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101 Poetry Prompts & Ideas for Writing Poems
Not sure what to write a poem about? Here’s 101 poetry prompts to get you started!
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These poetry prompts are designed to help you keep a creative writing practice. If you’re staring at a blank page and the words aren’t flowing, the creative writing prompts for poems can be a great way to get started!
New for 2023! Due to popular demand, I created a printable, ad-free version of these poetry prompts you can download to use at home or even in the classroom! Get them at our Etsy Shop .
Even if poetry isn’t your thing, you could always use these things to inspire other writing projects. Essays, journal entries, short stories, and flash fiction are just a few examples of ways this list can be used.
You may even find this list of creative poetry writing prompts helpful as an exercise to build your skills in descriptive writing and using metaphors!
Let’s get onto the list, shall we?
Here are 101 Poetry Prompts for Creative Writing
Most of these creative writing ideas are simple and open-ended. This allows you total creative freedom to write from these poetry prompts in your own unique style, tone, and voice.
If one poetry idea doesn’t appeal to you, challenge yourself to find parallels between the prompt and things that you do enjoy writing about!
1.The Untouchable : Something that will always be out of reach
2. 7 Days, 7 Lines : Write a poem where each line/sentence is about each day of last week
3. Grandma’s Kitchen : Focus on a single memory, or describe what you might imagine the typical grandmother’s kitchen to be like
4. Taste the Rainbow : What does your favorite color taste like?
5. Misfits: How it feels when you don’t belong in a group of others.
6. Stranger Conversations : Start the first line of your poem with a word or phrase from a recent passing conversation between you and someone you don’t know.
7. On the Field : Write from the perspective of a sports ball {Baseball, Soccer, Football, Basketball, Lacrosse, etc.} – think about what the sports ball might feel, see, hear, think, and experience with this poetry idea!
8. Street Signs: Take note of the words on signs and street names you pass while driving, walking, or riding the bus. Write a poem starting with one of these words you notice.
9. Cold water: What feelings do you associate with cold water? Maybe it’s a refreshing cold glass of water on a hot day, or maybe you imagine the feelings associated with being plunged into the icy river in the winter.
10. Ghostwriter: Imagine an invisible ghost picks up a pen and starts writing to you.
11. Lessons From Math Class: Write about a math concept, such as “you cannot divide by zero” or never-ending irrational numbers.
12. Instagram Wall: Open up either your own Instagram account or one of a friend/celebrity and write poetry based on the first picture you see.
13. Radio: Tune in to a radio station you don’t normally listen to, and write a poem inspired by the the first song or message you hear.
14. How To : Write a poem on how to do something mundane most people take for granted, such as how to tie your shoes, how to turn on a lamp, how to pour a cup of coffee.
15. Under 25 Words : Challenge yourself to write a poem that is no more than 25 words long.
16. Out of Order: Write about your feelings when there is an out of order sign on a vending machine.
17. Home Planet: Imagine you are from another planet, stuck on earth and longing for home.
18. Uncertainty : Think about a time in your life when you couldn’t make a decision, and write based on this.
19. Complete : Be inspired by a project or task be completed – whether it’s crossing something off the never-ending to-do list, or a project you have worked on for a long time.
20. Compare and Contrast Personality : What are some key differences and similarities between two people you know?
21. Goodbyes : Write about a time in your life you said goodbye to someone – this could be as simple as ending a mundane phone conversation, or harder goodbyes to close friends, family members, or former partners.
22. Imagine Weather Indoors : Perhaps a thunderstorm in the attic? A tornado in the kitchen?
23. Would You Rather? Write about something you don’t want to do, and what you would rather do instead.
24. Sound of Silence : Take some inspiration from the classic Simon & Garfunkel song and describe what silence sounds like.
25. Numbness : What’s it like to feel nothing at all?
26. Fabric Textures : Use different fiber textures, such as wool, silk, and cotton as a poetry writing prompt.
27. Anticipation : Write about the feelings you experience or things you notice while waiting for something.
28. Poison: Describe something toxic and its effects on a person.
29. Circus Performers: Write your poetry inspired by a circus performer – a trapeze artist, the clowns, the ringmaster, the animal trainers, etc.
30. Riding on the Bus : Write a poem based on a time you’ve traveled by bus – whether a school bus, around town, or a long distance trip to visit a certain destination.
31. Time Freeze : Imagine wherever you are right now that the clock stops and all the people in the world are frozen in place. What are they doing?
32. The Spice of Life : Choose a spice from your kitchen cabinet, and relate its flavor to an event that has happened recently in your daily life.
33. Parallel Universe : Imagine you, but in a completely different life based on making a different decision that impacted everything else.
34. Mad Scientist : Create a piece based on a science experiment going terribly, terribly wrong.
35. People You Have Known : Make each line about different people you have met but lost contact with over the years. These could be old friends, passed on family, etc.
36. Last Words : Use the last sentence from the nearest book as the inspiration for the first line of your poem.
37. Fix This : Think about something you own that is broken, and write about possible ways to fix it. Duct tape? A hammer and nails?
38. Suspicion : Pretend you are a detective and you have to narrow down the suspects.
39. Political News : Many famous poets found inspiration from the current politics in their time. Open up a newspaper or news website, and create inspired by the first news article you find.
40. The Letter D : Make a list of 5 words that start with all with the same letter, and then use these items throughout the lines of your verse. {This can be any letter, but for example sake: Daisy, Dishes, Desk, Darkness, Doubt}
41. Quite the Collection : Go to a museum, or look at museum galleries online. Draw your inspiration from collections of objects and artifacts from your favorite display. Examples: Pre-historic days, Egyptians, Art Galleries, etc.
42. Standing in Line : Think of a time you had to stand in line for something. Maybe you were waiting in a check-out line at the store, or you had to stand in line to enter a concert or event.
43. Junk Mail Prose: Take some inspiration from your latest junk mail. Maybe it’s a grocery store flyer announcing a sale on grapes, or an offer for a credit card.
44. Recipe : Write your poem in the form of a recipe. This can be for something tangible, such as a cake, or it can be a more abstract concept such as love or happiness. List ingredients and directions for mixing and tips for cooking up your concept to perfection.
45. Do you like sweaters? Some people love their coziness, others find them scratchy and too hot. Use your feelings about sweaters in a poem.
46. After Party : What is it like after all party guests go home?
47. Overgrown : Use Little Shop of Horrors for inspiration, or let your imagination run wild on what might happen if a plant or flower came to life or started spreading rapidly to take over the world.
48. Interference: Write a poem that is about someone or something coming in between you and your goals.
49. On Shaky Ground: Use an earthquake reference or metaphor in your poem.
50. Trust Issues : Can you trust someone you have doubted in the past?
51. Locked in a Jar: Imagine you are a tiny person, who has been captured and put into a jar for display or science.
52. Weirder Than Fiction: Think of the most unbelievable moment in your life, and write a poem about the experience.
53. Fast Food: Write a poem about fast food restaurants and experiences.
54. Unemployed: Write a poem about quitting or being fired from a job you depended on.
55. Boxes: What kinds of family secrets or stories might be hiding in that untouched box in the attic?
56. No One Understands : Write about what it feels like when no one understands or agrees with your opinion.
57. Criminal Minds : Write a poem from the perspective of a high-profile criminal who is always on the run from law enforcement.
58. Marathon Runner : Write a poem about what training you might be doing to accomplish a difficult challenge in your life.
59. Trapped : Write about an experience that made you feel trapped.
60. Passing the Church : Write a poem about noticing something interesting while passing by a church near your home.
61. Backseat Driver: Write about what it’s like to be doing something in your life and constantly being criticized while trying to move ahead.
62. Luster: Create a descriptive poem about something that has a soft glow or sheen to it.
63. Clipboard: Write a poem about someone who is all business like and set in their ways of following a system.
64. Doctor: Write a poem about receiving advice from a doctor.
65. First Car : Write an ode to your first car
66. Life Didn’t Go As a Planned : Write about a recent or memorable experience when nothing went according to plan.
67. Architect : Imagine you are hired to design a building for a humanitarian cause you are passionate about.
68. The Crazy Cat Hoarder : Write about someone who owns far too many cats.
69. Queen : Write a poem from the perspective of a queen.
70. Movie Character : Think of a recent movie you watched, and create a poem about one character specifically, or an interaction between two characters that was memorable.
