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Poem Starters and Creative Writing Ideas
Poetry ideas - write a poem about:.
- A particular color
- Being underwater
- A person whose life you're curious about
- Your mother's perfume
- Falling asleep or waking up
- Growing older
- The feeling of getting lost in a book
- How to know if you're in love
- A bad dream
- Your city, town, or neighborhood
- An important life choice you've made
- Spring, summer, fall, or winter
- Something most people see as ugly but which you see as beautiful
- Becoming a parent
- An event that changed you
- A place you visited -- how you imagined it beforehand, and what it was actually like
- The speed of light
- A voodoo doll
- Reflections on a window
- A newspaper headline
- Your greatest fear
- Your grandmother's hands
- A particular toy you had as a child
- Being invisible
- A time you felt homesick
- Having an affair, or discovering your partner is having one
- A favorite food and a specific memory of eating it
- An imaginary city
- Driving with the radio on
- Life in an aquarium
- Walking with your eyes closed
- What a computer might daydream about
- Time travel
- Brothers or sisters
- Your job, or a job you've had
- Leaving home
- A historical event from the perspective of someone who saw it firsthand (You will have to do some research for this).
- Holding your breath
- Intimacy and privacy
- A time you were tempted to do something you feel is wrong
- Physical attraction to someone
- A superstition you have
- Someone you admire
Poem starters- the five senses
- Write about the taste of: an egg, an orange, medicine, cinnamon
- Write about the smell of: burning food, melting snow, the ocean, your grandparents' home, the inside of a bus, pavement after the rain
- Write about the sound of: a radio changing channels, a dog howling, a football or baseball game, your parents talking in another room
- Write about the sight of: lit windows in a house when you're standing outside at night, someone you love when he or she doesn't know you're watching, a dying plant, shadows on snow
- Write about the feeling of: grass under bare feet, a really bad kiss, the headrush when you stand up too fast, sore muscles, falling asleep in the back seat of a moving car.
Poem starters- three elements
- a dessert, a memory, and someone in your family
- dancing, a pitch-black room, and the smell of lilacs
- a balloon, smoke, and a keyhole
- a secret box, an ice cube tray, and a velvet ribbon
- a betrayal, soap, and a plane ticket
Poem starters - keep writing
- Click here for even more poetry ideas .
- Click here for a list of CWN pages with poetry prompts .
- Click here to sign up for our online course, Essentials of Poetry Writing .
- Click here for advice on how to write poetry .
- Click here for story starters and fiction writing ideas .
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ThinkWritten
101 Poetry Prompts & Ideas for Writing Poems
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support!These poetry prompts are designed to help you keep a creative writing practice. If you’re staring at a blank page and the words aren’t flowing, the creative writing prompts for poems can be a great way to get started! New for 2023!…
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These poetry prompts are designed to help you keep a creative writing practice. If you’re staring at a blank page and the words aren’t flowing, the creative writing prompts for poems can be a great way to get started!
New for 2023! Due to popular demand, I created a printable, ad-free version of these poetry prompts you can download to use at home or even in the classroom! Get them at our Etsy Shop .
Even if poetry isn’t your thing, you could always use these things to inspire other writing projects. Essays, journal entries, short stories, and flash fiction are just a few examples of ways this list can be used.
You may even find this list of creative poetry writing prompts helpful as an exercise to build your skills in descriptive writing and using metaphors!
Let’s get onto the list, shall we?
Here are 101 Poetry Prompts for Creative Writing
Most of these creative writing ideas are simple and open-ended. This allows you total creative freedom to write from these poetry prompts in your own unique style, tone, and voice.
If one poetry idea doesn’t appeal to you, challenge yourself to find parallels between the prompt and things that you do enjoy writing about!
1.The Untouchable : Something that will always be out of reach
2. 7 Days, 7 Lines : Write a poem where each line/sentence is about each day of last week
3. Grandma’s Kitchen : Focus on a single memory, or describe what you might imagine the typical grandmother’s kitchen to be like
4. Taste the Rainbow : What does your favorite color taste like?
5. Misfits: How it feels when you don’t belong in a group of others.
6. Stranger Conversations : Start the first line of your poem with a word or phrase from a recent passing conversation between you and someone you don’t know.
7. On the Field : Write from the perspective of a sports ball {Baseball, Soccer, Football, Basketball, Lacrosse, etc.} – think about what the sports ball might feel, see, hear, think, and experience with this poetry idea!
8. Street Signs: Take note of the words on signs and street names you pass while driving, walking, or riding the bus. Write a poem starting with one of these words you notice.
9. Cold water: What feelings do you associate with cold water? Maybe it’s a refreshing cold glass of water on a hot day, or maybe you imagine the feelings associated with being plunged into the icy river in the winter.
10. Ghostwriter: Imagine an invisible ghost picks up a pen and starts writing to you.
11. Lessons From Math Class: Write about a math concept, such as “you cannot divide by zero” or never-ending irrational numbers.
12. Instagram Wall: Open up either your own Instagram account or one of a friend/celebrity and write poetry based on the first picture you see.
13. Radio: Tune in to a radio station you don’t normally listen to, and write a poem inspired by the the first song or message you hear.
14. How To : Write a poem on how to do something mundane most people take for granted, such as how to tie your shoes, how to turn on a lamp, how to pour a cup of coffee.
15. Under 25 Words : Challenge yourself to write a poem that is no more than 25 words long.
16. Out of Order: Write about your feelings when there is an out of order sign on a vending machine.
17. Home Planet: Imagine you are from another planet, stuck on earth and longing for home.
18. Uncertainty : Think about a time in your life when you couldn’t make a decision, and write based on this.
19. Complete : Be inspired by a project or task be completed – whether it’s crossing something off the never-ending to-do list, or a project you have worked on for a long time.
20. Compare and Contrast Personality : What are some key differences and similarities between two people you know?
21. Goodbyes : Write about a time in your life you said goodbye to someone – this could be as simple as ending a mundane phone conversation, or harder goodbyes to close friends, family members, or former partners.
22. Imagine Weather Indoors : Perhaps a thunderstorm in the attic? A tornado in the kitchen?
23. Would You Rather? Write about something you don’t want to do, and what you would rather do instead.
24. Sound of Silence : Take some inspiration from the classic Simon & Garfunkel song and describe what silence sounds like.
