EDITOR'S NOTE
 

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From September 2024 through March 2025, we received hundreds of poems of all shapes and sizes as entries into our contest. 

In choosing our favorite standout poems, which was no simple feat, our readers looked for unforgettable lines. For poems effective in their goals and are conscious of hitting every emotional beat. For associative, relevant poems that work perfectly within their form and hold the quiet power and courage that we like to publish in this journal. Poems of awe, momentum, questioning, and epiphany. We discussed each one and narrowed the list to the finalists assembled here. This year's contest judge, Blas Falconer, chose the winner. You can read his statement below.​​

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As I pay for printing, subscriptions, and web costs out of pocket, it would also make a huge difference if you purchase an exclusive physical print version of Issue 10. It is 40+ pages, full of vibrant art, poetry, commentary, and more. You can buy it via Submittable or email: theeditors@bicoastalreview.com

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By purchasing a copy, you can help invest in the future of independent literature in a time of nationwide arts funding cuts. Small journals like ours incubate diverse, emerging voices and preserve artistic freedom by offering free content, audio, contests, interviews, reviews, editing, community support, and more.​ 

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Thank you for being a reader!​ 

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M

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