Dannye Romine Powell wins N.C. poetry competition

Charlotte Observer writer Dannye Romine Powell has won the 2011 Randall Jarrell Poetry Competition for her poem "I Am the Girl."

The N.C. Writers Network sponsors the annual contest, which awarded Powell a $200 prize.

"It's a poem strongly driven by voice and idea," said final judge and poet Dan Albergotti. "I love how this deceptively simple poem navigates what is actually highly complex at the level of syntax, temporality, perspective and emotion."

The poem, chosen from nearly 100 entries, will be considered for publication in the literary journal "The Crucible."

Longtime Observer readers may know that Powell is an accomplished poet. She was also, for years, the Observer's book editor, and she continues to be my most-trusted source for all things literary in North Carolina. She's quick to pass on to me news about interesting new books and local authors. But I didn't know she won this prize until I got the press release. Congratulations, Dannye!