25. Numbness : What’s it like to feel nothing at all?
26. Fabric Textures : Use different fiber textures, such as wool, silk, and cotton as a poetry writing prompt.
27. Anticipation : Write about the feelings you experience or things you notice while waiting for something.
28. Poison: Describe something toxic and its effects on a person.
29. Circus Performers: Write your poetry inspired by a circus performer – a trapeze artist, the clowns, the ringmaster, the animal trainers, etc.
30. Riding on the Bus : Write a poem based on a time you’ve traveled by bus – whether a school bus, around town, or a long distance trip to visit a certain destination.
31. Time Freeze : Imagine wherever you are right now that the clock stops and all the people in the world are frozen in place. What are they doing?
32. The Spice of Life : Choose a spice from your kitchen cabinet, and relate its flavor to an event that has happened recently in your daily life.
33. Parallel Universe : Imagine you, but in a completely different life based on making a different decision that impacted everything else.
34. Mad Scientist : Create a piece based on a science experiment going terribly, terribly wrong.
35. People You Have Known : Make each line about different people you have met but lost contact with over the years. These could be old friends, passed on family, etc.
36. Last Words : Use the last sentence from the nearest book as the inspiration for the first line of your poem.
37. Fix This : Think about something you own that is broken, and write about possible ways to fix it. Duct tape? A hammer and nails?
38. Suspicion : Pretend you are a detective and you have to narrow down the suspects.
39. Political News : Many famous poets found inspiration from the current politics in their time. Open up a newspaper or news website, and create inspired by the first news article you find.
40. The Letter D : Make a list of 5 words that start with all with the same letter, and then use these items throughout the lines of your verse. {This can be any letter, but for example sake: Daisy, Dishes, Desk, Darkness, Doubt}
41. Quite the Collection : Go to a museum, or look at museum galleries online. Draw your inspiration from collections of objects and artifacts from your favorite display. Examples: Pre-historic days, Egyptians, Art Galleries, etc.
42. Standing in Line : Think of a time you had to stand in line for something. Maybe you were waiting in a check-out line at the store, or you had to stand in line to enter a concert or event.
43. Junk Mail Prose: Take some inspiration from your latest junk mail. Maybe it’s a grocery store flyer announcing a sale on grapes, or an offer for a credit card.
44. Recipe : Write your poem in the form of a recipe. This can be for something tangible, such as a cake, or it can be a more abstract concept such as love or happiness. List ingredients and directions for mixing and tips for cooking up your concept to perfection.
45. Do you like sweaters? Some people love their coziness, others find them scratchy and too hot. Use your feelings about sweaters in a poem.
46. After Party : What is it like after all party guests go home?
47. Overgrown : Use Little Shop of Horrors for inspiration, or let your imagination run wild on what might happen if a plant or flower came to life or started spreading rapidly to take over the world.
48. Interference: Write a poem that is about someone or something coming in between you and your goals.
49. On Shaky Ground: Use an earthquake reference or metaphor in your poem.
50. Trust Issues : Can you trust someone you have doubted in the past?
51. Locked in a Jar: Imagine you are a tiny person, who has been captured and put into a jar for display or science.
52. Weirder Than Fiction: Think of the most unbelievable moment in your life, and write a poem about the experience.
53. Fast Food: Write a poem about fast food restaurants and experiences.
54. Unemployed: Write a poem about quitting or being fired from a job you depended on.
55. Boxes: What kinds of family secrets or stories might be hiding in that untouched box in the attic?
56. No One Understands : Write about what it feels like when no one understands or agrees with your opinion.
57. Criminal Minds : Write a poem from the perspective of a high-profile criminal who is always on the run from law enforcement.
58. Marathon Runner : Write a poem about what training you might be doing to accomplish a difficult challenge in your life.
59. Trapped : Write about an experience that made you feel trapped.
60. Passing the Church : Write a poem about noticing something interesting while passing by a church near your home.
61. Backseat Driver: Write about what it’s like to be doing something in your life and constantly being criticized while trying to move ahead.
62. Luster: Create a descriptive poem about something that has a soft glow or sheen to it.
63. Clipboard: Write a poem about someone who is all business like and set in their ways of following a system.
64. Doctor: Write a poem about receiving advice from a doctor.
65. First Car : Write an ode to your first car
66. Life Didn’t Go As a Planned : Write about a recent or memorable experience when nothing went according to plan.
67. Architect : Imagine you are hired to design a building for a humanitarian cause you are passionate about.
68. The Crazy Cat Hoarder : Write about someone who owns far too many cats.
69. Queen : Write a poem from the perspective of a queen.
70. Movie Character : Think of a recent movie you watched, and create a poem about one character specifically, or an interaction between two characters that was memorable.
71. Potential Energy : Write about an experience where you had a lot of potential for success, but failed.
72. Moonlight : Write about an experience in the moonlight.
73. Perfection : Write about trying to always keep everything perfect.
74. You Are Wrong : Write a poem where you tell someone they are wrong and why.
75. Sarcasm : Write a poem using sarcasm as a form of illustrating your point.
76. Don’t Cry : Write a poem about how not to cry when it’s hard to hold back the tears.
77. Listen Up: Write a poem telling someone they are better than they think they are.
78. Flipside : Find the good in something terrible.
79. Maybe They Had a Reason : Write a poem about someone doing something you don’t understand, and try to explain what reasons they might have had.
80. How to Drive : Write a poem that explains how to drive to a teenager.
81. Up & Down the Steps: Write a poem that includes the motion of going up or down a staircase
82. Basket Case: Has there ever been a time when you thought you might lose your mind? Jot your feelings and thoughts down in verse form.
83. Lucky Guess: Many times in our life we have to make a good guess for what is the best decision. Use this poetry idea to write about feelings related to guessing something right – or wrong.
84. Dear Reader: What audience enjoys reading the type of poetry you like to write? Craft a note to your potential audience that addresses their biggest fears, hopes, and dreams.
85. All or Nothing : Share your thoughts on absolutist thinking: when one’s beliefs are so set in stone there are no exceptions.
86. Ladders in the Sky : Imagine there are ladders that take you up to the clouds. What could be up there? What feelings do you have about climbing the ladders, or is their a mystery as to how they got there in the first place?
