2025 Goldstein Contest Judges

Michael H. Lester’s tanka have been widely published, translated into several languages, and have won numerous awards worldwide. Michael’s recent publications include two illustrated children’s books, Cassandra and the Strange Tale of the Blue-Footed Boobies and Johnny and Frankie’s Summer Sleepover; a book of poetry, Notes from a Commode: Volume I; and a picture book entitled The Squeeping Catterwhip. A partial list of Michael’s publication credits is included in his poet profile on the Haiku Registry. Michael resides in Los Angeles, California, with his wife, Risa, and his mini-goldendoodle, Harley.

Vicki Miko is a retired television producer turned illustrator, photographer, and poet. She has published two responsive tanka books with her writing partner, Michael H. Lester. She received an honorable mention in the Robert Spiess Memorial Haiku Award from Modern Haiku. In addition, her work has been presented in a variety of media genres including illustrations in Billboard Magazine and displays on Nagle Outdoor billboards. Vicki was nominated for the McKnight Foundation Art Award for her gardening workbooks for the JD Rivers’ Children’s Garden. Home is Southern California with her humoring husband. Visit her poetry website at www.vickimiko.com.