New York Poetry Prize Party

Last weekend, I attended the awards ceremony for the 2026 New York Poetry Prize.

I arrived with my boyfriend at an apartment in Chelsea. As we went up, I got the vague feeling of Déjà vu. I’m pretty sure I’d been in the same apartment building for a pregame when I was 22 or 23,

The skyline on the roof was beautiful, everyone was wearing white, and the weather was perfect. Poet and administrator of the prize, Louis Torres lead the evening of readings, drinks, and chat.

My friend and creator Amira arrived and we caught up. We’re both from Kansas. A man hushed us, then profusely apologized throughout the rest of the evening. After his first apology I shook his hand.

I’m decisive, but I decidedly don’t hold grudges.

We left around 10, and on our way home, we ran into Ed Manzi, who leads an event series called Unmuted (and who came to the Steinbeck night in NYC!!). I suspect they’re great, but I haven’t been to one (yet).

That’s all.

xo hailo