Poetry Challenge #121

Joy Germ Day

In the midst of cold-flu-ick-crud season, everyone’s trying to stay germ free. But, there’s one germ I’m hoping goes viral:  The Joy Germ!

Celebrated every January 8th, National Joy Germ day is a holiday created to remind people “that by being positive and treating people with kindness, we can influence those around us and pass that positive attitude on to others.”

Joy Germ day was established in 1981 by Joan White of Syracuse, New York, in honor of her mother.  Here’s Joan’s prescription for observing Joy Germ Day: “Laugh, smile, be kind, inspire and spread the one type of germ that is good for everyone to catch!”

Joy Germs

What’s your Joy? Imagine you are a scientist in a happy lab concocting your own Joy Germ. What ingredients would you use? What’s your Joy? What does it smell like? Taste like? Sound like? How would you spread your Joy Germ?

Write a poem titled “Joy Germ”

HOW TO OBSERVE Joy Germ Day:

Throughout the day, see how often you can spread the JoyGerm! Use #NationalJoygermDay to post on social media.

 “May a giant jar of jaunty joy germs rest gently on you and yours.”—Joan White National Joy Germ Day: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-joygerm-day-january-8/

Set your timer for 7 minutes

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

Start writing!

Kelly Bennett and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge over 1300 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.