We are delighted to present Rebecca Jefferson's poem "The Magic Kingdom (Ghazal)," winner of the David Hamilton Undergraduate Creative Writing Prize. This prize is sponsored by anonymous donors who wish to honor the mentorship and support they and other students at the University of Iowa received from Emeritus Professor of English David Hamilton. In addition to publication online, Jefferson will be awarded a $500 scholarship.
Disneyland is one of the most popular places in the world to spread ashes.
The janitors speak in code, they stand vigil behind bushes for ashes.
You can stuff them into pill bottles or makeup cases or inside tampon tubing
lug your dead body through security; it cannot detect the ashes.
She has a hand in her purse rubbing the cap of the pill bottle she put her brother in.
Winner: Pallavi Wakharkar, “Simple Animal”