71. Potential Energy : Write about an experience where you had a lot of potential for success, but failed.
72. Moonlight : Write about an experience in the moonlight.
73. Perfection : Write about trying to always keep everything perfect.
74. You Are Wrong : Write a poem where you tell someone they are wrong and why.
75. Sarcasm : Write a poem using sarcasm as a form of illustrating your point.
76. Don’t Cry : Write a poem about how not to cry when it’s hard to hold back the tears.
77. Listen Up: Write a poem telling someone they are better than they think they are.
78. Flipside : Find the good in something terrible.
79. Maybe They Had a Reason : Write a poem about someone doing something you don’t understand, and try to explain what reasons they might have had.
80. How to Drive : Write a poem that explains how to drive to a teenager.
81. Up & Down the Steps: Write a poem that includes the motion of going up or down a staircase
82. Basket Case: Has there ever been a time when you thought you might lose your mind? Jot your feelings and thoughts down in verse form.
83. Lucky Guess: Many times in our life we have to make a good guess for what is the best decision. Use this poetry idea to write about feelings related to guessing something right – or wrong.
84. Dear Reader: What audience enjoys reading the type of poetry you like to write? Craft a note to your potential audience that addresses their biggest fears, hopes, and dreams.
85. All or Nothing : Share your thoughts on absolutist thinking: when one’s beliefs are so set in stone there are no exceptions.
86. Ladders in the Sky : Imagine there are ladders that take you up to the clouds. What could be up there? What feelings do you have about climbing the ladders, or is their a mystery as to how they got there in the first place?
87. Always On My Mind: Compose a poem about what it’s like to always be thinking about someone or something.
88. Paranoia : What would it be like if you felt like someone was watching you but no one believed you?
89. Liar, Liar: How would you react to someone who lied to you?
90. Secret Word: What’s the magic word to unlock someone’s access to something?
91. For What It’s Worth: Use a valuable object in your home as inspiration as a poetry prompt idea.
92. Coming Home to Secrets: Imagine a person who puts on a good act to cover up a secret they deal with at home.
93. Productivity: Talk about your greatest struggles with time management and organization.
94. Defying Gravity: Use words that relate to being weightless and floating.
95. Signs of the Times : How has a place you are familiar with changed over the past 10 years?
96. Sleepless Nights : What ideas and feelings keep you up at night? What’s it like when you have to wake up in the morning on a night you can’t sleep?
97. You Can’t Fire Me, I Quit : Use one of the worst job related memories you can think of as a creative writing prompt.
98. By George : You can choose any name, but think of 3-5 notable figures or celebrities who share a common first name, and combine their personalities and physical characteristics into one piece of poetry. For example: George Washington, George Clooney, George Harrison.
99. Shelter : Write a poem about a time you were thankful for shelter from a storm.
100. Cafeteria : Create a poem inspired by the people who might be eating lunch in a cafeteria at school or at a hospital.
101. Dusty Musical Instruments : Base your poem around the plight of a musician who hasn’t picked up the guitar or touched a piano in years.
Love these prompts? The printable, ad-free version of these poetry prompts can be used offline or in the classroom! Get them at our Etsy Shop .
There are unlimited possibilities for ways you can use these poem ideas to write poetry. Using a list like this can greatly help you with getting into the habit of writing daily – even when you don’t feel inspired to write.
While not every poem you write will be an award-winning masterpiece, using these poem starters as a regular exercise can help you better your craft as a writer.
I hope you enjoy these poetry prompts – and if you write anything you’d like to share inspired by these creative poetry writing prompts, let us know in the comments below – we love to see how others use writing ideas to create their own work!
And of course, don’t forget to get the ad-free poetry prompt cards printable version if you’d like to use these prompts offline, in the classroom or with your small group!
Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.
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101 comments.
I had a wonderful inspiration from prompt number 49 “On Shaky Ground,” although it’s not exactly about an earthquake. I wanted to share it on here, so I hope you enjoy it!
Title: “Shaking Ground”
The ground’s shaking My heart’s aching I’m getting dizzy My mind’s crazy
On shaking ground It’s like I’m on a battleground We’re all fighting for love Dirtying our white glove
The ground’s shaking My body’s quaking Love is so cruel Making me a fool
On shaking ground We are all love-bound Stuck in a crate Nobody can avoid this fate
The ground’s shaking We are all waking Opening our eyes Everyone dies
On shaking ground Our love is profound Although we are separate Better places await
The ground’s shaking Death’s overtaking Heaven is descending The world’s ending
On shaking ground In love we are drowned
Awesome interpretation Amanda! Thanks for sharing!
heyyy, I have written something regarding prompt 27 and 96 The Night Charms.
Do you dread the dark; Or do you adore the stars? Do you really think the fire place is that warm; Or you just envy the night charms? The skyline tries to match the stars’ sparkle, The sky gets dark, the vicinity gets darker. The “sun” has set for the day being loyal; These are now the lamps burning the midnight oil. The Eve so busy, that everyone forgets to praise its beauty. The sun has set without anyone bidding him an adieu, Failed to demonstrate its scintillating view. The moon being the epitome of perfection, Has the black spots, Depicting an episode of it’s dark past.
And I sit; I sit and wonder till the dawn. What a peaceful time it is, To have a small world of your own. Away from the chaos, I found a soul that was lost. So tired, yet radiant, Trying to be someone she’s not in the end. That bewitching smile held my hand, Carried me back to shore, letting me feel my feet in the sand. The waves moved to and fro, Whispering to me as they go, “Oh girl, my girl This is the soul you have within you, Never let it vanish, For it alters you into something good and something new, Don’t let the cruel world decide, Don’t let anyone kill that merry vibe.”
Then I saw my own soul fade, Fly into my heart, For what it was made. Oh dear lord, The night’s silence became my solace, My life lessons were made by the waves. Who am I? What have I done to myself? Many questions were answered in self reproach, The answers were still unspoken with no depth. Oh dear night, What have you done to me? Or should I thank you for putting a soul that I see. The nights spent later were now spectacular, My darkness somehow added some light to my life, Making it fuller… Everyday after a day, walking through the scorching lawns, I wait for the the dusk to arrive, and then explore myself till the dawn.
This is so amazing I ran out of words. Very lit thoughts beautifully penned. Keep writing like this dude.❤🌻
That is beautiful, it inspired me to write about my fears, thank you!!
Thank you for the inspiration! 😀 This was based of 21 and 77 (I think those were the numbers lol)
Goodbye to the days when we played together in the sun Goodbye to the smile on your face and to all of the fun I look at you, so dull and blue How long before I can say hello to the real you You are worth more than you think At the very least, you are to me Though there are greater things that wait for you than the least You are worthy of the most, the greatest of things If only goodbye could be ‘see you later’ I want to see the real you again To your suffering I don’t want to be just a spectator I want it all to end Goodbye to my only friend I want to heal you but I don’t know how I wish I had this all figured out Please come back to me I just want you to be free
Thank u so much im more inspired after seeing these creative ideas. 🤗
Glad they inspired you!
Thanks for sharing Amanda!
That was beautiful! I am a writer too! I actually just finished writing one but, it wasn’t from this website, just kind of something that’s been on my head for a while you know? Anyways, again, that was awesome! I am a Christian, and I love seeing people write about that kind of stuff! 🙂
I am jim from Oregon. I am also a writer, not very good but active. I am a Christian as well as you are. Sometimes it is hard to come up with something to write about.
All of a sudden, I have started to write poetry. Do you like all forms of writing? I would enjoy reading some of you work if you would you would like to s if you would like to send me some.
i have written one about frozen time:
my brother will be drawing, his pencil wont leave the sheet, my mother hearing the radio, today’s news on repeat. my sister, in fact, is making her bed, she’ll be making it still, till the last bug is dead. me, on the other hand, i’ll be visiting you, i’ll see you in action, doing the things that you do, i’ll be happy to see you, just a last time, i’ll kiss your still lips, and hold for a while. then i’ll take a plane to saudi, where i’ll see my dad, he’ll be swimming with turtles, he will not seem sad. i have lived on this earth, for 15 whole years, time for goodbye, with not a single tear.
hey beautifully expressed…!!!