87. Always On My Mind: Compose a poem about what it’s like to always be thinking about someone or something.
88. Paranoia : What would it be like if you felt like someone was watching you but no one believed you?
89. Liar, Liar: How would you react to someone who lied to you?
90. Secret Word: What’s the magic word to unlock someone’s access to something?
91. For What It’s Worth: Use a valuable object in your home as inspiration as a poetry prompt idea.
92. Coming Home to Secrets: Imagine a person who puts on a good act to cover up a secret they deal with at home.
93. Productivity: Talk about your greatest struggles with time management and organization.
94. Defying Gravity: Use words that relate to being weightless and floating.
95. Signs of the Times : How has a place you are familiar with changed over the past 10 years?
96. Sleepless Nights : What ideas and feelings keep you up at night? What’s it like when you have to wake up in the morning on a night you can’t sleep?
97. You Can’t Fire Me, I Quit : Use one of the worst job related memories you can think of as a creative writing prompt.
98. By George : You can choose any name, but think of 3-5 notable figures or celebrities who share a common first name, and combine their personalities and physical characteristics into one piece of poetry. For example: George Washington, George Clooney, George Harrison.
99. Shelter : Write a poem about a time you were thankful for shelter from a storm.
100. Cafeteria : Create a poem inspired by the people who might be eating lunch in a cafeteria at school or at a hospital.
101. Dusty Musical Instruments : Base your poem around the plight of a musician who hasn’t picked up the guitar or touched a piano in years.
Love these prompts? The printable, ad-free version of these poetry prompts can be used offline or in the classroom! Get them at our Etsy Shop .
There are unlimited possibilities for ways you can use these poem ideas to write poetry. Using a list like this can greatly help you with getting into the habit of writing daily – even when you don’t feel inspired to write.
While not every poem you write will be an award-winning masterpiece, using these poem starters as a regular exercise can help you better your craft as a writer.
I hope you enjoy these poetry prompts – and if you write anything you’d like to share inspired by these creative poetry writing prompts, let us know in the comments below – we love to see how others use writing ideas to create their own work!
And of course, don’t forget to get the ad-free poetry prompt cards printable version if you’d like to use these prompts offline, in the classroom or with your small group!
Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.
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92 comments.
I had a wonderful inspiration from prompt number 49 “On Shaky Ground,” although it’s not exactly about an earthquake. I wanted to share it on here, so I hope you enjoy it!
Title: “Shaking Ground”
The ground’s shaking My heart’s aching I’m getting dizzy My mind’s crazy
On shaking ground It’s like I’m on a battleground We’re all fighting for love Dirtying our white glove
The ground’s shaking My body’s quaking Love is so cruel Making me a fool
On shaking ground We are all love-bound Stuck in a crate Nobody can avoid this fate
The ground’s shaking We are all waking Opening our eyes Everyone dies
On shaking ground Our love is profound Although we are separate Better places await
The ground’s shaking Death’s overtaking Heaven is descending The world’s ending
On shaking ground In love we are drowned
Awesome interpretation Amanda! Thanks for sharing!
heyyy, I have written something regarding prompt 27 and 96 The Night Charms.
Do you dread the dark; Or do you adore the stars? Do you really think the fire place is that warm; Or you just envy the night charms? The skyline tries to match the stars’ sparkle, The sky gets dark, the vicinity gets darker. The “sun” has set for the day being loyal; These are now the lamps burning the midnight oil. The Eve so busy, that everyone forgets to praise its beauty. The sun has set without anyone bidding him an adieu, Failed to demonstrate its scintillating view. The moon being the epitome of perfection, Has the black spots, Depicting an episode of it’s dark past.
And I sit; I sit and wonder till the dawn. What a peaceful time it is, To have a small world of your own. Away from the chaos, I found a soul that was lost. So tired, yet radiant, Trying to be someone she’s not in the end. That bewitching smile held my hand, Carried me back to shore, letting me feel my feet in the sand. The waves moved to and fro, Whispering to me as they go, “Oh girl, my girl This is the soul you have within you, Never let it vanish, For it alters you into something good and something new, Don’t let the cruel world decide, Don’t let anyone kill that merry vibe.”
Then I saw my own soul fade, Fly into my heart, For what it was made. Oh dear lord, The night’s silence became my solace, My life lessons were made by the waves. Who am I? What have I done to myself? Many questions were answered in self reproach, The answers were still unspoken with no depth. Oh dear night, What have you done to me? Or should I thank you for putting a soul that I see. The nights spent later were now spectacular, My darkness somehow added some light to my life, Making it fuller… Everyday after a day, walking through the scorching lawns, I wait for the the dusk to arrive, and then explore myself till the dawn.
This is so amazing I ran out of words. Very lit thoughts beautifully penned. Keep writing like this dude.❤🌻
That is beautiful, it inspired me to write about my fears, thank you!!
Thank you for the inspiration! 😀 This was based of 21 and 77 (I think those were the numbers lol)
Goodbye to the days when we played together in the sun Goodbye to the smile on your face and to all of the fun I look at you, so dull and blue How long before I can say hello to the real you You are worth more than you think At the very least, you are to me Though there are greater things that wait for you than the least You are worthy of the most, the greatest of things If only goodbye could be ‘see you later’ I want to see the real you again To your suffering I don’t want to be just a spectator I want it all to end Goodbye to my only friend I want to heal you but I don’t know how I wish I had this all figured out Please come back to me I just want you to be free
Thank u so much im more inspired after seeing these creative ideas. 🤗
Glad they inspired you!
Thanks for sharing Amanda!
That was beautiful! I am a writer too! I actually just finished writing one but, it wasn’t from this website, just kind of something that’s been on my head for a while you know? Anyways, again, that was awesome! I am a Christian, and I love seeing people write about that kind of stuff! 🙂
I am jim from Oregon. I am also a writer, not very good but active. I am a Christian as well as you are. Sometimes it is hard to come up with something to write about.
All of a sudden, I have started to write poetry. Do you like all forms of writing? I would enjoy reading some of you work if you would you would like to s if you would like to send me some.
i have written one about frozen time:
my brother will be drawing, his pencil wont leave the sheet, my mother hearing the radio, today’s news on repeat. my sister, in fact, is making her bed, she’ll be making it still, till the last bug is dead. me, on the other hand, i’ll be visiting you, i’ll see you in action, doing the things that you do, i’ll be happy to see you, just a last time, i’ll kiss your still lips, and hold for a while. then i’ll take a plane to saudi, where i’ll see my dad, he’ll be swimming with turtles, he will not seem sad. i have lived on this earth, for 15 whole years, time for goodbye, with not a single tear.
hey beautifully expressed…!!!
