Christmas Prompt

I decided for Christmas that we would do a joint prompt. I asked on my FB page for one holiday word per poet. I think everyone who responded actually IS a poet, but many don't post here. I am hoping they will give this prompt a try because they contributed to the prompt. Here's the whole list.

Pick AT LEAST five words from the list to write a poem. It can, but does not have to, be about the holiday season.

present   - Meghan Elizabeth Robb 
snow      - Victoria Rivas 
wreath    - Tad Richards 
yuletide  - Bonnie Johnson 
family    - Priscilla Tennant Herrington 
holly     - David Mclean 
Bethlehem - Linda Rivas Bole 
unspoken  - Mar Walker 
tree      - Paul Bole 
symbolism - Suzy Lamson 
singular  - Bob Tuttle 
good will - Suzanne Niedzielska 
joy       - Anindya Ganguly

Lost in a Book

From Linda:

Write a poem about being lost in a book, literally or figuratively

Rates

From Tad:

Write a poem suggested by one of the following:

• Weekly rates
• Daily rates
• Hourly rates

I have no idea what I will do with this, or what anyone will do with it.

Our planet

Prompt this week from Paul. 

Our Planet

A week of prompts again...

Once again from "A Writer's Book of Days."  Choose one, or more, and write away.

11/27: Write about a sudden storm.
11/28: One Saturday night...
11/29: Write about avenues of escape.
11/30: A woman named _________.
12/01: Write about an invitation refused.
12/02: ... and nobody objected.
12/03: I recall that evening together.

Sound of Silence

And the vision that was planted in my brain
still remains
within the sounds of silence

Describe silence and tell me what silence means to you. How do you hear it? Silence can be anything or everything depending on whether you enjoy silence or need distractions from the silence.

I apologize for the late post but I have been in the hospital for months and didn't realize the updates had been changed from wednesday to sunday.

Weather Or Not

From Tasha:

It is truly said if it weren't for the weather people would have nothing to talk about. I propose the subject Weather Or Not. 

From Linda Bole.  Linda sent me two prompts this week and told me to choose one. I decided that instead, I'd post them both and let the poets choose. I like having options.

1. A walk in the woods
2. Time. Does it go slow or fast?

Choosing Security

This week's prompt, from Tad.

Choosing security.

Roller Coaster

Write about your first roller coaster ride. How did it make you feel? What were your thoughts? Were you scared or thrilled?

This can be a real roller coaster or one of your dreams and thoughts

A Week of Prompts

I couldn't decide on a prompt for this week, so here are all of this week's prompts from "A Writer's Book of Days." Pick one... or more...

Oct 16: You're driving in your car.
Oct 17: When I opened my mouth to sing.
Oct 18: Write about a hideout.
Oct 19: Write about jealousy.
Oct 20: Someone says, "Can I see you in the kitchen."
Oct 21: Write about a bruise.
Oct 22: I come from...

Autumn

From Tasha:  What does Autumn mean to you?

What makes you you

Prompt from Linda:

What made you you? What events in your life made you the person that you are today? Is it something you tell everyone about or is it a personal and secretive experience?

Simple Pleasures

Prompt from "A Writer's Book of Days, Sep 25:" Write about a simple pleasure.

Endings and Beginnings

The prompt this week comes from Tasha. 

Endings and Beginnings, There is no ending without a beginning and no beginning without an ending.

Lost Child

From Linda:
You are a lost child...either on earth or a distant planet...how do you feel...what do you think...how will you survive? Or you could even be in another dimension.

Unusual encounters with nature

Write a poem about an unusual or startling encounter with nature....  Flowers, bees, skunks, lightening, earthquake, bats, hedgehogs what-have-you - either in reality, in a dream, in a mythological quandary etc etc.  Prompt inspired by an odd drawing of mine - you know that old saw about a man dreaming he was a butterfly or a butterfly dreaming he was a man. Got to wondering what other meadow dwellers would think about it, might be kinda puzzling.....

Seven Tenets of Tang Soo Do

At my karate school, we do a "Tenet of the Month" and as we start going through them a 2nd and 3rd time I get a bit short on "stories" and tired of telling the same ones over and over. So write a poem about one of our seven tenets. They are Integrity, Concentration, Perseverance, Respect and Obedience, Self Control, Humility and Indomitable Spirit. The only real requirement other than sticking to the tenets is that an elementary school student could understand it. I'm also considering trying to compile and publish a book from the material so feel free to do more than one tenet.

