorphosis Wrong

That feeling? Yeah, I know it well. This book is definitely one to sit with.

[The_J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Little of true worth scattered amongst these pieces, but "Goodbye Has A Sound" was nice.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for an eARC of The Central Avenue Poetry Prize 2025 in exchange for an honest review. 

This is a great collection of poems by poets with many varied outlooks on life. The many unique voices in this collection really show how life is experienced differently by everyone on the planet.

I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a collection of poems written within the last few years.