Beautifully penned 🌼
I love it I tried one out myself as well Change
She sat looking out the window. The sound of the piano’s cheerful tune ringing out throughout the room. The sweet smell of burnt pine emanating from her fireplace. The sky is blue and the sun shines bright. She closes her eyes for a second. She opens them again. The window is broken and scattered on the ground. The piano sits covered in ashes, every symphony played now just a distant memory replaced with a discordant melody. The room smells of smoke and ash. The sky is dark and rain falls on the remnants of her home. Not a living thing in sight,not even her.
Nice one Amanda. kind of tells me the chronology of love and its eventualities.
such a dilightful poem, thanks for the word that made the day for me. you are such a good poet.
Omg! What!! This is amazing! I’d love to feature this piece on my blog monasteryjm.com. I also love this blog post by thinkwritten.com, planning on putting the link in my next blog post so others can come over here to check it out! So helpful!
this is so great! I’ve been needing inspiration. this might work
Thank you so much for this article! I love the profundity and open-endedness of the prompts. Here is a poem I wrote, drawing inspiration from #56, “No One Understands.” I wrote this from the perspective of a psychic Arcturian Starseed in her teenage years and how the world perceives her spiritual connection; while at the same time hinting at the true meaning of her various baffling actions. Enjoy 🙂
Starseed – a poem on perspective
In the snow She stands alone Wrapped in shrouds of mystery Her gentle hand gloved with giving Caressing A violet stone
Math class is dismissed But there still she sits Speaking to the ceiling in tender tones A soft and healing resonance Murmuring sweetly of ascension to Another, dearer dimension
In homeroom Her classmate weeps Of missed planes and shattered dreams Quietly She strokes the hand of the suffering And whispers then of channeling Some celestial utopia called Arcturus Where she claims to have been.
Please feel free to let me know where I need to improve! I’m fourteen years old and only an amateur, so a few suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, love and light 🙂
#79 I don’t know why he was so mad Did he not get his mail Was he already mad Or did he only get bills
He swung his arm with force He caused a loud bang He hurt his own hand He left with some blood
He is the man that punched the mailbox His hand dripped blood on it He left it with a dent He left it alone after that
That’s great Michael, thank you for sharing your response to one of the prompts!
Awesome! That was simple and yet creative
Interesting tips and keywords for boosting inspiration. I’ve found some good topic for start writing. Thanks
sleepless nights (#96)
it’s never a strangled cry that drags me from my dreams, but a gentle whisper, there to nudge the socks off my feet, and settle me back into the sheets. i seem to wake before i’ve had a chance to fall to rest.
why is it that i can never sleep, but always dream?
sleepless nights rule my life and drag me by my toes, throwing me into a sky of black and blue. not a single star can break through this spillage. and i sit and wonder in a sea of sheets, rippling around me, why my mind can swim these dark, tangling waters and i never need to take a breath.
have you ever noticed how static-filled the dark is? because when i lay buried under these burdens and blankets, the world seems ready to crumble under my grasp.
i can’t sleep, but i can dream, of days when i wasn’t pulled struggling from bed but awoken into the light. i wonder how i ever survived the grainy sky’s midnight troubles, the oil spill of its thunderclouds, the sandpaper raspiness of the three a.m. earth against my throat.
oh, how i can never sleep in a world that threatens to fall apart.
this is amazing! i hope i can be this good one day
once again beautiful <3
Thank you so much for these prompts! They’re so thought-provoking.
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoy them!
Take me back to those days, When I was allowed to dream, Where no one use to scream. Take me back to those days, When I was a child, Where I never use to find reasons to smile. Take me Take back to those days, When I never used to lie, Where I never used to shy. Take me back those carefreee days, When I was far away from school days. Take me back to those days , where every one used to prase, no matter how foolish i behave. Take me back to those days, when i wasn’t stuck between fake people. Take me back to the day I was born, So that I could live those days again………….
so mine is basically a mix between 76 and 77… I made it for my literature club i recently began trying to make.
‘Listen to me’ Listen to me your words mean more than you think your opinion is worthy to be shared your songs are capable of being sung
Listen to me
your smile is bright your frown shows nothing more than you should be cared for like you care for us.
your laughter is delightful and so is everything else
dont let the past go hurt you find strength in the experience
are you listening to me?
can you here me?
because YOU matter
Nice, thank you for sharing!
Prompt #1 “Untouchable”
Grasping Reaching Searching for the untouchable The indescribable On the tip of my tongue My fingertips Close to my heart But warping my brain Yet understood in the depths of my soul Emotions undiscovered Words Unsaid Deep in the depths of my mind Hand outstretched Lingering on the edge Eyes wide open But somehow still blind Unattainable But still in the hearts of The Brave The Curious The Resilient They Seek the unseekable They pursue the unattainable Each man seeing it in a different aspect Each of their visions blurred Each distorted by Experiences Traumas Wishes Dreams Filtering what’s untouchable
Thank you, glad you enjoy it!
I had good inspiration from #51, locked in a jar. I used it more metaphorically instead of literally. So here it is: glass walls, lid screwed on tight, can’t escape, not even at night. From the inside, looking out, this is not who I’m supposed to be. I’m supposed to be bigger, I’m supposed to be free, not stuck in a jar, no room to breathe. I need to move, I need to soar, I need to be able to speak my opinions and more. So as I look down at my tiny self, in this glass jar, “let me out, I can’t take it anymore”, I say to the bigger me, the one ignoring my tiny pleas.
Just wanted to add a twist to this promt. I’m just a beginner in the art of poetry, but I tried. If anyone has any creative criticism, go ahead! #16: our of order
My brain is out of order My thoughts have filled it to the brim Of my deepest thoughts of who I am Who we are As people We are out of order Never focusing on what we want Our passions All we ever get is work on top of work Pushing us down and down Like a giant hand Squeezing us into the depths of our depressions Until We can do anything But take it Anymore
Thank you Ash for sharing your take on the prompt with us!
Thank you ASH for reminding we can do anything if we try
Was inspired by #77 listen up Listen up…….! When would you listen up! Seems! you have given up! No matter who shut you up! Stand straight and look up!
