Poetry Challenge #12

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!

Poetry Challenge #11

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!

Poetry Challenge #10

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!

Poetry Challenge #9

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!

Poetry Challenge #8

                                                            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!