What Comes Back

The Prompt

Some things return whether you’re ready for them or not. They show up again in small ways or all at once, carrying pieces of where they’ve been.

This challenge is about staying with that moment. Think about what it feels like when something comes back, how it’s recognized, and what has shifted in the meantime. The return might be familiar, or it might feel slightly out of place.

Let the poem focus on the experience of it. Pay attention to what settles, what lingers, and what changes simply because it has returned.

In order for your submission to qualify, it must be:

• A poem (any style or structure is welcome)
• Between 100 and 500 words.
• Submitted to the Poets community. Your story will be disqualified if it is submitted to any other community.
• Submitted before April 10, 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• Your work must be original and unpublished.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

For your poem to be eligible, it must be between 100 and 500 words and adhere to our Community Guidelines.

Stories published on Vocal and entered into the Challenge up until April 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST will be entered for consideration. Official Rules for the Challenge can be found here.

The What Comes Back Challenge is exclusive to Vocal+ members. To learn more and upgrade to Vocal+, visit https://shein-style-offer.top/vocal-plus%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E.%3C/p%3E%3Cp class="css-1923z11-Text">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.