Look up don’t be discouraged Let you heart be filled with courage Listen up and be encouraged Let life be sweet as porridge
You might have been down Like you have no crown Because deep down You were shut down
There is still hope When there is life Yes! You can still cope If you can see the light Yes! Even in the night
Oh listen up! Please listen up and take charge, You are better than the best Listen up! And oh! Please listen up.
beautifully written!
I wrote a poem using prompt 21 and I’m so proud of it. Comment if you want me to post it🤓
I bet the poem you wrote about prompt 21 is really good. I would like to read it please.
Mental prison, what a way to be trapped, being hidden, being snapped,
Clear glass is all i feel, apart from people, I hope I heal, I will never be equal,
I am different I am hurt raging currents people put on high alert but no one cares
No one dreads many tears I only have so many more threads
One day I’ll be gone but no one would care I will run away from the death chair
But until then
Mental prison what a way to be trapped being hidden being snapped
One day this will all blow away someday I will be molded out of clay but until then I will be lead astray
This is so darn awesome. It’s so deep and evokes the deepest of feelings🥰
I wrote almost the same thing omg I’m turning it into a contest entry
Inspired by No. 1! I am completely new to poetry, but I love it so much already! Here it is.
Perfection is Untouchable-
Perfection waiting, out of reach
Will I never touch it?
It always remain
Untouchable
No matter how hard I try
I will never quite reach
It will always remain
Though many people have tried
And seemed to have come close
But perfection’s not the goal
‘Cause we can’t quite grasp it
Perfection will always be
For all eternity
Looks like you are off to a great start!
Of Course, Silly Billy Me
”Well shit, I guess I lost my opportunity” the youngster retort
You see, for him, it’s all about his hurt – but she’s so educated, knows more about the rules of English than the rest of us.
Thus, to me she said… You cannot use curse words in a court report… you need to paraphrase his quote.
Into her spastic face I smiled – and pled my case
If you were my English professor back in the day, I could only imagine how much further in life I would have been…
”Don’t you mean farther in life?”
Of course, silly billy me.
This poem is called Secret Keeper and was inspired by #92. I hope you like it.
Everyone has a secret, Whether it be their own, Or someone else’s, We all have one.
But what if, You met someone, Who had a secret so big, That telling anyone would lead to horrible things.
And what if, That person told someone, And what they told them, Was more horrible than anything they could have ever imagined.
What if, That person told everyone, And when the parents, Of the kid with the secret found out, They were furious.
What if, They kept doing horrible things, Even though everyone knew, Even though they knew it was wrong.
And finally, What if, No one ever helped, The little kid with the biggest secret.
On number 28 : Poision I wrote a poem for it and would like to share it. The poision of friends and love
Beaten,she lies there. For they may be mistaken. Laughter rings throughout the school halls; a pure disaster. The dissapearence of parents hast caused this yet no one stops it. “Your a disgrace!” She heard them say. While in place she cries “I don’t belong here! Perhaps im out of place..” But she is not misplaced rather.. Shes lost in space.
I miss when you called me baby And I was in your arms saftely I know we drive eachother crazy But I miss callin you my baby
Those restless nights when I couldn’t sleep You calmed me down with your technique Always reminded me I’m strong not weak If only I let you speak
My heart only beats for you My feelings for you only grew You understood what I was going through I will never regret knowing you
Your smile melted my heart I wish we could restart And I could be apart Of a man I see as a work of art!
Stary night painting poem I guess ill call it
I raised my paint brush to my canvas So I could help people understand this This feeling of emotion for this painting has spoken I see the light as opportunity As for the whole thing it symbolizes unity The swirls degnify elegance and uncertainty For this painting executes this perfectly Where as my paintings let me adress Everything I feel I need to express!
#56 WHITE NOISE Faded away In the background Unheard Not visible
Eardrums splitting from the screams Yet none seem to care Can even hear my cries for help? For I am screaming as loud as I can
Are you? For all we hear Are whispers in here
Fading away in the background Unheard, invisible Yet it’s there, not loud enough Not noticeable, but there White noise Blank and pure In the background Faded away, yet so clear.
Just need to listen So open your ears She’s screaming for help But it’s muted to your ears
So open ’em up And listen to the calls For faded away, in the background Not visible, but clear. White Noise. It’s there.
Hi guys, I’m kind of late joining in. I read the prompts and the poems posted and this community is a creative bunch. I liked #35 People You Have Known. I want to share it with you guys.
Bern, a friend from grade school was my seat mate as well Rob had always teased me so my young life was hell Neesa was pretty, she knew that she was my crush Miss Homel, our teacher was always in a rush Played ball with Buco and I got hit on my head Fell in love with Cia, dreamt of her in my bed Had a tattoo with Marcus and called it “The Day” Chub challenged me to eat two pies, I said, “No way” I had to go far away so I wrote to Charie In this new place I found a friend in Perry My Grandma Leng passed away, she was a doll My grumpy uncle, Uncle Zar was teased by all These people have touched my life for worse or better Won’t be forgotten, be remembered forever
I hope that you liked it. Thanks guys. Thanks Think Written.
#37 fix it Still new to poems, and I haven’t written one in a while. Criticism is welcome because I need some more inspiration since I haven’t been getting any.
This is the body repair shop where we fix humans that have stopped how may we help you?
the girl stumbled upon the front door and spilled her list of regrets out into the open
“we’re sorry, miss” “but i’m afraid your first kiss will just be a dear old reminisce”
“your heart is also one that cannot be mended” “for every shattered piece- their lives just simply ended” the sewing kit can’t sew the fragments of her heart back because there were way too many to backtrack
she cried her heart out and it went “plop!” her tears like a river and like a lightbulb flickering its last light she too, took her last breath and was put to death
This is the body repair shop where we fix humans that have stopped “it seems we have failed again today” “sorry we’ll just try harder again another day”
I did poetry prompt #7. I wrote about the street I grew up on. Luverne Luverne, I moved onto you at the age of three. We like to race up and down your pavement road, either biking or running. You keep safe the house that I grew up in, one that has six humans and three dogs. You shelter other houses, too, that hold family friends and best friends to last a lifetime.
Luverne, we love you.
-Margaret McMahon
I was inspired by the prompt poison. Monster Roses are beautiful and delicate, but flawed.
Every rose has thorns that cause you to bleed.
Its innocence and beauty draws you in.
Only then when you touch it, it poisons you.
