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Poetry Prompts

Cross off each prompt as you use them, or just pick your favourites!

It's a Hard Knock Life

- Life is full of hard lessons we need to learn. Write about a life lesson you have recently learned. 

Betrayal is Pain

- Write from the viewpoint of a betrayer. Is there regret? What are their reasons? Will readers accept them? 

Historical Snapshot

- Write a poem surrounding a moment in history, perfectly capturing one single perception of events. 

 

Them/Us

- Write a multi-stanza poem with each stanza alternating between people who are opposite to each other. 

Primal Fear

- Try your best to paint the feeling of fear with your words.

Once Upon A Time

- Take a fairy tale you know well, write a poem based on the story or one of the characters. 

It Wasn't Me

- Write a comedic or angsty first-person poem that starts with the line 'It wasn't me'. 

Image by Álvaro Serrano

When I Grow Up

- Turn back time. Write from the viewpoint of your younger self. What were your thoughts and outlook?

A Furry Perspective

- Write a poem surrounding a moment in history, perfectly capturing one single perception of events. 

 

Love

- Falling in love takes many forms and incorporates a great number of thoughts and feelings. 

Wish You Were Here

- Think of a place you travelled to that stands out in your mind. Write a poem based around that location.  

Five Senses

- Recount an experience you have had, big or small, and bring descriptions to life by including your senses. 

Build Up

- Write a poem surrounding a moment in history, perfectly capturing one single perception of events. 

 

Armageddon   

- Write a poem that explores the idea of a dystopian/destroyed earth. 

Four Seasons

- Do you have a favourite season? Write about what the world looks like during those months. 

Image by Thought Catalog

Seven Deadly Sins Part 1

- Envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth, and wrath. Choose one and write a poem on that topic.

Seven Deadly Sins Part 2

- Envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth, and wrath. Write a poem that allows each sin one stanza to shine. 

 

Gotcha!

- Write a poem that subverts the reader's expectations.

My Kinda Street

- Write an acrostic poem where the first letter of each line spells out the name of a street you grew up on. 

Destiny

- What is destiny? Is it real, or an escape from responsibility? Explore this theme in a poem. 

Did any inspire you? Leave a comment, thumbs up, or link to your work! 

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