Month: October 2019

Poetry Challenge #109

Dictionary Roulette

I love dictionaries! It’s an excellent way to procrastinate . . . and expand one’s vocabulary—always a good thing. Best, words lead to ideas…and actions! So grab a dictionary and let’s GO!

Here’s mine…show me yours!

Here’s mine…show me yours!

If you don’t have a physical dictionary (Borrow a library copy or go buy one!!! You should have one!!!), you can use a website such as m-w.com or dictionary.com and look for a list of words of the day.

Yes! You can borrow my dictionary.

Yes! You can borrow my dictionary.

One of my favorite prompts when I get stuck with any writing is to take a dictionary, open to a random page, and write down the first word I see. Sometimes I roll three dice and open to that page. Sometimes I have someone pick a number between 1 and 948 (the number of pages in my favorite dictionary) and then another number between 1 and 68 (the average number of words on the two pages) and I find my word that way.

Using the Close-Your-Eyes-and-Point method, Roll-the-Dice method, Pick-A-Number method, find 5 words. Write a 5-line poem using all 5 words.

Poetry Challenge #108-Let’s Hear It For Teddy!

“Wait! Where’s my Noy-Noy?” Is it a coincidence that National Bring Your Teddy to School/Work Day and National Stop Bullying Day fall on the same day? (The Second Wednesday in October (Oct 9, 2019) I don’t think so. How many of us had a favorite Teddy—by “Teddy” I mean that bunny, stuffie, blankie, lovie, bear or otherwise you loved as a child? Mine was named “Noy-Noy.” All these years later I still recall times when it seemed Noy-Noy was my only friend. Likewise, how many of us recall being teased about that beloved Teddy? Or having been shamed into leaving it behind? Bernard Waber’s Ira Sleeps Over immediately comes to mind. For that matter, how many of us have discarded, lost, ignored, stuffed into a box, closet, attic, under the bed . . .  that beloved Teddy?

What about Me? Poetry Challenge #108 This One’s for Teddy! Climb into your attic (metaphoric or otherwise) take out your beloved Teddy, dust it off and give it a big hug—in the form of a poem. Begin by taking a moment to recall your Teddy. What does it look like? What did it feel like? And more, what did holding it make you feel? Did you and your Teddy go on adventures together? Can you think of a recent time you wish you had Teddy? Drawing on these moments, write Teddy a poem. Let your Teddy’s name be the title of the poem. Give Your “Teddy” a mental (or real-time) hug Set the timer for 7 Minutes Start Writing!

*Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge 1260++ days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.