Am I really such an ugly monster, that plants pain an watches it spread?
I would say no.
Wouldn’t we all?
But maybe, just maybe a rose doesn’t notice it’s thorns.
-Lilliana Pridie
You said you’re only just starting?! That was sooo good! No criticism here. 🙂
Sorry, that was meant for “Ash” but yours was amazing too! 🙂
Prompt number 8: Street signs STOP Stop look and listen Stop at the corner Stop at the red light Stop for pedestrians Stop for cyclists Stop for animals Stop doing that Stop drop and roll Stop doing something else Stop shouting Stop whispering Stop talking Stop being quiet Stop posting cute cat videos Stop forgetting your appointments Stop making plans without me Stop eating all the yummies Stop running Stop the insanity Stop shopping Stop the never-ending commentary in my head Stop stopping Stop
Thanks for making this site and all its suggestions and especially this space to post our work, available!
I wrote from prompt #72 about moonlight. Shining down like a spotlight, Illuminating everything around you. The pure white light, Paint your surroundings in a soft glow. The round ball in the sky, speckled with craters like the freckles on your face. Looking down upon the sleeping earth, A nightlight for those still awake, a nightlight for you. Guides you, pulls you, lulls you towards it. It caresses your face with the light, casting away the shadows of the night.
I liked it I just wrote a small poem dedicated to my tutor and tutor just loved it .I used 21 good bye . I liked it really.😊
I just took up writing so bear with me.
Based on #72 “Moonlight”
A full bed Just the left side filled Soft, cold, baby blue sheets wrap around bare feet
She sweetly invites herself in Dressing the dark in a blue hue through cypress filled air, like 5 A.M. drives in January on the misty Northern coast.
Damp hair dances across grey skin, Waltzing with the breeze to Radiohead’s “How to Disappear Completely”
Euphoria slow dances with Tranquility Heavy eyes give in to sleep
Ladder to the Sky I want to climb the ladder to the sky I’m sure all would be well and that I could fly The ladder would be sturdy but still give me a fright Because looking down I’ll realized I’ve climbed many heights The higher I climb the greater the fall The greater the fall, the greater the sprawl But if i ever get to the sky up high I would be sure to hug you and say “goodbye” Once I’ve climbed the ladder I’ll know Sometimes its okay to look far down below Life is full of failure but soon I’ll find Happiness is a place, and not of the mind We all have ladders to climb and lives to live We all have a little piece of us that we can give Because when we climb that ladder to the sky We should think “No, life never passed me by”
Hi Ray, I love your piece.It gives one courage to face the challenges of live and move on.
Thanks for sharing the prompts Chelle Stein. I wrote this sometimes ago before coming to this site and I believed prompts #1 and #88 inspired my writing it. kindly help me vet it and give your criticism and recommendation. It is titled “SHADOW”.
My shadow your shadow My reflection your reflection My acts your acts
No one sees me,no one sees you Programmed by the Ubiquitous, To act as our bystander in realism
Virtuous iniquitous rises on that day To vindicate to incriminate My deeds your deeds.
Thanks for the seemingly endless amounts of writing prompts. I’ve been working on a poem, but it isn’t much.
She’s got my head spinning, Around and around; She’s all I think about, I can’t help but wondering, Does she feel the same?
Of course not, I’m just a fool; I’m nothing special, Just another person; Bland and dull.
How could a girl like her, love a guy like me? But the way she looks at me, Her smile, I can’t help but to feel flustered; Is this just my imagination?
It must be.
Wow! That’s exactly how I feel! Amazing poem!
Thanks so much, I’m glad you like it. 🙂
A massive thank you to thinkwritten.com for these amazing prompts. Some of these prompts have now formed the basis of my upcoming poetry collection (Never Marry a Writer) scheduled for release on January 1 2021. I will also be leaving a “Thank you” message for this website in the acknowledgements section. You have inspired a whole poetry collection out of nowhere which is highly commendable. So booktiful that!
That is wonderful news!
So I didn’t use any of the prompts but I wanted some feedback on this; it’s not great but I’m working on improving my writing skills
I am a girl who is broken easily and loves music I wonder if things will ever be normal again I hear light screaming through the darkness I want freedom from the chains trapping me in my fear I am a girl who is broken easily and loves music
I pretend to float in the ocean, letting the waves carry me away from reality I feel a presence of hope like a flame on my bare skin I touch the eye of a storm, grasping the stillness it brings I worry about wars that a spreading like wildfires I cry when I’m not with the people I love I am a girl who is broken easily and loves music
I understand feeling hopeless when you have no control over what is happening I say our differences make us special I dream to be a nurse, to help others when they can’t help themselves I try to do my best in everything I hope that all mankind will stop fighting and live in peace I am a girl who is broken easily and loves music
HELLO EVERYONE.. THIS SITE IS JUST WOW, AS AND WHEN I WAS OUT OF TOPICS OR WAS NOT ABLE TO THINK UPON IT ..IT HELPED ME A LOT WITH HINTS TO BEGIN WITH MY ANOTHER POEM .. I M NOT A PROFESSIONAL WRITER BUT JUST A STARTER AND A STUDENT OF 12TH DIVISION.. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ONE OF MY SPECIAL CREATION , ALTHOUGH NOT FROM THIS SITE. HOPE YOU ALL WILL LIKE IT.
AU REVOIR GOODBYE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, I BID U FAREWELL UNTIL WE TIE AGAIN, SEE YOU SOON , SEE YOU AGAIN, LETS SAY GOODBYE FOR A BETTER DAY.
THE FIRE THAT BURNS IN OUR HEART , THE MEMORIES THAT PRESERVES OUR PAST. ITS NOT THE GOODBYE THAT WRENCH THE HEART , BUT THE FLASHBACKS THAT HAVE PASSED.
I RECOLLECT AND RECOUNT , MOMENTS THAT ARE HALF FADED AND RENOWNED, I ALWAYS FEEL SO CHARMED, THAT I HAVE SOMETHING, WHICH MAKES ME SAYING GOODBYE SO DAMN HARD.
TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE, WALK ON THE STREETS WITH GOLDEN TRAILS. FOR I M NOT GONNA WAIL, BECAUSE I KNOW I WILL MEET YOU SOON ON THE FORTHCOMING DAY.
I wrote a poem based on #101.
Thank you so much for the inspiration!!
