James Richardson, a poet who specializes in short verse and aphorisms, has won the $50,000 Jackson Poetry Prize. Poets & Writers Inc., a non-profit organization and resource centre for creative writers, announced Wednesday that Richardson had been honoured for his distinct, lively, and apparently effortless work. Richardsons books include By the Numbers and Vectors. The award was started in 2007 and is given to an American poet of exceptional talent who deserves wider recognition. Previous winners include Harryette Mullen and Elizabeth Alexander. Canadianpress