At the award ceremony held in Manchester, Seren poet Kim Moore was announced the winner of the Forward Prize for Best Collection 2022. Her critically acclaimed second collection All The Men I Never Married was described as ‘phenomenal’ by the judges. 

Pointedly feminist, challenging and keenly aware of the contradictions and complexities of desire, the 48 numbered poems inn All The Men I Never Married take us through a gallery of exes and significant others where we encounter rage, pain, guilt, and love.

The book was edited by our former Poetry Editor Amy Wack. On hearing the news, she said “Congratulations to Kim Moore for her Forward Prize win for her recent collection, All The Men I Never Married. Kim is a huge contributor to the poetry culture of the UK through all her workshops, events and teaching and it is good to be reminded just how terrific the poems themselves are. She fuses the political and personal in a pointed and engaging manner. Bravo, Kim!”

One of our current Poetry Editors Zoë Brigley adds: “This is a well-deserved win for Kim Moore. All the Men I Never Married is an extremely important book because of the meticulous work it does in documenting experiences of everyday sexism. Kim does this not only with sensitivity but with humour. She’s not simply criticising men, but is highlighting the cultural and institutional problems that foster sexist culture. The recognition of Kim’s craft and skill as a poet as well as her powerful subject matter is a great decision by the Forward Prize judges.”

Her co-editor Rhian Edwards concurs, saying: “All the Men I Never Married is a startling second collection. It examines the casual sexism and harassment faced by girls and women throughout their life cycle, from primary school to adolescence to womanhood, as well as the accompanying fear and confusion endured by women, how trust is abused and how seemingly innocuous encounters transcend into over-familiar and unwelcome territory. An important collection written by an incredible poet. We are absolutely thrilled about Kim’s victory.”

Everyone at Seren sends their heartfelt congratulations to Kim on this considerable achievement. 

If you would like to learn more about All The Men I Never Married, you can listen to our in-depth interview with Kim in episode 9 of The Seren Poetry Podcast which is available on all podcast platforms now.

The winners in the other categories were:

Felix Dennis Prize for Best First Collection: Stephanie Sy-Quia – Amnion (Granta Poetry)

Best Single Poem: Nick Laird – ‘Up Late’ (Granta)

Find details of all the shortlisted poets, winners and read the judges comments on the Forward Prizes website.