Author: Cindy Faughnan

This challenge is from Kelly’s blog. Be sure to check it out.

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” Does that line ring a bell? It’s little Zuzu enlightening her parents, George and Mary Bailey, in It’s a Wonderful Life (one of my favorite holiday pics). This time of year zillions of angels must get wings because Bells are Ringing! (another one of my favorites). In the spirit of the season, let’s get ringing!

Poetry Challenge #15
Ring My Bell!

Bells come in many shapes and sizes, with so many different uses, and sounds!
Begin by listing as many bells as come to mind. Here are a few to get you started: Sleigh bells, steeple bells, harness bells, doorbells, elf shoe bells, cow bells, Santa’s bells . . .
Next, list the different sounds those bells make. List real words and make up your own words by using letters to recreate sounds—after all this is your bell. Does it bong? Ring-a-ling? Clink?

Now, follow Zuzu’s lead and imagine what magical thing might happen each time your bell rings?

Write a poem about it. Be sure to include those sounds. Make your poem really ring!

Set the timer for 7 minutes.

Start writing!

Don’t think about it too much; just do it.

*Kelly Bennett and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge at least 630 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!

Remember First!

Do you remember the first of something in your life? Maybe you remember the first time you rode a bike, the first time you visited someone by yourself, or the first time you went somewhere by yourself. Maybe you have early memories of reading or writing or hiking. Who did these things with you? Where were you? What did you like? What feelings do you remember?

Make a list of anything you remember about some first event. The more things you write down, the more you’ll remember. Add detail and play with the words and order to make the best poem you can. Try to repeat sounds for effect.

Set the timer for 7 minutes.

Start writing!

Don’t think about it too much; just do it.

*Kelly Bennett and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge at least 630 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!

Smell That Smell . . .

Take a moment to recall a smell. Now write a poem describing it—without comparing it to another smell.

I agree, this challenge stinks…

Set the timer for 7 minutes.

Start writing!

Don’t think about it too much; just do it.

*Kelly Bennett and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge at least 630 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!

I like…I love…

List five small things that make you really happy. It could be a thrush singing, hot fudge, a puppy, anything. Add specific details to each thing. Make yourself smile. Try to use alliteration (same beginning sounds). Rearrange them until they’re in the best order for your poem.

Set the timer for 7 minutes.

Start writing!

Don’t think about it too much; just do it.

*Kelly and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge more than 610 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!

Thanksgiving has happened…Gobble Gobble! And this post is courtesy of Kelly’s blog. Click over for the original!

The way I learned it, this “Harvest Festival” has been celebrated in the U.S. since the Pilgrims survived that harsh winter of 1621 (with the help of friendly Wampanoag folk), and nationally on and off since 1789 when our 1st Pres, George requested a Congressional Proclamation. And, beginning in 1863 when our 16th Pres. Abe declared the last Thursday in November a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens”, every year thereafter.

Sometime along the line–you’ll have to do your own search to find out when exactly–the name was shortened and the date was changed to the 4th Thursday of November (Hence my earlier confusion.)

As the date became fixed, so have Thanksgiving Fixin’s, which now “traditionally” include pie, stuffing, potatoes, corn, cranberry, gravy, and TURKEY! According to the official White House History website, dear Ole’ Abe pardoned the first Thanksgiving Turkey in 1863. Ever since then presidents have been pardoning turkeys, thus leading to this week’s 7-Minute Poetry Challenge Prompt:

Poetry Challenge #11
Pardon Me, Pleeease!
Pretend you are the Turkey. . . or the pumpkin, apple pie, potatoes, cranberries and any other food served on Thanksgiving. Write a poem about why you deserve to not be part of this year’s feast. Begin with this first line: “Oh, please pardon me…” For extra credit make it rhyme.

For inspiration, read Kelly’s poem on her blog!

*Kelly and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge more than 610 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!

And to Think that I Saw It…

List 10 or more things you saw on the bus or in the car this morning on your way to work or school. Or take a walk and list things you see. Pick 5 of the things and put one on each line. Add detail or metaphor (it looks like a…it is as ___ as a ___).

If you can get a friend to do this with you, put your two poems together when you’re both done. Switch every other line. Then read the poem and see if you want to move some lines around to get it in a better order or change some words to make it rhyme (or not rhyme) or sound better.

And if you have more than one friend do this, even better!

Set the timer for 7 minutes.

Start writing!

Don’t think about it too much; just do it.

And, if you do join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!

Dear Santa Baby . . .
Write a letter to Santa. If you’ve been “nice” tell Santa why you deserve to be treated especially nice this holiday season. If you’ve been “naughty”… well, you’ve got some explaining to do.
For extra credit, try writing your letter to Santa in rhyme or song lyrics.
For inspiration, listen to the 1953 recording of Eartha Kit singing “Santa Baby,” written by Joan Javits & Philip Springer:

Set the timer for 7 minutes.

Start writing!

Don’t think about it too much; just do it.

And, if you do join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!

                                                            How Many Haiku?

Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry made up of 3 lines with 5/7/5 syllables on each line. Traditional haiku has something to do with nature, but you can write them about anything.

A poet friend of mine mentioned the fact that the first three lines of the song “Moonlight in Vermont” make a perfect haiku. If you know the song (or at least the tune), you can write haiku very quickly by putting your own words to the tune.

Here’s a link to Willie Nelson singing “Moonlight in Vermont”

How many haiku can you write in 7 minutes? Are you ready?

Set the timer for 7 minutes.

Start writing!

Don’t think about it too much; just do it.

And, if you do join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!

Mixing it UP

For today’s challenge, look around your space and pick out two completely different objects (or people). Write a poem that begins with the differences between the two, and end by exploring how they are the same.

Set the timer for 7 minutes
Start writing!
Don’t think about it too much; just do it.

Write a poem, paragraph, or story. If the prompt moves you, follow it. If it sparks something else, go with it! Our 7-Minute Poetry Challenge is not about writing great poetry; or writing what is expected; it’s not even about writing anything good. It’s about one thing, writing IT!

And, if you do join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!

This prompt comes from my friend Kelly’s blog with permission. Be sure to check over there for more about why she chose this.

This one is easy! It’s all about YOU!!

I am the one who…
Write a list poem. What is it you do? What makes you you?
Think about the things you do in your spare time. Think about the things you have to do. Think about what you wear, or eat, or read, or sing, or…anything.
You can start each line with “I am the one who…” or “I am…” or when you really get going you can connect the lines with “and”. Whatever you do, have fun!

Remember the rules:
Set the timer for 7 minutes
Start writing!
Don’t think about it too much; just do it.
If the prompt moves you, follow it. If it sparks something else, go with it! Our 7-Minute Poetry Challenge is not about writing great poetry; or writing what is expected; it’s not even about writing anything good. It’s about one thing, writing IT!

And if you try this, be sure to let me know in the comments! Or, if you’re really daring, put your poem in the comments!