And then it was there. What I had been missing. What is it? You may ask. Well, it’s quite simple actually. It’s the joy of music. It’s the joy of sitting down and making music. It’s the joy you feel when you look up at people admiring you. The joy you see in peoples’ eyes. I don’t know why I ever stopped that. The piano sat on the stage. Dusty and untouched. It’d been decades since I’ve seen it. I haven’t come to this stage since I lost her. After the concert. The last time I ever heard her voice. And yet here I am years and years later. Knowing why I haven’t been happy in so long. Of course pain is always gonna be there, But as I played a soft note on the piano, All of it seemed to disappear. It was as if all the weight on my shoulders got lifted. The melodious notes resonated around the hall. And for a few moments, I forgot about all the pain. I forgot about the tears. I forgot about the heartache. And as the last notes echoed around the hall, I was truly happy.
Prompt #92: Coming home with secrets
My mother’s radio sits in the balcony And it greets me with electric static Coming to this sheltering home is somewhat problematic Cause the walls are too thin, and it’s back to reality. Back to the running water that conceals the noise of cracks Crumbling behind my peeling mask, holding my face with wax An unraveled thread masking the makeup smile of a wakeup call That runs down to my chin and I keep under wraps. I take invitations to the mall, yet the space around me seems so small Nevertheless, I show my teeth with a big, shiny grin And suck a trembling breath through their thin slit Happy to wear tight jeans, to stop me from an embarrassing fall. The bath hurts on my skin, but even more to protect screams from the halls My head floats in the water, but feels trapped in its walls It cracks my head open with all these secrets inside me Before a blink of an eye, to my room I’d already flee. Not to the radio playing static or streets that won’t let me be But to under the blankets, where no one can really see The struggle to be a walking, talking, breathing secret That was thrown to the ocean in a bottle, wishing to be free. However, the words untold keep coming like ever so frequent Like adrenalized filled cops in pursue of an escapee delinquent All the more, my doppelganger and I have come to an agreement To take these secrets to our grave, that we nowadays call home.
Recipe for Happiness
Start with friendship, Then add time, A dash of humor, And forgotten binds. Mix it up, Till blended well, And make sure, To remember the smell. Put that bowl, To the side, Grab a new one, Add grateful sighs. Then add family, And a smile, Then sit back, And mix awhile. To that bowl, Add a laugh, A cheerful cry, And blissful past. Whip until, There’s heavy peaks, Then pour in, What we all seek. Combine the two, Then mix it well, Spray the pan, And pour it out. Cherish the memory, The beautiful scent, Of unity, And happiness.
My mother died when I was younger so this poem is about me sitting on the lawn at night shortly after she passed away. I was imagining better times, which is why in my poem I talk about how the girl is imagining ‘walking on the moon’ and she is gripping the grass tight and trying to remember the warmth of her mothers palms.
Sitting in the blue black grass She’s walking on the moon Watching specks of silver dance To the mellow tune Her fingers gripping the grass so tight She can almost feel The warmth of her mothers palms
The winds cold fingers
The winds cold fingers Tousle with my hair Loosening the soil My sobs are carried away on the wind
I would love to share this list (credited to you) with students participating in a virtual library program on poetry. Would that be possible/acceptable? These are great!
Wow! Thank you so much for all these awesome prompts! I’ve written two poems already!
Prompt #1 AND #15, untouchable and less than 25 words. i’m lowk popping off??
Apollo Commands the sun, which squints so brightly, scorches and freckles. i want her hand on mine. searing pain fears, still i reach out, and bubble.
I looked at the word “Duct tape” And thought about it. Its not anywhere in this poem at all but it inspired it yk?
Feathers are Soft
Feathers are soft People aren’t
Plushies are soft People aren’t
Pillows are soft People aren’t
People are mean Not nice Not joyful
well my poem is only loosely based on the second prompt because I found I had too much to say about Sundays. I would love to share it with you but these comments don’t support links.
Inspired by number 55 in list of poetry suggestions. Poem to song guitar chords. —————————————————-
Carnegie Hall
D I was feeling ecstatic G when I went to the attic A and found my auld busking D guitar
D But I felt consternation G I disturbed hibernation A at first it seemed quite D bazaar
D When I blew off the dust G it smelt like old must A but t’was time to give it a D bar
D It was then I heard flapping G which sounded like clapping A my first ever round of D applause
D It stayed with the beat G while tapping my feet A I kept playing despite all my D flaws
D I took early retirement G though not a requirement A “Bad Buskers” all get D menopause
D I’m strumming the strings G and the echo it rings A but no jingling of coins as they D fall
D So I play here alone G as to what I was prone A never made it to Carnegie D Hall
D Time to call it a day G as they used to say A for no encores or no curtain D call
D There’s a butterfly G in my guitar
D There’s a butterfly G in my guitar.
Finn Mac Eoin
23rd July 2022
I love this Finn, where can we listen to your song?
Hello I wrote this in remberence of 9/11. Its now sitting in ground zero. A ordinary day to start Same as any other Dad goes off to work again, Child goes with their mother. Vibrant busy city, busses, cars galore Workers in the offices, from bottom to top floor. Throughout our life situations Hard times often do arise, Unfortunatly we never think of saying last goodbyes. That’s exactly what happened on September 11th 2001 A day that turned the world so cold When tragedy begun. Twin towers has exploded Co ordinate attacks, Al-Qaeda behind the planes That seemed to be hijacked. Thousands were killed instantly Some lives hang by a thread, Calls were made to loved ones Onlookers face of dread. Fears & screams while running As smoke fills up the air, News reports on live tv Helplessly they stare. On the news we hear the voices of all who are caught inside, Lying next to injured ones Or sadly ones who died. One man makes a phone call My darling wife it’s me, I’m sorry that I upset you And that we disagreed. My offices have been attacked they’re crumbling to the ground, A massive explosion hit our floor then instantly no sound. If I do not make it I’m stating from the heart, I love you darling, & in your life I’m glad to play a part. Tell the kids daddy loves them Continue well at school, Stand up for all your beliefs Don’t be taken for a fool. The wife is crying down the line Darling please don’t go, I love you darling so so much I’ve always told you so. He replied my darling im feeling really kind of weak, Breathlessly he’s coughing, he can hardly speak. If you ever need me just look up to the stars, I will hear your voices And heal up any scars. Suddenly all was quiet The wife screams down the fone, Darling can you hear me, don’t leave me here alone. The towers live on tv start to crumble to the ground, Clouds of smoke then fill the air The world in shock no sound. Crying at the images of all who has lost their lives , Mums,dad’s , Nan’s & grandads, husbands & wives. Rescue teams included and all those left behind To All who were among them, all who did survive, All who were injured All who sadly died. Never in this lifetime that day will be the same For ground zero holds the memories Of every single name.
