The reveal of the Griffin Poetry Prize shortlist is a significant date on the calendars of all those interested in Canadian poetry; it is the world’s largest prize for a first edition single collection of poetry written in English. Candidates are shortlisted in two categories: Canadian and International. The shortlist was released today, April 10, 2018, and the League is very excited to share it with you:

2018 Griffin Poetry Prize: CANADIAN SHORTLIST

This Wound is a World by Billy-Ray Belcourt (Frontenac House)

I have to live. by Aisha Sasha John (McClelland & Stewart)

Same Diff by Donato Mancini (Talonbooks)

2018 Griffin Poetry Prize: INTERNATIONAL SHORTLIST

Heaven is All Goodbyes by Tongo Eisen-Martin (City Lights)

Debths by Susan Howe (New Directions)

Whereas by Layli Long Soldier (Graywolf Press)

Hard Child by Natalie Shapero (Copper Canyon Press)

A huge congratulations to all shortlisted poets!

For poets’ biographies, judges’ citations, and poetry excerpts, visit the Griffin website.