Scott Griffin and Krystyne Griffin (Tom Sandler)

The Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry is cancelling this year’s Griffin Poetry Prize shortlist readings originally scheduled for June 8 and the awards ceremony on June 9 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s jury – Paula Meehan (Ireland), Kei Miller (Jamaica/U.K.), and Hoa Nguyen (Canada) – have been busy reading 572 collections submitted by 208 publishers from 14 countries. The four international and three Canadian shortlisted poets will be revealed April 7 at 9:00 a.m. via Facebook, Twitter, and the Griffin Poetry Prize website, which also features work and performances from past years. The two winners of the $65,000 prizes will be announced online on May 19.