Promises Not Kept

From Bonnie:

Have you ever made a promise you ended up not being able to keep? How did it make you feel and how did the person to whom you made the promise react? Or the opposite...has anyone ever made a promise to you they didn't keep? How did they react & how did you react?

For Sale

From Meghan: 

I want you all to sell something. Use your work to sell yourself, a product or service or pieces of yourself. I know it sounds like a business in marketing but I think we could all have a lot of fun with this.

Word Play

From Priscilla.  The opposite of last week's short prompt. I think this is the longest one we've had.

Think about grammar and usage for a moment. Is there a rule that confuses you? Is there a grammatical error that sets your teeth on edge when you hear or (worse yet) read it? Are there particular words whose meanings confuse you?

Look up the correct answer, rule or explanation. Try using Google, which will bring you several possible sites – choose the most interesting one, or use all of them.

For example, the words bring and take have somewhat different meanings. David Sperling, on Dave’s ESL Café site offers a lengthy explanation of the different shades of meaning, as well as contrary views.

The very common verbs bring and take are sometimes troublesome for learners of English. One reason this happens is because bring and take have almost identical meanings but are used for different "directions" in English: bring shows movement toward the speaker, but take shows movement away from the speaker. If A needs something and wants B to get it and carry it to him or her, A says, "Could you bring ___ to me?" (or "Could you bring me ___ ?"). If A has something and A wants B to get it and carry it to C, A says, "Could you take ___ to C?" (B then takes ___ from A and takes it to C.) 

Now write the poem inspired by the answer or the explanation, or the word or phrase you started with, or even the act of checking the proper usage of your native tongue!

Time to, Time too

Tasha sent me this very short prompt for this week:

Time To, Time Too

Do with it what you will

Sunrise, sunset

Prompt from Linda:

Sunrise, sunset. A color-filled sky is like another world. Where are you when the sun does its magic?  How do you feel, what do you think when the sky is purple, orange, red and pink?

Make a poem from box of old records

If you are of a certain age, somewhere in your house or attic or basement is a box of vinyl records. Or at least a shoebox of cassettes. What are you going to do with them? Play them? Have a picnic and dance to them? Enjoy some memories or wonder who the hell bought them? Use the titles, or the memories, approach it how ever you like - but somehow make that old box of records into a poem..... 

Overheard

You overhear a conversation. What did you hear?

Formally Yours

For the last challenges I wrote a different form poem for each prompt. So now I am challenging each of you to write a form poem using one of the forms I used previously. Your choices are Kyrielle, Lento, Cascade Verse, pantoum or cinquain. BUT you cannot use a form you have used a lot in the past but really challenge yourself by using a form you have never tried. If you have used all the forms I have posted then go to one of the sites listing poetry forms such as http://www.poetryfoundation.org/resources/learning/glossary-terms?gclid=CjwKEAjw7qi7BRCvsr3N58GvsTkSJAA3UzLvdjoK2Jj3Bq8-mEsvPYM3Ps_O9A6e8C7S19P85x9ERBoCjEHw_wcB and choose a form that is new to you. Have fun!

Forbidden Fruit

This weeks prompt is brought to you by Meghan Elizabeth Robb... the proverbial forbidden fruit. What you, friends, family or society deems forbidden.

Coming and Going

Prompt from Priscilla:

Do you know this old folk song?

Well, I know where I'm goin'
And I know who's goin' with me
I know who I love,
But the dear knows who I'll marry

Today’s prompt is about going – and coming. We all come from somewhere, and we’re all going somewhere. And of course, our ancestors came from somewhere, our children are going somewhere, we may wish we were somewhere else. So, write about comings or goings, or even staying in place!

Forks

Tasha Here, My nomination for the poetry prompt is FORKS. Any kind will do. Have fun!

Clutter

This week's prompt is from my sister Linda. The topic is clutter.

It's time to clean the clutter from our house, a room, our mind, our spirit... anything that has accumulated clutter.

Your Unremembered Dream

You wake up suddenly in the middle of the night. Your heart is pounding. Something wonderful or horrible has just happened in a dream and it seemed so real. But it's fading. You have flashes, a couple images, but you can't quite remember how they fit together or what the dream was about.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to write a poem about or related to that barely remembered middle of the night screamer of a dream!

Closet Poem

Write about the contents of somebody's closet... It could be literal or figurative. Fibber Magee's closet or coming out of the closet. Skeletons in the closet. Well, you get the idea.