Beautifully penned 🌼
I love it I tried one out myself as well Change
She sat looking out the window. The sound of the piano’s cheerful tune ringing out throughout the room. The sweet smell of burnt pine emanating from her fireplace. The sky is blue and the sun shines bright. She closes her eyes for a second. She opens them again. The window is broken and scattered on the ground. The piano sits covered in ashes, every symphony played now just a distant memory replaced with a discordant melody. The room smells of smoke and ash. The sky is dark and rain falls on the remnants of her home. Not a living thing in sight,not even her.
Nice one Amanda. kind of tells me the chronology of love and its eventualities.
such a dilightful poem, thanks for the word that made the day for me. you are such a good poet.
Omg! What!! This is amazing! I’d love to feature this piece on my blog monasteryjm.com. I also love this blog post by thinkwritten.com, planning on putting the link in my next blog post so others can come over here to check it out! So helpful!
this is so great! I’ve been needing inspiration. this might work
Thank you so much for this article! I love the profundity and open-endedness of the prompts. Here is a poem I wrote, drawing inspiration from #56, “No One Understands.” I wrote this from the perspective of a psychic Arcturian Starseed in her teenage years and how the world perceives her spiritual connection; while at the same time hinting at the true meaning of her various baffling actions. Enjoy 🙂
Starseed – a poem on perspective
In the snow She stands alone Wrapped in shrouds of mystery Her gentle hand gloved with giving Caressing A violet stone
Math class is dismissed But there still she sits Speaking to the ceiling in tender tones A soft and healing resonance Murmuring sweetly of ascension to Another, dearer dimension
In homeroom Her classmate weeps Of missed planes and shattered dreams Quietly She strokes the hand of the suffering And whispers then of channeling Some celestial utopia called Arcturus Where she claims to have been.
Please feel free to let me know where I need to improve! I’m fourteen years old and only an amateur, so a few suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, love and light 🙂
#79 I don’t know why he was so mad Did he not get his mail Was he already mad Or did he only get bills
He swung his arm with force He caused a loud bang He hurt his own hand He left with some blood
He is the man that punched the mailbox His hand dripped blood on it He left it with a dent He left it alone after that
That’s great Michael, thank you for sharing your response to one of the prompts!
Awesome! That was simple and yet creative
Interesting tips and keywords for boosting inspiration. I’ve found some good topic for start writing. Thanks
sleepless nights (#96)
it’s never a strangled cry that drags me from my dreams, but a gentle whisper, there to nudge the socks off my feet, and settle me back into the sheets. i seem to wake before i’ve had a chance to fall to rest.
why is it that i can never sleep, but always dream?
sleepless nights rule my life and drag me by my toes, throwing me into a sky of black and blue. not a single star can break through this spillage. and i sit and wonder in a sea of sheets, rippling around me, why my mind can swim these dark, tangling waters and i never need to take a breath.
have you ever noticed how static-filled the dark is? because when i lay buried under these burdens and blankets, the world seems ready to crumble under my grasp.
i can’t sleep, but i can dream, of days when i wasn’t pulled struggling from bed but awoken into the light. i wonder how i ever survived the grainy sky’s midnight troubles, the oil spill of its thunderclouds, the sandpaper raspiness of the three a.m. earth against my throat.
oh, how i can never sleep in a world that threatens to fall apart.
this is amazing! i hope i can be this good one day
once again beautiful <3
Thank you so much for these prompts! They’re so thought-provoking.
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoy them!
Take me back to those days, When I was allowed to dream, Where no one use to scream. Take me back to those days, When I was a child, Where I never use to find reasons to smile. Take me Take back to those days, When I never used to lie, Where I never used to shy. Take me back those carefreee days, When I was far away from school days. Take me back to those days , where every one used to prase, no matter how foolish i behave. Take me back to those days, when i wasn’t stuck between fake people. Take me back to the day I was born, So that I could live those days again………….
so mine is basically a mix between 76 and 77… I made it for my literature club i recently began trying to make.
‘Listen to me’ Listen to me your words mean more than you think your opinion is worthy to be shared your songs are capable of being sung
Listen to me
your smile is bright your frown shows nothing more than you should be cared for like you care for us.
your laughter is delightful and so is everything else
dont let the past go hurt you find strength in the experience
are you listening to me?
can you here me?
because YOU matter
Nice, thank you for sharing!
Prompt #1 “Untouchable”
Grasping Reaching Searching for the untouchable The indescribable On the tip of my tongue My fingertips Close to my heart But warping my brain Yet understood in the depths of my soul Emotions undiscovered Words Unsaid Deep in the depths of my mind Hand outstretched Lingering on the edge Eyes wide open But somehow still blind Unattainable But still in the hearts of The Brave The Curious The Resilient They Seek the unseekable They pursue the unattainable Each man seeing it in a different aspect Each of their visions blurred Each distorted by Experiences Traumas Wishes Dreams Filtering what’s untouchable
Thank you, glad you enjoy it!
I had good inspiration from #51, locked in a jar. I used it more metaphorically instead of literally. So here it is: glass walls, lid screwed on tight, can’t escape, not even at night. From the inside, looking out, this is not who I’m supposed to be. I’m supposed to be bigger, I’m supposed to be free, not stuck in a jar, no room to breathe. I need to move, I need to soar, I need to be able to speak my opinions and more. So as I look down at my tiny self, in this glass jar, “let me out, I can’t take it anymore”, I say to the bigger me, the one ignoring my tiny pleas.
Just wanted to add a twist to this promt. I’m just a beginner in the art of poetry, but I tried. If anyone has any creative criticism, go ahead! #16: our of order
My brain is out of order My thoughts have filled it to the brim Of my deepest thoughts of who I am Who we are As people We are out of order Never focusing on what we want Our passions All we ever get is work on top of work Pushing us down and down Like a giant hand Squeezing us into the depths of our depressions Until We can do anything But take it Anymore
Thank you Ash for sharing your take on the prompt with us!
Thank you ASH for reminding we can do anything if we try
Was inspired by #77 listen up Listen up…….! When would you listen up! Seems! you have given up! No matter who shut you up! Stand straight and look up!
Look up don’t be discouraged Let you heart be filled with courage Listen up and be encouraged Let life be sweet as porridge
You might have been down Like you have no crown Because deep down You were shut down
There is still hope When there is life Yes! You can still cope If you can see the light Yes! Even in the night
Oh listen up! Please listen up and take charge, You are better than the best Listen up! And oh! Please listen up.
beautifully written!
I wrote a poem using prompt 21 and I’m so proud of it. Comment if you want me to post it🤓
I bet the poem you wrote about prompt 21 is really good. I would like to read it please.
Mental prison, what a way to be trapped, being hidden, being snapped,
Clear glass is all i feel, apart from people, I hope I heal, I will never be equal,
I am different I am hurt raging currents people put on high alert but no one cares
No one dreads many tears I only have so many more threads
One day I’ll be gone but no one would care I will run away from the death chair
But until then
Mental prison what a way to be trapped being hidden being snapped
One day this will all blow away someday I will be molded out of clay but until then I will be lead astray
This is so darn awesome. It’s so deep and evokes the deepest of feelings🥰
I wrote almost the same thing omg I’m turning it into a contest entry
Inspired by No. 1! I am completely new to poetry, but I love it so much already! Here it is.
Perfection is Untouchable-
Perfection waiting, out of reach
Will I never touch it?
It always remain
Untouchable
No matter how hard I try
I will never quite reach
It will always remain
Though many people have tried
And seemed to have come close
But perfection’s not the goal
‘Cause we can’t quite grasp it
Perfection will always be
For all eternity
Looks like you are off to a great start!
Of Course, Silly Billy Me
”Well shit, I guess I lost my opportunity” the youngster retort
You see, for him, it’s all about his hurt – but she’s so educated, knows more about the rules of English than the rest of us.
Thus, to me she said… You cannot use curse words in a court report… you need to paraphrase his quote.
Into her spastic face I smiled – and pled my case
If you were my English professor back in the day, I could only imagine how much further in life I would have been…
”Don’t you mean farther in life?”
Of course, silly billy me.
This poem is called Secret Keeper and was inspired by #92. I hope you like it.
Everyone has a secret, Whether it be their own, Or someone else’s, We all have one.
But what if, You met someone, Who had a secret so big, That telling anyone would lead to horrible things.
And what if, That person told someone, And what they told them, Was more horrible than anything they could have ever imagined.
What if, That person told everyone, And when the parents, Of the kid with the secret found out, They were furious.
