The Michael Madsen Poetry Award  2026

We're pleased to announce the creation of the Michael Madsen Poetry Award, a new annual prize dedicated to celebrating poetry that embodies a specific kind of truth.

 

Presented by Low Hanging Fruit Magazine and Kalvin M. Madsen, this award will recognize verse that cuts to the bone—work that is honest, uncompromising, and born from lived experience. We are seeking narratives that don't shy away from the hard realities of life but instead confront them with a clear, resonant voice. This is for the poetry that explores the shadows, finds beauty in forgotten places, and reveals the stories whispered on street corners and in the quiet, bruised moments of life.

 

The first call for submissions will begin in 2026. The award will be judged by the Madsen Brothers and the editorial staff of Low Hanging Fruit Magazine. Further details regarding submission guidelines, the prize, and sponsorship opportunities will be announced in the coming months.