Discovering the magic behind Happiful's 2025 poetry prize winners

The power of poetry lies not just in its words, but in its ability to stop us in our tracks, make us feel deeply, and stay with us long after we've finished reading. As we prepare to launch the Happiful 2026 Poetry Prize, we wanted to share what made last year's winning poems so special – straight from the hearts and minds of our judging panel.

Each of our team members was drawn to different poems for various reasons, and their insights reveal how what makes a poem work. From vivid imagery that transports us to other worlds, to raw emotional honesty that mirrors our own experiences, these winning pieces demonstrate the extraordinary range of human expression that poetry can capture.

What our judges loved

Editor-in-chef, Becca: 

"When a lot of people think of poetry, they might assume it must feature sophisticated vocabulary, or complicated linguistic tricks to convey a message, and while that can be true, what I enjoy most is when a poem shows, rather than tells, you how to feel – and ‘Drumkit’, for me, encapsulates that so well. 

"As you’re reading it, the imagery and momentum that builds to a crescendo mimics the experience of anxiety rising to a panic attack – I can almost hear the hi-hat, the symbols crashing, the bass pedal thumping, the snare cracking. It’s a visceral poem, that puts the reader in-tune with that moment, and that, I feel, leaves a lasting impression."

Design and commerce manager, Charlotte: 

"I absolutely love the vivid imagery in ‘Breathing Free’. Each line paints a scene so clearly that I feel like I’m right there, standing quietly as a bystander while the day gently unfolds. This poem invites me not just to read it, but to witness it – from the sunlight beaming through the forest canopy, to the sounds of joyful laughter."

Features editor, Fiona: 

"What drew me into ‘Dirty Laundry’ was the way Becky finds meaning in the seemingly mundane. She uses something as simple as a washing line to symbolise the abuse she experienced, then, it becomes an act of empowerment which, as a reader, is so satisfying to read. I felt like I had gone on a brief yet profound journey with the writer."

Editorial assistant, Lauren:

"It’s so easy to focus solely on what’s going on with ourselves and our own lives, but what I loved about 'Correlation' is that it reminds us about the importance of opening our eyes to our surroundings and the people that are also sharing this world with us.  It's raw and hard-hitting, but a message that is necessary in our fast-moving world."

Illustrator and videographer, Rosan:

"The standout line for me is ‘that’s where the light gets in’ because it shows how even in the darkest and hardest times, there’s still hope. I’d describe the poem as a reminder that light and healing often come through our struggles and pain."

Your turn to shine

These insights from our 2025 judges show all the ways in which poetry can move us – through hope, imagery, rhythm, transformation, and raw emotional truth. So, whether you're a seasoned poet or dipping your quill for the first time, remember, great poetry comes from authentic expression and the courage to share your unique perspective with the world.

The Happiful 2026 Poetry Prize opens for submissions on 1 September, 2025, and we can't wait to discover the poems that will stop us in our tracks, make our hearts race, and remind us why poetry continues to be one of humanity's most powerful forms of expression.

Your words could be the ones that capture lightning in a bottle – so what are you waiting for?

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