What if, They kept doing horrible things, Even though everyone knew, Even though they knew it was wrong.
And finally, What if, No one ever helped, The little kid with the biggest secret.
On number 28 : Poision I wrote a poem for it and would like to share it. The poision of friends and love
Beaten,she lies there. For they may be mistaken. Laughter rings throughout the school halls; a pure disaster. The dissapearence of parents hast caused this yet no one stops it. “Your a disgrace!” She heard them say. While in place she cries “I don’t belong here! Perhaps im out of place..” But she is not misplaced rather.. Shes lost in space.
I miss when you called me baby And I was in your arms saftely I know we drive eachother crazy But I miss callin you my baby
Those restless nights when I couldn’t sleep You calmed me down with your technique Always reminded me I’m strong not weak If only I let you speak
My heart only beats for you My feelings for you only grew You understood what I was going through I will never regret knowing you
Your smile melted my heart I wish we could restart And I could be apart Of a man I see as a work of art!
Stary night painting poem I guess ill call it
I raised my paint brush to my canvas So I could help people understand this This feeling of emotion for this painting has spoken I see the light as opportunity As for the whole thing it symbolizes unity The swirls degnify elegance and uncertainty For this painting executes this perfectly Where as my paintings let me adress Everything I feel I need to express!
#56 WHITE NOISE Faded away In the background Unheard Not visible
Eardrums splitting from the screams Yet none seem to care Can even hear my cries for help? For I am screaming as loud as I can
Are you? For all we hear Are whispers in here
Fading away in the background Unheard, invisible Yet it’s there, not loud enough Not noticeable, but there White noise Blank and pure In the background Faded away, yet so clear.
Just need to listen So open your ears She’s screaming for help But it’s muted to your ears
So open ’em up And listen to the calls For faded away, in the background Not visible, but clear. White Noise. It’s there.
Hi guys, I’m kind of late joining in. I read the prompts and the poems posted and this community is a creative bunch. I liked #35 People You Have Known. I want to share it with you guys.
Bern, a friend from grade school was my seat mate as well Rob had always teased me so my young life was hell Neesa was pretty, she knew that she was my crush Miss Homel, our teacher was always in a rush Played ball with Buco and I got hit on my head Fell in love with Cia, dreamt of her in my bed Had a tattoo with Marcus and called it “The Day” Chub challenged me to eat two pies, I said, “No way” I had to go far away so I wrote to Charie In this new place I found a friend in Perry My Grandma Leng passed away, she was a doll My grumpy uncle, Uncle Zar was teased by all These people have touched my life for worse or better Won’t be forgotten, be remembered forever
I hope that you liked it. Thanks guys. Thanks Think Written.
#37 fix it Still new to poems, and I haven’t written one in a while. Criticism is welcome because I need some more inspiration since I haven’t been getting any.
This is the body repair shop where we fix humans that have stopped how may we help you?
the girl stumbled upon the front door and spilled her list of regrets out into the open
“we’re sorry, miss” “but i’m afraid your first kiss will just be a dear old reminisce”
“your heart is also one that cannot be mended” “for every shattered piece- their lives just simply ended” the sewing kit can’t sew the fragments of her heart back because there were way too many to backtrack
she cried her heart out and it went “plop!” her tears like a river and like a lightbulb flickering its last light she too, took her last breath and was put to death
This is the body repair shop where we fix humans that have stopped “it seems we have failed again today” “sorry we’ll just try harder again another day”
I did poetry prompt #7. I wrote about the street I grew up on. Luverne Luverne, I moved onto you at the age of three. We like to race up and down your pavement road, either biking or running. You keep safe the house that I grew up in, one that has six humans and three dogs. You shelter other houses, too, that hold family friends and best friends to last a lifetime.
Luverne, we love you.
-Margaret McMahon
I was inspired by the prompt poison. Monster Roses are beautiful and delicate, but flawed.
Every rose has thorns that cause you to bleed.
Its innocence and beauty draws you in.
Only then when you touch it, it poisons you.
Am I really such an ugly monster, that plants pain an watches it spread?
I would say no.
Wouldn’t we all?
But maybe, just maybe a rose doesn’t notice it’s thorns.
-Lilliana Pridie
You said you’re only just starting?! That was sooo good! No criticism here. 🙂
Sorry, that was meant for “Ash” but yours was amazing too! 🙂
Prompt number 8: Street signs STOP Stop look and listen Stop at the corner Stop at the red light Stop for pedestrians Stop for cyclists Stop for animals Stop doing that Stop drop and roll Stop doing something else Stop shouting Stop whispering Stop talking Stop being quiet Stop posting cute cat videos Stop forgetting your appointments Stop making plans without me Stop eating all the yummies Stop running Stop the insanity Stop shopping Stop the never-ending commentary in my head Stop stopping Stop
Thanks for making this site and all its suggestions and especially this space to post our work, available!
I wrote from prompt #72 about moonlight. Shining down like a spotlight, Illuminating everything around you. The pure white light, Paint your surroundings in a soft glow. The round ball in the sky, speckled with craters like the freckles on your face. Looking down upon the sleeping earth, A nightlight for those still awake, a nightlight for you. Guides you, pulls you, lulls you towards it. It caresses your face with the light, casting away the shadows of the night.
I liked it I just wrote a small poem dedicated to my tutor and tutor just loved it .I used 21 good bye . I liked it really.😊
I just took up writing so bear with me.
Based on #72 “Moonlight”
A full bed Just the left side filled Soft, cold, baby blue sheets wrap around bare feet
She sweetly invites herself in Dressing the dark in a blue hue through cypress filled air, like 5 A.M. drives in January on the misty Northern coast.
Damp hair dances across grey skin, Waltzing with the breeze to Radiohead’s “How to Disappear Completely”
Euphoria slow dances with Tranquility Heavy eyes give in to sleep
Ladder to the Sky I want to climb the ladder to the sky I’m sure all would be well and that I could fly The ladder would be sturdy but still give me a fright Because looking down I’ll realized I’ve climbed many heights The higher I climb the greater the fall The greater the fall, the greater the sprawl But if i ever get to the sky up high I would be sure to hug you and say “goodbye” Once I’ve climbed the ladder I’ll know Sometimes its okay to look far down below Life is full of failure but soon I’ll find Happiness is a place, and not of the mind We all have ladders to climb and lives to live We all have a little piece of us that we can give Because when we climb that ladder to the sky We should think “No, life never passed me by”
Hi Ray, I love your piece.It gives one courage to face the challenges of live and move on.
Thanks for sharing the prompts Chelle Stein. I wrote this sometimes ago before coming to this site and I believed prompts #1 and #88 inspired my writing it. kindly help me vet it and give your criticism and recommendation. It is titled “SHADOW”.
My shadow your shadow My reflection your reflection My acts your acts
No one sees me,no one sees you Programmed by the Ubiquitous, To act as our bystander in realism
Virtuous iniquitous rises on that day To vindicate to incriminate My deeds your deeds.
Thanks for the seemingly endless amounts of writing prompts. I’ve been working on a poem, but it isn’t much.
She’s got my head spinning, Around and around; She’s all I think about, I can’t help but wondering, Does she feel the same?
Of course not, I’m just a fool; I’m nothing special, Just another person; Bland and dull.
How could a girl like her, love a guy like me? But the way she looks at me, Her smile, I can’t help but to feel flustered; Is this just my imagination?
It must be.
Wow! That’s exactly how I feel! Amazing poem!
Thanks so much, I’m glad you like it. 🙂
A massive thank you to thinkwritten.com for these amazing prompts. Some of these prompts have now formed the basis of my upcoming poetry collection (Never Marry a Writer) scheduled for release on January 1 2021. I will also be leaving a “Thank you” message for this website in the acknowledgements section. You have inspired a whole poetry collection out of nowhere which is highly commendable. So booktiful that!
That is wonderful news!