Out the Window

It's time to start our one poem a week challenge. Victoria has given me the honor of setting the first topic. So here goes...

Out the window.... where are you? look out the window and describe the world going on beyond it... are you sitting in a restaurant or coffee shop, an office building, traveling and stopped at a hotel/motel with a view to the world outside the building...perhaps you are just siting in a room in your own home. How often do we look out and observe what is going on beyond that window? Tell us about it...

Day 30

For today’s prompt, write a dead end poem. Of course, I was thinking in terms of the challenge, but a dead end can literally mean the end of a person’s life, a dead end road, a dead end job, dead end mortgage, and so on. Take the phrase “dead end” and apply it to a noun, and the possibilities are nearly endless (except, well, there’s the whole “dead end” finality to it, I suppose). I hope it’s fun and that the blog is alive and well today.

Robert Lee Brewer's original post.

Day 29

For today’s prompt, write a haphazard poem. The poem itself could be haphazardly put together, I suppose. But it could also be about a haphazard situation. Or whatever haphazard thing you can bend the poem into.

Robert Lee Brewer's original post

Day 28

For today’s prompt, take the phrase “Important (blank),” replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write the poem. Possible titles could include: “Important Documents,” “Important: Read Before Assembling,” “Important People,” and so on. I hope everyone finds something important to write about today.

Robert Lee Brewer's original post

Day 27

For today’s prompt, write a take off poem. Take off work for you admin assistants out there (and any other workers). Take off a runway–for those of you who like to fly. Take off from a dangerous or weird situation–or maybe even a comfortable one. Or maybe you have a completely different take off of a “take off” poem. Go on and take off on your poetic paths.

Robert Lee Brewer's original post

Day 26

For today’s Two-for-Tuesday prompt:

• Write a love poem. Or…
• Write an anti-love poem.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post

Day 25

For today’s prompt, write an exercise poem. The poem could be about a specific exercise, or it could just incorporate exercising into the poem. Or it could be dedicated to a piece of exercise equipment–so an ode to an elliptical machine or those hand grippers or something. Of course, not every exercise is physical; there are military exercises, mental exercises, and so on.

Robert Lee Brewer's original post

Day 24

For today’s prompt, write a poem in which something is lost and then regained. Maybe a relationship is lost and then regained, or a special keepsake. Maybe it was stolen and won back. Or maybe it was in your possession the whole time, but you just didn’t know it.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post

Day 23

For today’s prompt, write a footwear poem. A poem about shoes, flip flops, socks, slippers, flippers, boots, pumps, and so on. If you’d prefer not to dedicate a poem to your footwear, just mention footwear somewhere in the poem. That’s right; your hi-tops don’t have to be the star, and it’s totally cool if somebody’s clogs play a minor role in the poem.

Robert Lee Brewer's original post

Day 22

For today’s prompt, take the phrase “Star (blank),” replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write the poem. Possible titles include: “Star-struck,” “Star Man,” “Star Wars Prequels Aren’t Star Wars Movies,” “Starter Set,” “Stark Raving Mad,” and so on. Remember: I’m totally fine with prompts that get bent a bit 

Robert Lee Brewer's original post

Day 21

For today’s prompt, write a poem that responds (or somehow communicates) with another poem. You can respond to any poem. If you’re having trouble figuring out which one, choose a poem from [the] list of poems from collections [he's] been reading this month, posted in Robert Lee Brewer's original post.

Day 20

For today’s prompt, write a poem of what goes unsaid. Maybe it’s unrequited love, a hidden contempt, spoiler to the most recent TV show or blockbuster movie. Whatever goes unsaid, maybe write it instead.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post

Day 19

For today’s prompt, take on one (or both) of the following prompts:

• Write a cool poem. Or…
• Write a uncool poem.

Robert Lee Brewer's original post,

Day 18

Another Monday, eh? For some, Mondays equate to “back to the office” day.

For today’s prompt, write an office poem. Maybe this is related to your work, but maybe this is a poem at a dentist’s office, doctor’s office, bank office, office in a car factory, or some other type of office.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post

Day 17

Today is International Haiku Poetry Day! ... So guess what we’re doing today?

