Eric Machan Howd (H&S, Class of 1990) is the first place winner in the 2024 Heart Poetry Award from Nostalgia Press. His poem, "Piano," was selected as the winner from a pool of approximately 160 submissions. Later this year his poem will be featured in the print issue. The prize comes with national recognition and publication as well as a cash prize.
According to their website, "from 1988 to 2023, Nostalgia Press has paid $16,000.00 in cash awards to writers and donated to public libraries throughout the United States. Many writers stash pages like hiding money. Others seek to be read, to validate their thoughts, their existence. Writing is a lonely experience, reading is a lonely habit. It is rewarding to link the two, being a connector of people, producing written food for the mind and soul. Providing a place for writers, allows an outlet for my own writing."
Eric's poetry has been seen in other past issues of the Heart Journal as an honorable mention in this contest and he is thrilled to have his poem selected for this honor. The poem, "Piano," explores the connection between instrument and performer as well as how music is created through touch.
Eric is also thrilled to win a national poetry award within the same time frame that his glorious spouse, Dr. Katharyn Howd Machan, also won an award in a national sonnet contest.