So I didn’t use any of the prompts but I wanted some feedback on this; it’s not great but I’m working on improving my writing skills
I am a girl who is broken easily and loves music I wonder if things will ever be normal again I hear light screaming through the darkness I want freedom from the chains trapping me in my fear I am a girl who is broken easily and loves music
I pretend to float in the ocean, letting the waves carry me away from reality I feel a presence of hope like a flame on my bare skin I touch the eye of a storm, grasping the stillness it brings I worry about wars that a spreading like wildfires I cry when I’m not with the people I love I am a girl who is broken easily and loves music
I understand feeling hopeless when you have no control over what is happening I say our differences make us special I dream to be a nurse, to help others when they can’t help themselves I try to do my best in everything I hope that all mankind will stop fighting and live in peace I am a girl who is broken easily and loves music
HELLO EVERYONE.. THIS SITE IS JUST WOW, AS AND WHEN I WAS OUT OF TOPICS OR WAS NOT ABLE TO THINK UPON IT ..IT HELPED ME A LOT WITH HINTS TO BEGIN WITH MY ANOTHER POEM .. I M NOT A PROFESSIONAL WRITER BUT JUST A STARTER AND A STUDENT OF 12TH DIVISION.. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ONE OF MY SPECIAL CREATION , ALTHOUGH NOT FROM THIS SITE. HOPE YOU ALL WILL LIKE IT.
AU REVOIR GOODBYE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, I BID U FAREWELL UNTIL WE TIE AGAIN, SEE YOU SOON , SEE YOU AGAIN, LETS SAY GOODBYE FOR A BETTER DAY.
THE FIRE THAT BURNS IN OUR HEART , THE MEMORIES THAT PRESERVES OUR PAST. ITS NOT THE GOODBYE THAT WRENCH THE HEART , BUT THE FLASHBACKS THAT HAVE PASSED.
I RECOLLECT AND RECOUNT , MOMENTS THAT ARE HALF FADED AND RENOWNED, I ALWAYS FEEL SO CHARMED, THAT I HAVE SOMETHING, WHICH MAKES ME SAYING GOODBYE SO DAMN HARD.
TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE, WALK ON THE STREETS WITH GOLDEN TRAILS. FOR I M NOT GONNA WAIL, BECAUSE I KNOW I WILL MEET YOU SOON ON THE FORTHCOMING DAY.
I wrote a poem based on #101.
Thank you so much for the inspiration!!
And then it was there. What I had been missing. What is it? You may ask. Well, it’s quite simple actually. It’s the joy of music. It’s the joy of sitting down and making music. It’s the joy you feel when you look up at people admiring you. The joy you see in peoples’ eyes. I don’t know why I ever stopped that. The piano sat on the stage. Dusty and untouched. It’d been decades since I’ve seen it. I haven’t come to this stage since I lost her. After the concert. The last time I ever heard her voice. And yet here I am years and years later. Knowing why I haven’t been happy in so long. Of course pain is always gonna be there, But as I played a soft note on the piano, All of it seemed to disappear. It was as if all the weight on my shoulders got lifted. The melodious notes resonated around the hall. And for a few moments, I forgot about all the pain. I forgot about the tears. I forgot about the heartache. And as the last notes echoed around the hall, I was truly happy.
Prompt #92: Coming home with secrets
My mother’s radio sits in the balcony And it greets me with electric static Coming to this sheltering home is somewhat problematic Cause the walls are too thin, and it’s back to reality. Back to the running water that conceals the noise of cracks Crumbling behind my peeling mask, holding my face with wax An unraveled thread masking the makeup smile of a wakeup call That runs down to my chin and I keep under wraps. I take invitations to the mall, yet the space around me seems so small Nevertheless, I show my teeth with a big, shiny grin And suck a trembling breath through their thin slit Happy to wear tight jeans, to stop me from an embarrassing fall. The bath hurts on my skin, but even more to protect screams from the halls My head floats in the water, but feels trapped in its walls It cracks my head open with all these secrets inside me Before a blink of an eye, to my room I’d already flee. Not to the radio playing static or streets that won’t let me be But to under the blankets, where no one can really see The struggle to be a walking, talking, breathing secret That was thrown to the ocean in a bottle, wishing to be free. However, the words untold keep coming like ever so frequent Like adrenalized filled cops in pursue of an escapee delinquent All the more, my doppelganger and I have come to an agreement To take these secrets to our grave, that we nowadays call home.
Recipe for Happiness
Start with friendship, Then add time, A dash of humor, And forgotten binds. Mix it up, Till blended well, And make sure, To remember the smell. Put that bowl, To the side, Grab a new one, Add grateful sighs. Then add family, And a smile, Then sit back, And mix awhile. To that bowl, Add a laugh, A cheerful cry, And blissful past. Whip until, There’s heavy peaks, Then pour in, What we all seek. Combine the two, Then mix it well, Spray the pan, And pour it out. Cherish the memory, The beautiful scent, Of unity, And happiness.
My mother died when I was younger so this poem is about me sitting on the lawn at night shortly after she passed away. I was imagining better times, which is why in my poem I talk about how the girl is imagining ‘walking on the moon’ and she is gripping the grass tight and trying to remember the warmth of her mothers palms.
Sitting in the blue black grass She’s walking on the moon Watching specks of silver dance To the mellow tune Her fingers gripping the grass so tight She can almost feel The warmth of her mothers palms
The winds cold fingers
The winds cold fingers Tousle with my hair Loosening the soil My sobs are carried away on the wind
I would love to share this list (credited to you) with students participating in a virtual library program on poetry. Would that be possible/acceptable? These are great!
Wow! Thank you so much for all these awesome prompts! I’ve written two poems already!
Prompt #1 AND #15, untouchable and less than 25 words. i’m lowk popping off??
Apollo Commands the sun, which squints so brightly, scorches and freckles. i want her hand on mine. searing pain fears, still i reach out, and bubble.
I looked at the word “Duct tape” And thought about it. Its not anywhere in this poem at all but it inspired it yk?
Feathers are Soft
Feathers are soft People aren’t
Plushies are soft People aren’t
Pillows are soft People aren’t
People are mean Not nice Not joyful
well my poem is only loosely based on the second prompt because I found I had too much to say about Sundays. I would love to share it with you but these comments don’t support links.
Inspired by number 55 in list of poetry suggestions. Poem to song guitar chords. —————————————————-
Carnegie Hall
D I was feeling ecstatic G when I went to the attic A and found my auld busking D guitar
D But I felt consternation G I disturbed hibernation A at first it seemed quite D bazaar
D When I blew off the dust G it smelt like old must A but t’was time to give it a D bar
D It was then I heard flapping G which sounded like clapping A my first ever round of D applause
D It stayed with the beat G while tapping my feet A I kept playing despite all my D flaws
D I took early retirement G though not a requirement A “Bad Buskers” all get D menopause
D I’m strumming the strings G and the echo it rings A but no jingling of coins as they D fall
D So I play here alone G as to what I was prone A never made it to Carnegie D Hall
D Time to call it a day G as they used to say A for no encores or no curtain D call
D There’s a butterfly G in my guitar
D There’s a butterfly G in my guitar.
Finn Mac Eoin
23rd July 2022
I love this Finn, where can we listen to your song?
Hello I wrote this in remberence of 9/11. Its now sitting in ground zero. A ordinary day to start Same as any other Dad goes off to work again, Child goes with their mother. Vibrant busy city, busses, cars galore Workers in the offices, from bottom to top floor. Throughout our life situations Hard times often do arise, Unfortunatly we never think of saying last goodbyes. That’s exactly what happened on September 11th 2001 A day that turned the world so cold When tragedy begun. Twin towers has exploded Co ordinate attacks, Al-Qaeda behind the planes That seemed to be hijacked. Thousands were killed instantly Some lives hang by a thread, Calls were made to loved ones Onlookers face of dread. Fears & screams while running As smoke fills up the air, News reports on live tv Helplessly they stare. On the news we hear the voices of all who are caught inside, Lying next to injured ones Or sadly ones who died. One man makes a phone call My darling wife it’s me, I’m sorry that I upset you And that we disagreed. My offices have been attacked they’re crumbling to the ground, A massive explosion hit our floor then instantly no sound. If I do not make it I’m stating from the heart, I love you darling, & in your life I’m glad to play a part. Tell the kids daddy loves them Continue well at school, Stand up for all your beliefs Don’t be taken for a fool. The wife is crying down the line Darling please don’t go, I love you darling so so much I’ve always told you so. He replied my darling im feeling really kind of weak, Breathlessly he’s coughing, he can hardly speak. If you ever need me just look up to the stars, I will hear your voices And heal up any scars. Suddenly all was quiet The wife screams down the fone, Darling can you hear me, don’t leave me here alone. The towers live on tv start to crumble to the ground, Clouds of smoke then fill the air The world in shock no sound. Crying at the images of all who has lost their lives , Mums,dad’s , Nan’s & grandads, husbands & wives. Rescue teams included and all those left behind To All who were among them, all who did survive, All who were injured All who sadly died. Never in this lifetime that day will be the same For ground zero holds the memories Of every single name.