For today’s prompt, write a haiku. Simple as that. Or well, if you’d prefer, write a poem about haiku; I’ve done this before. So that’s an option too; or write about poetic forms in general.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post

Day 16

For today’s prompt, write a poem about (or at) a food establishment. You could pick on a chain like Taco Bell or McDonald’s, sure, but maybe there’s a local favorite–or some special dive. Heck, maybe that place where you took your first date or got your first job. Have fun with it, and if you need to do a little research, go out for something to eat.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post

Day 15

For today’s prompt, write a poem with at least four of the following eight words:

1. flat
2. ring
3. lavish
4. vessel
5. paper
6. blacklist
7. gaudy
8. tooth

Of course, ambitious poets will immediately try using all eight words, but four will do if you’re just trying to get through today’s prompt.

Robert Lee Brewer's original post

Day 14

For today’s prompt, write a time out poem. There are moments in my life that I wish I could take a time out. For instance, it would’ve been nice earlier this year when I had pneumonia, but life and work keeps chugging along. But there’s always a chance to take time outs in poetry if you dare. So dare to write a time out poem (or two) today.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post

Day 13

For today’s prompt, take the phrase “Last (blank),” replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write the poem. Possible titles include: “Last Word,” “Last Card Catalog,” “Lasting Impression,” “Last Train to Duluth,” and so on.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post

Day 12

For today’s prompt, take on one (or both) of the following prompts:

• Write a serious poem. Or…
• Write a silly poem.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post

Day 11

For today’s prompt, write a defensive poem. The first thing that springs to my mind is getting defensive about an accusation, which may or may not be true. The next thing I think about might be people or animals defending themselves. Or defense in sports. Or defense in the court room. Or well, there’s a lot to defend in this world.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post

Day 10

For today’s prompt, pick an emotion, make it the title of your poem, and then, write your poem. Possible titles might include: “Happy,” “Sad,” “Angry,” or well, there’s a universe of emotions out there. Here’s a list of some possibilities.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post.

Day 9

For today’s prompt, write a hide out poem. When I was a kid, we’d build “hide outs,” I guess from our parents or other kids. An assortment of criminals (fictionalized and real) have their hide outs. But maybe there are other hide outs, like a “man cave,” “she shed,” or the local pub. Heck, maybe it’s the library. Give it a thought, and I’m sure you’ll find the right hide out poem for you.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post

Day 8

For today’s prompt, write a doodle poem. In my mind, I’m thinking of how I like to doodle when I’m talking on the phone or sitting in a meeting. I used to doodle in my classes when I was younger. So for a poem, I’m thinking this could start off as something small that stays small or builds to epic proportions. Doodle around a bit today. If needed, start by describing something close at hand or within your current field of vision.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post.

Day 7

For today’s prompt, take the phrase “Urban (blank),” replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write your poem. Possible titles include: “Urban Cowboy,” “Urban Warfare,” “Urban Daydreams,” “Urban Living,” and so on.

Robert Lee Brewer's original post.

Day 6

For today’s prompt, write an ekphrastic poem. An ekphrastic poem is a poem inspired by art. You can pick your own favorite piece of art if you wish. Or you can use one of the examples [provided in Robert Lee Brewer's original post.]

Day 5

For today’s prompt, we’ve actually got two prompts (that is, a Two-for-Tuesday prompt). Here we go:

1. Write an experienced poem. Or…
2. Write an inexperienced poem.

The word “experience” can be applied to a multitude of things and situations. Soo… there’s a lot of possibilities today!

Robert Lee Brewer's original post.

Day 4

For today’s prompt, write a distance poem. As a runner, I automatically think of running when I think distance. But hey, there’s long distance relationships. Or why not get beyond geographic distance and consider distance in terms of time or emotional distance. Or some other interpretation.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post

Day 3

For today’s prompt, take the phrase “Three (blank),” replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write your poem. Possible titles include: “Three Blind Hippos,” “Three Muskrats,” “Three’s Company,” “Three Movies Is Too Many for The Hobbit, Peter Jackson (just saying),” and so on.

Robert Lee Brewer's Original Post

Day 2

For today’s prompt, write a what he said and/or what she said poem. Maybe he or she said a rumor; maybe he or she gave directions; or maybe he or she said something that made absolutely no sense at all. I don’t know what they said; rather, each poet is tasked with revealing that knowledge.

Original Robert Lee Brewer Post

Day 1

For today’s prompt, write a foolish poem. It’s April Fool’s Day, after all. Let’s loosen up today with a poem in which we’re fools, others are fools, or there’s some kind of prank or tomfoolery happening. Fool around with it a while.

Robert Lee Brewer's original post