Poems can be written about whatever. refer to Prompts posted below. vv
We want our writing to feel genuine, and to connect with our readers to the point where they can visualize our words in their heads.
Concrete vs Abstract. A concrete detail/image is one that is grounded in a tangible idea, example and/or descriiption; a concrete detail is sometimes referred to as a specific detail and often it is also a sensory detail. An abstract detail/image has language and examples that are conceptual and have multiple interpretations.
Examples:
Concrete: The plant just barely brushed the bottom of my knee; its flower was broad as my face, and its stem as thick as my pinky.
Abstract: The plant was tall, it’s stem was thick, and the flower had a beauty that reminded me of love.
Helpful links –
https://powerpoetry.org/content/tips-writing-concretevisual-poetry
https://www.oprah.com/spirit/12-ways-to-write-a-poem
Poetry Prompts – !!!!!!!
1) Write a poem about one or all of the four seasons. (Some ideas for brainstorming: What does the season look, feel, smell like? What memories do you associate with that season?).
2) Write a poem using three of the following words: expensive, lampshade, bruise, convincing.
3) Write a poem about something that happened to someone you know. Write about it as if it had happened to you.
4) Write a poem about your shadow. (Some ideas for brainstorming: How does it change when you move? What does it look like in different kinds of light, in different situations? What would happen if you lost it? Does it have a secret life?)
5) Write a poem using all of the following words: smooth, soothe, work, dark.
6) Write a poem based on a dream you had. Try to reproduce the sensations of the dream.
7) Write a poem based on your belief about life after death… or about what you WISH you believed.
8) Write a poem using all of the following words: snake, honey, thaw.
9) Write a poem from the perspective of a character in a fairy tale.
10) Write a poem using all of the following words: moth, angle, cloth, tangle.
11) Write a poem that tells the story of a specific love affair or marriage.
12) Write a poem in the form of a message or letter to your future self.
13) Write a poem about the color red or another color. (Some ideas for brainstorming: How does the color make you feel? What things do you associate with that color?)
14) Write a poem about a place that frightens you or a place where you feel happy. Try to recreate the feeling of the place.
15) Write a poem using all of the following words: exquisite, visit, glisten.
16) Write a poem about something or someone you lost.
17) Write a poem using all of the following words: dim, hinge, dingy.
19) Write a poem in the form of a lullaby.
20) Write a poem about yourself in which nothing is true.