Those hero’s on that awful day who never thought about their life Who fought to save the innocent To keep each sole alive Those who were pulled to safety Those we lost in vein, Never be forgotten The pain will still remain We will never forget that tragedy For the days will never be the same. But may I say with all my heart In God we put our faith United we stand For eternity were safe Amen
This is a beautifully sad poem. You really wrote your way into my heart. <3
I wrote a poem inspired by number 72. Not really sticking to what it said but thought this was kinda close to what it said…
After dusk, the almost eternal night. The dark, winter sky, full of millions of tiny stars. The sky, a color of blue that seems darker than black.
Sunset, full of an array of colors. Purple, orange, pink, and yellow. Nearly all dark blue.
Right as dawn appears, practically the same sunset hours later. Light wispy clouds fill the sky. Orange, pink, and light blue diffuse in the sky as the sun awakens
Wrote one based off the recipe one (I don’t remember which number)
From the Kitchen of: any teenager ever For: Disaster Ingredients: Social anxiety Existential dread A crush Zero sense of self worth A single class together And no social cues
Steps: (Warning: Do NOT do this if your crush is not single) You’re going to try to talk to your crush. Just say hi. If that doesn’t work, don’t go forward with the rest of these steps. Once you’ve talked to your crush, overthink every single thing you said to them. Do it. Then you’re going to decide you’re stupid for overthinking it. Next, you’re going to wait until they begin speaking to you on their own accord. If they don’t, overthink some more. One day you will think your crush is waving to you in the hallway. They won’t be. They’ll be waving to their friends behind you. Play it cool and pretend you’re doing the exact same thing. Run into the bathroom and cringe at yourself. Keep talking to them and try to partner up with them for a project. If they say no, don’t continue further; you’ll only embarrass yourself. If they say yes, say you need their number for the project. Call them “about the project” and eventually segway into other topics. Continue doing this until you guys eventually call all the time for no reason. Ask them out. If they say no, do not, I repeat, do not act like it was a dare or a joke. It ruins everything. Say “oh okay. Well, can we still be friends?” and continue from that point. If they say yes, go on a date with them outside of school before asking them to be your partner. Eventually break up and either get your heartbroken or break someone else’s heart.
And that is how you make an average teenage disaster. Enjoy!
i wrote a poem from number 73: its tiled “perfect” I tried to be perfect I stared counting my calories And eating less And working out more I even spent time heaving over the toilet I tried to be perfect But every calorie i counted Every time I ate less everyday I spent working out and every moment I spent heaving over the toilet ended up turning to counting every calorie and heaving over that toilet after every meal trying to be perfect is pointless I don’t ever wish to be perfect again I don’t want to spend time heaving over that toilet again or counting those calories or eating less everyday to just try to be something that doesn’t exist anyone who try’s to be perfect will just be ruined like I was
#47 “overgrown” The roses look beautiful But they are so overgrown There’s weeds all around it Some are dying Some are living But they are so overgrown If I could pick the weeds And putting down weed killer Will it look better Will it help the ones that are dying But they are so overgrown The living ones are slowly dying Do I pick the weeds Or just leave them But they that will leave them to be so overgrown All the roses are dead now I killed them They were so overgrown that it killed them I should’ve picked the weeds So that they wouldn’t have been so overgrown
this is so sigma🙏🙏🙏
Title: Sometimes you have to let go Your arms around me I can see The tears dotting your eyelash Knowing this hug is our last I don’t want to let you go You whisper, leaning low I know The tears come Hot, sloppy, are some Words to describe As I lose my life I hear your cries And speak my last words: Sometimes you have to let go
I have written a terrible poem for each prompt for National Writing Month! 24k down and 26k more to go! Time to look for more prompts!
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8 Poetry Exercises to Help Your Creativity Flow
Writing is a lot like running: it goes over better if you stretch first. It’s not easy to dive into a blank page cold, and it can be frustrating to expect a full-fledged poem on your first try. Instead, get your mind moving and maybe shake a few ideas loose with one of these eight poetry exercises. Whether you like to rhyme, write in free verse, or perform spoken word, it’s helpful to give yourself a little warm-up before you’re off to the races.
Personal History
Look up the year you were born on Wikipedia, and you’ll find a long list of events. Choose a handful you find meaningful or interesting, even if you have to do a bit of research. Then, pick one to use as a jumping off point. You can take the fictional route and imagine being a participant or observer in the event, or a more literal one and imagine all the ways this historic event has affected (or not affected) your life.
Erasure (AKA, the blackout poem)
This exercise starts with a block of text, which can come from anywhere—the newspaper, a magazine, a book, the back of a cereal box. Use a pen to underline some of your favorite words in the block. Then use a marker, white out, or a pen to omit the words you don’t love. Let the words left help you form your next poem.
Make Metaphors (or similies)
If you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry about writing an entire poem at once. Whip out a notebook and just jot down some comparisons. Start by thumbing through a book of poems, or heading outside where you can observe nature, people, and traffic. Whatever metaphors or similies you find don’t have to be groundbreaking—they don’t even have to make sense! If you come back to your list another day, there’s a good chance you’ll find at least one of those thoughts inspirational.
Sensory Observations
If you feel your creative well is running dry, slow down and pay some extra attention to the world around you. With a notebook in hand, venture out and make five sensory observations for each of your five senses. For example, in a subway station, you might see white square tiles, strangers, empty chairs, a forgotten umbrella, and graffiti. It’s easy to overlook the charming, interesting, or even haunting images that exist in your surroundings.
Alliteration lists
Create a list of word pairs or phrases using alliteration (or assonance, if you prefer). They key to making this exercise work is to not overthink it. Even if a word doesn’t fit perfectly within your alliteration or assonance rules, write it down. Let the sound of each word lead you to the next. You might be inspired mid-activity and just start writing, or you might need to sleep on it for a night and revisit your list with fresh eyes.
Synonym lists
Much like alliteration lists, synonym lists are like a good stretch before a sprint. Start with one word, then write down as many synonyms as you can, even if they’re not a perfect match. For example, the word bored could lead you to blasé, apathetic, disenchanted, jaded, lukewarm, world-weary, and so on. And don’t be afraid to use a thesaurus! Each synonym presents various shades of meaning, and you might find yourself zeroing in on a particular mood through an uncommon synonym.
Imagine you’re someone else
Whether it’s King Henry the VII, Amy Winehouse, or your next door neighbor, try imagining what life is like in someone else’s shoes. Not only is this a good practice of empathy, but it can help you get out of your own head. Try writing a poem from their perspective.
Dust off some old poems you maybe hid away in a shoebox, or a seventh-grade homework assignment your family once hung on the fridge. You may appreciate how far your writing has come, or be surprised at how your perspective has changed. Whether you find a few gems or key phrases in your work or have an encounter with an old memory, it can be inspiring to revisit the past.
There are plenty more ways to get those creative juices flowing, you just have to be willing to explore. The important thing is this: don’t worry about forcing a poem out on the first try. Get out of your own way and give yourself some room to play, wander, and even fail. Even if an exercise feels silly, you might be surprised by what new ideas strike you later.
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20 Easy Poetry Writing Prompts and Exercises
Although I mostly write fiction now, I started out writing poems. My MFA is even in poetry. I’ve taught beginning poetry workshops at university and also in some fairly unusual settings.
I know a lot of people can use ideas for poems, poetry writing prompts, and inspiration. Even if you write poetry all the time, one of these idea starters might spark your muse or take your writing in a fresh direction. And if you’re a teacher—whether you teach creative writing, English, or grade school—you might be able to adapt one of these for your class!
My favorite thing about poetry is that there aren’t any real rules about how to write a poem. When you find your creative inspiration—whether it’s love, life, or something else—you can just let the words flow. (You can always shape it up later.)
Here are some idea starters, prompts, and exercises that have worked for me before as a poet. You might want to pin or bookmark them for future reference!
1. Pick a song on your iPod, phone, or a playlist at random and let it influence you as you quickly write a first draft of a poem.
