Report: The 1st Dosan Poetry Award 🌸

Hello, this is cofumi.
I have some happy news regarding my poetry activities.

I received the Hidaka Special Award at the 1st Dosan Poetry Award.

When I saw this project, since my parents' home is actually in Hidaka, I wanted to participate with my work to help build excitement for it, so I wrote a few new pieces. I also used photos I took when I went back home to visit.
When the lid was opened, there were 124 entries in total. I looked through as many of the works posted on X as I could, and there was a lot of excitement, with poets who have already published poetry collections and have won poetry awards also participating.
As I always say, I write quietly far away from contemporary poetry, so winning an award was not on my mind at all. I found out about the award when a friend on X sent me a DM, but honestly, the surprise was greater than the joy, and I couldn't settle my feelings for a while. Haha.

The judges were Kaito Okachimachi, a lyricist and poet. He co-writes with Naotaro Moriyama, doesn't he? And the other was Mizuki Misumi, a poet currently based in Sapporo.
To be chosen by these two... I still truly cannot believe it.
This announcement was live-streamed on Instagram, but I was out getting body maintenance, so I watched it about 2 minutes before it ended. I didn't understand most of the content, but the archive was left up, so I listened to it and was moved to tears ( ﾉД`) *sob*.
I'll post the link for those interested, so please take a look.
I would be incredibly happy if you could share in my joy 💓(^_-)-☆
The part about my award is around 34:12 to 42:30.

I was moved by Kaito Okachimachi's critique of my poem!
Since I write not only poetry but also lyrics, perhaps that part had a different taste compared to others.
I was moved by every single word, and all of it has become a treasure.

🔽 This is the work that won the award for me.

This poem is based on a true story. I usually write delusional poetry, but when writing about my hometown, it didn't turn out that way.
And the photo is of the seaside near my house. There was absolutely no one there. I pointed my smartphone at it alone, and I found myself thinking about how I used to walk there with my late father.

The best gift of the year. That is what I, cofumi, think.
I think it is a very special award.
I might apply to places I have had a connection with in the past as a gesture of gratitude, but I'm seriously thinking that I might not need to apply to public competitions this year. Ahaha.

To everyone who always supports me, thank you so, so much 💓
I am truly grateful from the bottom of my heart.
From here on out, I want to continue enjoying my poetry and music activities while doing my best... no, if I do that, I'll need maintenance, so I want to do it a bit more casually. Thank you for your continued support.

🔽 cofumi Youtube (I create with original lyrics)