Application Guidelines

  • APPLICANTS MUST BE 13 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.
  • After submission, you will be sent several example poems to provide feedback on. This is the final step of the application–if your comments are helpful and organized, you will be granted access to our submission list. Please note that you will start with minimal permissions, and as you continue to review for Clepsydra, more permissions will be granted.
  • You do not need experience as a reviewer to apply.
  • Uploaded photographs will be published to the website under our Masthead if accepted.
  • The more information you provide about yourself, the better!

Water is life-sustaining—a symbol of rebirth, cleansing, healing, and renewal. 

It reflects its environment, and it offers us a glimpse of our surroundings. When we gaze upon our reflection, we see our rippled selves in a seemingly altered way. In this process, refugees, like these shifting reflections, can find the resilience to reshape their lives anew. 

This issue of Clepsydra aims to deliver hope and inspiration to those who may need it the most.

With all the world’s tragedies, sometimes people need to escape - to find peace, rest, and rejuvenation. There are countless refugees throughout the world due to war, famine, political upheaval, and natural disasters. The desire to help them grows inside each one of us daily. In this issue, we will come together and share words that bring hope, inspiration, and renewal. We will also showcase art that provides refugees with joy and comfort.

This issue is dedicated to refugees of all ages around the world.

Clepsydra will share Issue 3 with these people.


Poetry Submission Guidelines

  • At this time, no literary works other than poems may be submitted.
  • Up to five poems are allowed in a single document.
  • There is no line minimum or maximum.
  • Please start all poems on a new page.
  • Any font and any font size are accepted, as long as the text is clearly legible—unless this is part of the poet’s intention.
  • Any spacing and margin size are accepted, as long as the text is clearly legible.
  • Please do not write any text that can identify the poet (name, awards, etc.) on the submission.
  • Please have the submission in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format.  The filename should include the title of the entire piece.
  • We only accept unpublished works. If your piece is accepted or will be published elsewhere, please notify us so we can withdraw your submission from Clepsydra.

Art Submission Guidelines

  • Any and all mediums of art may be submitted.
  • Up to three pieces of art are allowed on a single submission.
  • Please do not write any text that can identify the artist (name, awards, etc.) on the submission.
  • Please compile and submit the works in a ZIP file. The ZIP filename should be the title of the entire collection.
  • We only accept unpublished works. If your piece is accepted or will be published elsewhere, please notify us so we can withdraw your submission from Clepsydra.

Publication Information
Clepsydra does not charge for submissions and publications. At this time, Clepsydra is not able to provide payment for publication. Poets and artists will retain full rights after publication, but we would like to receive credit for the poem or art's first publication.

Clepsydra Literary and Art Magazine