2. Go to a café, library, or fast food restaurant. Sit where you can see the door. Write a poem about the next person who walks in.
3. You can also do this in a public place where there are a lot of people talking: write a poem based on an overheard conversation.
4. Write a poem about a wild animal. Mary Oliver, who passed away recently and who was such a great talent and inspiration, has written many poems like this, including “The Hermit Crab,” “ The Shark ,” and “ Wild Geese .”
5. Write a poem inspired by a piece of art. (By the way, the word for a poem or literary work inspired by visual art is ekphrasis . Pretty cool, right?)
6. Write a poem with a refrain: a line or a few lines that repeat, like the chorus of a song.
7. This isn’t the easiest poetry-writing exercise…but I’ve gotten some good poems this way!
Set your alarm for two hours earlier than you usually wake up. Put a notebook and pen next to your bed. When you wake up, free-write for about fifteen minutes. (“Free-writing” means “writing down whatever pops into your head, without thinking too hard about it.”) If you woke up in the middle of a dream, use the dream as inspiration; otherwise, just write whatever comes into your head. Go back to sleep. Later, turn your free-writing into a poem.
8. Write a poem that’s an open letter to a whole group of people.
9. Write a poem that’s a set of directions or instructions.
10. Write a poem about a food. The poet Kevin Young has many examples to inspire you, including “Ode to Gumbo”:
11. Write a poem in which every line begins with the same word. You can change that in revision…or maybe you won’t want to.
12. For this one, you’ll need to either write in a notebook or journal, or on your phone. Go to a store that would be a weird place to write a poem—like a convenience store, a department store, or a drugstore—and write a quick poem.
13. Write a poem that focuses on one color. Federico García Lorca’s poem “Somnambulist Ballad,” translated from the Spanish, or Diane Wakoski’s poem “Blue Monday” might inspire you.
14. Pretend you’re a fictional character from a book, movie, or TV show. Write a poem in their voice.
15. Write an acrostic poem. The first letter of each line spells out a word vertically down the left-hand side of the page. Even for serious poets who would never try to publish an acrostic poem, this is a great exercise to get creative juices flowing.
16. lose your eyes, flip through a book, and put your finger on a page. Whatever word you’re pointing at, use it as a poem title and write that poem.
17. Write a poem late at night, by hand, by candlelight.
18. Fill a page with free-writing using your non-dominant hand. This can help you tap into less rational, more creative thought patterns.
19. Write a poem with very long lines. Walt Whitman’s collection Leaves of Grass might inspire you.
20. Write a poem saying goodbye to someone or something. It could be a happy poem, a sad poem, or both.
I hope you enjoyed this list of creative writing exercises and poetry prompts!
Would you like some more ideas? My book 5,000 Writing Prompts has 80 more poetry-writing exercises in addition to the ones on this list, plus hundreds of master plots by fiction genre, dialogue and character prompts, and much more.
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Do you have a method or exercise that inspires you? Let us know in the comments! I’ve said it before, but I learn so much from the comment section, and I always appreciate it. Thanks for reading, and happy writing!
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13 thoughts on “ 20 easy poetry writing prompts and exercises ”.
I took a class I thought was on creative writing but the instructor turned out to be a poet. She had us write a short story about a snow storm. She gave us specific things that had to be in it, like a snow shovel and various other objects. Over the next few meeting we condensed the story down until we had the basis for a poem. At the end of the semester, after we had moved on to other things, she asked me if she could submit my poem in a contest for submission in the school’s literary publication. I did not win butI I was thrilled to be nominated. I did however, have a haiku poem in that publication. At the time, I was disappointed the class was slanted more to poetry than creative writing, but what I learned there helped me win some poetry contests along my journey.
Bonnie, I love it that something that started out disappointing turned out to have a silver lining! We really do learn from all kinds of writing.
Thank you for sharing this wealth of information! I have many methods of exercise when it comes to writing. Being creative in other ventures helps my writing and helps me move past “blocks.” I will write poetry or listen to music, but I find the most helpful is being outside, in my garden or simply playing fetch with my dog and looking around at nature to inspire me.
Hi, Savannah! Being outside inspires me, too, and it’s really easy for me to forget about that. I’m so glad you brought that up!
What a wonderful list. While I don’t (can’t?) write poetry, I do enjoy reading it. I had to laugh at #18. When I write with my non-dominant (left) hand I tend to write backward. Others need a mirror to read it, but I don’t. I will be back to try out a couple of your prompts. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jo! I think anyone can write poetry, but that doesn’t mean everyone enjoys it, of course! That’s funny about writing backwards with your left hand—I don’t think I could do that if I tried. Thanks for reading, and commenting!
Thanks, for sharing this, and I took a creative writinh class in college and even found a website that has all sorts of poetry styles, and forms with examples of each one and definitions as well. It definitely helped me with my poetry, and I also read two books on wriing poetry as well.
Thank you so much!
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30 Creative Poetry Writing Exercises to Spark Your Imagination
Are you looking to take your poetry writing to the next level? Whether you're a seasoned poet or just starting out, these creative writing exercises will ignite your inspiration & help you write unique, engaging poems. Dive into these 30 fun & thought-provoking prompts to get your creative juices flowing!
1. Word Association
Write a poem where each line starts with the next word you associate with the last word of the previous line. Let your mind wander & see where it takes you!
2. Synesthesia
Describe a scene using senses that don't typically apply. For example, "the sound of her smile" or "the taste of sunlight."
3. Erasure Poetry
Take a page from a book, magazine, or newspaper & create a poem by erasing words, leaving behind only those that form a new, cohesive piece.
4. Ekphrasis
Write a poem inspired by a piece of art or photograph. Focus on the visual details & the emotions they evoke.
5. Persona Poem
Write from the perspective of a non-human entity, such as an animal, an inanimate object, or an abstract concept.
6. Dialogue
Write a poem in the form of a dialogue between two characters, real or imagined.
7. Found Poetry
Use words & phrases from various sources like street signs, menus, or advertisements to construct a poem.
8. Haiku Chain
Write a series of linked haikus that tell a story or explore a single theme.
9. Reverse Poem
Write a poem that can be read both forwards and backwards, with different meanings in each direction.
10. Memory Box
Write about a significant memory, focusing on the sensory details & emotions it brings up.
11. List Poem
Create a poem in the form of a list, such as "Things I’ve Lost" or "Reasons to Smile."
12. Metaphor Challenge
Write a poem using a single extended metaphor throughout.
13. Letter Poem
Compose a poem in the form of a letter to someone you know, someone you admire, or even to yourself.
14. Contradictions
Explore contradictions or paradoxes in a poem, such as "the beauty in sadness" or "the chaos in order."
15. Seasonal Reflections
Write a poem that captures the essence of your favorite season, using vivid imagery & personal reflections.
16. Dream Journal
Write a poem based on a dream you remember vividly, capturing its surreal & fragmented nature.
17. Sensory Swap
Describe a common experience (like eating a meal or walking in the rain) but swap the usual senses (e.g., tasting colors, hearing flavors).
18. Pantoum
Write a pantoum, a poetic form where the second & fourth lines of each stanza become the first & third lines of the next.
19. Unexpected Similes
Use unexpected or unusual similes throughout your poem (e.g., "like a whisper in a thunderstorm").
20. Emotional Inventory
Write a poem that catalogs a range of emotions you’ve felt over a specific period, detailing the moments that triggered them.
21. Alphabet Poem
Write a poem where each line or stanza starts with the next letter of the alphabet.
22. Personification
Give human characteristics to an inanimate object or abstract idea & write a poem from its perspective.
23. Imaginary Travel
Write about traveling to a place you've never been but have always wanted to visit, incorporating imagined sights, sounds, & experiences.
24. Shadow & Light
Explore the concepts of shadow & light in a poem, both literally & metaphorically.
25. Social Media Snapshot
Write a poem based on a snapshot or post from social media, imagining the story behind the image or text.
26. Incomplete Sentences
Start each line with an incomplete sentence, leaving it open to interpretation & completion by the reader.
27. Mixed Media
Write a poem inspired by listening to a piece of music, watching a movie scene, or reading a news article.
28. Epistolary Poem
Compose a series of short poems in the form of letters to different people or entities, real or fictional.
29. Color Palette
Choose a color & write a poem that evokes that color through imagery, emotions, & memories associated with it.
