We’re Putting “U” in Voice of Valo(U)r!

Participant guidelines for the poet battling to be elevated to our highest level of competition.

Poetry is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words - Edgar Allan Poe

At BattleBorn Poetry, we are dedicated to nurturing the raw, authentic voices of poets around the world. This month, we want to explain a little about where we stand on AI poetry, what we’re looking for from our Battalion, and what you can expect to see from us across the internet.

Our Stance on AI-Assisted Poetry

We believe that AI can be a powerful tool for creativity, sort of like a thesaurus or a writing prompt. It's a resource that poets can use to explore new ideas, get around writer's block, or experiment with different styles. However, we also believe in the importance of transparency and authenticity in creative expression. 

That’s why, while we are not against the use of AI in poetry, we require full disclosure from any poet who uses AI in their work. This is non-negotiable. We feel strongly about maintaining the integrity of our platform and the community of poets we have built. As such, we will not publish any AI-assisted poetry in our print, digital, website, or Instagram publications. 

The reason behind this is simple: we want to celebrate the genuine human experience that poetry captures. While it can be challenging to definitively prove whether a poem was AI-generated or not, certain patterns, phrasing, and structures can serve as indicators. 

If we suspect a poem might be AI-generated, we will follow our internal guidelines to handle these cases fairly and consistently.  

Understanding the Different Layers of BattleBorn Poetry

We have established different "layers" to engage with our community and showcase exceptional poetry:

1. Text-Based Socials (Twitter, Threads, etc.): These platforms are an open call. Anyone can participate by using the hashtag #BornBattleReady, including AI poets who have disclosed their use of AI. This space is for experimentation and broad engagement with the poetry community.

2. Instagram: This platform features highlights from our weekly Voice of Valo(U)r (VoV) winner, as well as standout submissions from our various social media battles. We showcase the poems that truly move us, whether they are born from a battle or discovered elsewhere.

3. Website: Reserved for the very best of the best, the BattleBorn Poetry website is currently invitation-only. We want to curate a collection that represents the pinnacle of poetic excellence, the poems that not only resonate deeply but also demonstrate superior craftsmanship and originality.

Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility - William Wordsworth

Spotlight on #FoundBattleReady Poems

At BattleBorn Poetry, we love discovering outstanding poetry from all corners of the literary world. That's where our #FoundBattleReady initiative comes in. These are poems that have been published by poets outside of our community or even by fellow Battalion members, provided they meet certain criteria:

• The poem must be by another poet — in other words, it can’t be your own poem! We want you to highlight fellow poets that made you stop and go wow!

• The poem must not use the #BornBattleReady hashtag. Instead, it can be associated with any other hashtag, such as #FromOneLine or #VSS365, or even have no hashtag at all.

• The poem should include the prompt for that week’s battle. Each prompt is released on Wednesday and remains valid until the next prompt is posted the following week.

Every week, the BattleBorn Brass searches for a selection of these poems to feature, but we also encourage our Battalion members to participate. If you come across a poem that you think is exceptional and fits this criteria, quote tweet it with the #FoundBattleReady hashtag. This helps us showcase the incredible talent that exists both within and outside of our community and provides inspiration for all of us to grow and learn as poets.

What We Look for in Poetry

We are constantly on the lookout for poets who are eager to improve their craft and push their creative boundaries. Our Voice of Valo(U)r (VoV) — the winning submission for the weekly battle— is a testament to our commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence. We encourage poets to study past VoV winners, to learn from their techniques, themes, and the emotional impact they create.

But what exactly makes a poem stand out? We asked some of our team members to share their thoughts on what makes them stop, think, and feel. Here are some of their insights:

- Reds: "For me, it's something that sticks out—a particular phrase or something that makes me think. I look for poetry that inspires personal growth or resonates with me so deeply that it elicits an audible response."

- Tres: "I consider poetic prowess—rhyme, flow, meter, and use of poetic tools like alliteration or enjambment. But more than that, I look for resonance: words that linger long after reading, poems that share personal battles, or convey resilience and inner strength. If a poem inspires or challenges injustice, it’s even more compelling. A poem that misses these themes may not get a retweet, but beautiful poetry always deserves recognition."

- Annie: "I love poems that evoke a strong emotional reaction, have a wonderful rhythm, or use clever rhyming. I appreciate poets who experiment with difficult forms or infuse their work with layers of meaning, inviting multiple readings. I want to feel the poet’s passion in every word."

- David: "It's often about the vibe—the transportive quality of the poem that takes you somewhere new. I enjoy art that feels wild and alive rather than over-thought. It’s about emotional impact and clever word usage."

- Silver: "For me, it's about the message and the way words are shaped. I love when poets play with language, phrasing things in unexpected ways. It’s the storytelling and the creativity in the telling that captures my heart."

So basically, what this all boils down to is that we’re searching for poets who are committed to honing their craft and are willing to push themselves beyond their comfort zones. We want to see growth in every submission — a deeper exploration of themes, a stronger command of language, and a more profound emotional resonance. 

Whether you’re battling for the weekly VoV crown or simply sharing your work on social media, we encourage you to aim high and let your words soar.

A Last Word

At BattleBorn Poetry, we celebrate the beauty of the written word in all its forms. We welcome poets of all backgrounds and styles to join our community and challenge themselves to reach new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just beginning your journey, we invite you to pick up your pen, embrace your unique voice, and share your story with the world. 

Remember, the battle is not just about competition — it’s about growth, discovery, and the relentless pursuit of poetic excellence.

Until next time, stay regal AF 🖤👑🤍