Now hear this...

PORT HURON -- The editors of the Fruit Street Free Press announced today the start of its annual haiku contest, a writing competition that attracted more than 30 poems from throughout the country in its inaugural year.

"We had so much fun with it last year that we couldn't help but attempt to recreate the magic this year," Linsey, an editor at the blog, said.

Stephen, the other editor added: "Haikus are fun, easy and relaxing. Why wouldn't you participate?"

Dan, a 30-something project manager from Mount Pleasant, won the contest last year with this untitled poem:

Charcoal glowing white

Cocktails going down with ease

Living the good life

Haikus, in their most basic form, consist of three lines of writing. The first and third lines each consist of five syllables. The second, or middle line, consists of seven syllables. The poems should not rhyme. 

The editors will begin accepting poems immediately. The deadline for the competition is Oct. 20. There are no limits to the number of haikus a person can submit. Anyone who stumbles across this blog is qualified to compete.

Like last year, independent judges will decide the winner. The authors of the poems will not be disclosed to the judges during judging. 

Inexpensive, but potentially fun, prizes will go to the top three entries. 

Send all haikus to stephenrtait@gmail.com.