Dear Xin,

I’m sorry you will be unable to join us at the 2002 International Society of Poets’ Summer Convention and Symposium in Washington, DC--the largest and most prestigious poetry event ever held. As you know, you were selected to be honored at this event, and we were looking forward to your presenting your poetic artistry in front of the more than 1900 poets from over 50 countries who will be attending.

However, because we don’t want you to miss out on this unique opportunity altogether, we have arranged a way for you and your poetic accomplishments to be a part of this event in a major way, without your actually being present. Although you will be unable to participate in the Convention contest (you must be present to win), you can receive all of the awards we have scheduled for you--including your custom engraved International Poet of Merit Silver Award Bowl (see it here), your bronze Commemorative Award Medallion, and your Full One Year Membership into the International Society of Poets for 2002-2003--if you will allow us to present one of your poems at the convention in your place.

We have arranged for professional poetry reader Alan Rose to read your poem at this largest gathering of poets in history. Mr. Rose’s dramatic baritone voice and imaginative style will give your poetry a dynamic flair, as well as the worldwide exposure and recognition that it deserves. Your poem will also be featured in printed form, proudly displayed in a special room at the convention that will be accessible to more than 2500 attending poets and guests.

And let me tell you a little about the actual awards that you will receive by mail immediately after you confirm your participation in this prestigious event by submitting your poem:

-- Your International Poet of Merit Silver Award Bowl (a $175.00 value) is a magnificent work of art in itself that measures over 10 inches across and over 10 inches high. It is handcrafted in silver and has your name custom-engraved on a beautiful cherry wood base. It is certain to enjoy a special place of pride in your home and will serve as a fitting symbol of your unique poetic artistry.

-- Your bronze Commemorative Award Medallion (a $40.00 value) is a deeply etched bronze medal brilliantly displayed on a 25 inch red, white and blue satin ribbon.

-- And your Full One Year Membership into the International Society of Poets for 2002-2003 (a $60.00 value) entitles you to a personalized membership card, an ISP patch and decal, entry into special contests during the year, and a subscription to The Poet's Corner quarterly magazine.

Xin, all that’s required for us to immediately send you all of these Awards is for you to submit a poem to be formally presented at the convention. Additionally, we must also ask you for the necessary funds ($169.00) to cover the costs of the time and effort required to present your poem before the convention attendees both aloud and in writing, as well as the costs incurred in insuring and shipping to you these extremely bulky and heavy awards.

Xin, we are, of course, ultimately most interested in meeting you and having you personally present your artistry in front of the thousands of other poets who attend these live events. Unfortunately, this is not to be the case at this time, so we’re trying to do the next best thing. But we sincerely hope to personally present you with your most deserved awards in the future.

Sincerely,
Steve Michaels
Convention Awards Chairperson

no thankew.