30. Historical Event
Write a poem about a historical event, focusing on the personal experiences of someone living through it.
Ready to Get Started?
Poetry is all about expressing your unique voice. These exercises are designed to push your creative boundaries & help you discover new ways to tell your story. So grab your notebook, pick a prompt, & start writing today!
Share Your Work!
If you find these prompts helpful, share your poems with us! Tag us on social media or drop a comment below with your creations. Happy writing!
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The ultimate guide for poets: from writing to performing & everything in between.
7 Creative Poetry Exercises: Exercises for Every Skill Level
r. A. bentinck
Time to Read:
Creative Poetry Exercises
Writing poetry is like painting with words, where every brushstroke counts.
For young poets and those eager to sharpen their writing skills, finding fresh and inspiring ways to create can make all the difference.
Whether you’re just beginning or looking to grow your craft, here are some creative poetry exercises to help you get started, along with insightful tips from experts and poets.
Key Takeaways
- Creative exercises give poets the space to experiment with language.
- Different structures, like haikus and ekphrastic poetry , provide unique ways to express emotions.
- Writing from another perspective helps build empathy and brings fresh angles to poetry.
- Word banks and list poems can surprise you with new connections and insights.
Why Start with Creative Poetry Exercises?
Poetry exercises offer a playground for your imagination, where ideas can bounce around freely.
Poet William Wordsworth once said, “Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.”
Exercises allow us to channel these feelings and thoughts into unique pieces. It’s a way to experiment, grow, and understand the structure and freedom of poetry .
Top Poetry Exercises for Building Skills and Creativity
1. word bank free write.
Goal : Expand your vocabulary and jumpstart your creativity.
How it works : Gather a list of random words—ten to fifteen words is a good start. These words could be anything that comes to mind or words that inspire you. Now, set a timer for five minutes and write a poem that uses every word in your list. Try not to think too much—just let the words guide you. This helps you break free from typical patterns and find new connections in your writing.
Example : If your word bank includes sunshine , hope , whisper , stream , and dream , you might end up with a line like, “In a stream of sunshine, hope whispers dreams to life.”
2. Found Poetry from Books and Magazines
Goal : Discover inspiration in existing words and create fresh meaning.
How it works : Pick up a book , magazine, or even a newspaper. Select random sentences, phrases, or words that catch your attention. Arrange them into a poem. Found poetry allows you to focus on word choices and rhythm in a new way. According to poet Austin Kleon, this method can help “reframe the ordinary into something extraordinary.”
Tip : Try combining words that wouldn’t normally go together—this can spark surprising and unique ideas!
3. Haiku Challenge
Goal : Learn to express powerful emotions in a few words.
How it works : Haikus are short, three-line poems with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Because of their structure, they teach you to be concise and deliberate with each word. Haikus traditionally focus on nature, but you can write about anything that inspires you. Haikus are great for beginners because they don’t require rhyming or a complex structure.
“Falling leaves whisper, stories of days long ago, in crisp autumn air.”
4. Ekphrastic Poetry: Writing from Art
Goal : Use visual art to spark poetic ideas.
How it works : Choose a piece of art—a painting, photograph, or even a sculpture. Spend a few moments studying it, taking in every color, shape, and detail. Now, write a poem about what you see and feel . This type of poetry, called “ ekphrastic poetry ,” has been around since ancient Greece and helps you learn to describe emotions vividly.
Famous example : John Keats’ “Ode on a Grecian Urn” is a classic ekphrastic poem inspired by a piece of ancient art.
5. Write to Music
Goal : Use rhythm and sound to inspire words.
How it works : Put on a piece of instrumental music—classical or jazz works well, as it lacks distracting lyrics . Close your eyes , listen carefully, and let the music guide your words . Write down whatever comes to mind as you listen, focusing on the emotions the music stirs up.
This exercise can help poets break away from everyday thoughts and explore new moods or tones. Music can act as a “creative muse,” says Dr. Mark Runco, an expert in creativity.
6. List Poem
Goal : Learn to develop a theme and dive deeper into specific ideas.
How it works : Pick a topic and start listing everything that comes to mind when you think of it. This topic could be a place, like a beach, or an abstract idea, like love or fear. Organize your list into lines, making each one a little different from the last. List poems are fun to write and can often feel like streams of consciousness.
“Love is a whisper in the dark, A spark on a cold winter night, A sunrise that melts away fear.”
7. Write a Persona Poem
Goal : Step into someone else’s shoes to explore new perspectives.
How it works : A persona poem is written from someone else’s perspective. Choose a character—real or imaginary—and write from their point of view. This could be a historical figure, like a king or a famous artist, or even an object, like a tree or an old building. Persona poems help you see the world through a different lens and build empathy.
Concluding Thoughts on Creative Poetry Exercises
Poetry exercises are powerful tools to awaken the creative spirit within us.
Through these simple yet meaningful practices, anyone can find their voice, improve their writing, and build confidence in expressing themselves.
As Maya Angelou said, “A poet’s work is to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world, and stop it from going to sleep.”
So pick an exercise, start writing, and let your imagination soar!
FAQ About Creative Poetry Exercises
How often should i practice poetry exercises.
Practice as often as you like! Aim for at least two or three times a week. Like any skill, the more you practice, the more comfortable and creative you’ll become.
Can I modify the exercises to fit my style?
Absolutely! Exercises are a starting point. Feel free to adapt them or combine different techniques to match your creative voice.
What if I don’t like what I wrote?
That’s okay! Not every piece will be perfect. Exercises are about exploration. Set aside anything you’re unsure about—you might like it more later, or it could spark new ideas.
Are there any famous poets who recommend poetry exercises?
Yes! Many poets, like Billy Collins and Mary Oliver, have emphasized the importance of exercises for finding inspiration and building skills.
- Parrish, S. M. (1999, May 4). William Wordsworth | Biography, Facts, Daffodils, & Poems . Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Wordsworth
- Lab, P. (2024, October 9). Ekphrasis Poetry: a multigenre journey you can see — The Poetry Lab . The Poetry Lab. https://www.thepoetrylab.com/resourcecenter/marilyn-ramirez/ekphrasis-poetry-a-multigenre-journey-you-can-see
- Kramer, L. (2022, August 9). How to write a haiku, with examples . How to Write a Haiku, With Examples | Grammarly Blog. https://www.grammarly.com/blog/creative-writing/how-to-write-haiku/
- Using music to write poetry . (2021, November 23). PoetrySoup.com. https://www.poetrysoup.com/article/using_music_to_write_poetry-4518
- Noall, R. R. (2024, September 21). What is a List Poem? – From Whispers to Roars. From Whispers to Roars . https://www.fromwhisperstoroars.com/list-poem/
- Glatch, S. (2023, May 5). Persona Poetry: How to write a persona poem . Writers.com. https://writers.com/how-to-write-a-persona-poem
Bentinck is a bestselling author in Caribbean and Latin American Poetry, he is a multifaceted individual who excels as both an artist and educator.
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Aug 16, 2021 · Writing poetry is an exercise in patience, passion, and perseverance. From mining your surroundings to playing with literary devices, here are some exercises to help stimulate your imagination. Writer’s block plagues writers of all kinds, but perhaps none more so than poets.
Dec 10, 2024 · Spark your creativity with these 10 inspiring poetry writing exercises. Break free from writer's block and get those poetic juices flowing!
Mar 24, 2023 · These poetry prompts are designed to help you keep a creative writing practice. If you’re staring at a blank page and the words aren’t flowing, the creative writing prompts for poems can be a great way to get started!
Jan 9, 2025 · Instead, get your mind moving and maybe shake a few ideas loose with one of these eight poetry exercises. Whether you like to rhyme, write in free verse, or perform spoken word, it’s helpful to give yourself a little warm-up before you’re off to the races.
Jan 21, 2019 · When you find your creative inspiration—whether it’s love, life, or something else—you can just let the words flow. (You can always shape it up later.) Here are some idea starters, prompts, and exercises that have worked for me before as a poet. You might want to pin or bookmark them for future reference! 1.
Jul 25, 2024 · Whether you're a seasoned poet or just starting out, these creative writing exercises will ignite your inspiration & help you write unique, engaging poems. Dive into these 30 fun & thought-provoking prompts to get your creative juices flowing!
Whether you’re just beginning or looking to grow your craft, here are some creative poetry exercises to help you get started, along with insightful tips from experts and poets.