Those hero’s on that awful day who never thought about their life Who fought to save the innocent To keep each sole alive Those who were pulled to safety Those we lost in vein, Never be forgotten The pain will still remain We will never forget that tragedy For the days will never be the same. But may I say with all my heart In God we put our faith United we stand For eternity were safe Amen
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Journal Buddies Jill | March 1, 2023 March 19, 2018 | Journal Prompts & Writing Ideas
33 Poem Topics & Poetry Writing Prompts
Poem topics and Poetry Writing Prompts— As a genre, poetry deals far more heavily in expression and emotion than most other types of writing—which is why it’s a particularly great genre for middle-schoolers to work within. Tweens and young teens face a lot of complex scenarios and confusing emotions, and poetry offers a healthy outlet so that all of those feelings have somewhere to go.
These brand new poem topics and poetry writing prompts kick off with a few questions that help to introduce students to the freedom and limitless potential that exists within the genre. Then, students will begin writing their own poems on a wide range of topics—covering everything from global issues to family relationships to the passage of time.
Students should feel free to write any style of poetry they like—and the diverse topics they’ll find within these prompts will encourage them to express themselves honestly and openly as they see fit.
Use these poem topics and poetry writing prompts for middle school students to teach kids about the joy of poems—and the beauty in free expression!
Poem Topics and Poetry Writing Prompts
- Why do people write poetry?
- What types of things can you express in poetry that are hard to express through other forms of writing?
- Research several different forms of poetry. How can so many different types of writing all be considered a part of the same genre?
- How do you define poetry? What has your experience with poetry been like?
- Choose a poem that you like and analyze how the poet uses language in the poem to express emotions and ideas.
- Write a poem about your daily routine.
- Write a poem about what it’s like to be _____ years old.
- Write a poem about an issue that you and your friends struggle with.
- Write a poem about a global issue that matters to you.
- Write a poem about a quality that defines your family.
- Write a poem that defines the concept of “identity.”
- Write a poem about relationships and the challenges they can present.
- Write a poem about something your parents taught you.
- Write a poem about your neighborhood.
- Write a poem celebrating your favorite work of art.
- Write a poem in honor of a person you admire.
- Write a poem about your favorite holiday.
- Write a poem about the passage of time.
- Write a poem about truth.
- Write a poem about responsibility.
- Write a poem about freedom.
- Write a poem about America.
- Write a poem about a time when someone hurt you.
- Write a poem describing the feeling of joy.
- Write a poem about your dreams for your future.
- Write a poem about integrity.
- Write a poem about poetry.
- Write a poem about something that confuses you.
- Write a poem about a historical event.
- Write a poem about someone you love.
- Write a poem about secrets.
- Write a poem about memory.
I hope you enjoyed and found inspiration in this list of poetry prompts and poetry topics. Perhaps you will use them in your next lesson plan to spur the creativity of your writers.
A Lovely Poem Written by a Journal Buddies Reader
On a beautiful morning recently, I received the following email for a young reader of my blog. She wrote:
Hey Jill, You make my life easier. Thank you for what you do. You have no idea how you have improved my life. I took one of your prompts into consideration and ended up writing a poem on Alarm Clocks. And just for fun, I submitted my poem to The Times Of India, to my astonishment, they actually published my poem in their Student Edition paper. I will look forward to writing more of your prompts. Again, thank you. Onwards and Upwards, Nandini
I can tell you that Nandini’s sweet email warmed my heart and brought me great joy.
I was curious, too, to read her poem and asked if she would share it with me.
To my great joy…
She said yes, and with her permission, here it is. Enjoy! (I sure did.)
A Poem…
The atypical artefact.
I wake up to wake you up, always on time, so that you never be late, But you seem quiet dizzy, you tend to shut me up, But my ancestry doesn’t allow me, to just keep quite.
I energize myself again, and buzz with a much louder voice. And this time, I witness a painful thrust, from your hand, And later find myself shattered. But, I guess, life is all about, getting up when you fall.
I pump myself again, and this time I shout, as hell! My shout didn’t go, in vain, you finally woke up! And do you know, when you wake up, happiness fills me, with a sense of accomplishment. And then hibernation, Pops into me so that, I could save energy, for next episode, the other day.
You might think that, I am a bit weird, But that’s because of the treatment I get. Sometimes I don’t need to buzz at all, And some days, I need to, Shout my voice out.
I have seen everything, Your sadness, happiness, Stress, anxiety, disgust, But I cry in melancholy, As I cannot be a part of it. I have seen you not sleep the whole night, And not wake the whole day. One of my salient features, is to go silent, Once you wake up.
I am either placed on a, Dirty dusky table, or, On your complacent cushioned bed.
I am designated as, The Mighty Alarm Clock, which helps you to accomplish your, Morning Rituals.
I give you hope, To start afresh, I embellish your life, I admit, not Mornings though.
When Life Calls You, I Wake You Up.
~ By Nandini
Thanks for reading Nandini’s poem and for visiting my blog. My heart is filled with joy because of her writing talent. I have no doubt she will do wonderful things in this world with her words (and beyond!).
Types of Poetry and Poetry Ideas to Inspire You
Looking for a specific type of poem suggestion or idea? Here are 9 wonderful ones for you:
- Haiku. The haiku (or hokku) is an ancient form of Japanese poetry that has become very popular all over the world. …
- Free verse. Free verse is a popular style of modern poetry, and as its name suggests there is a fair amount of freedom when it comes to writing a poem like this. …
- Sonnet. …
- Acrostic. …
- Villanelle. …
- Limerick. …
- Ode. …
See this article to learn more about each of these poetry writing ideas.
Lastly, and above all, I hope these ideas help to inspire some wonderful poetic ideas that help your students refine their creative writing and writing skills in general.
If you enjoyed these Poem Topics and Poetry Writing Prompts , please share them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. I appreciate it!
Sincerely, Jill journalbuddies.com creator and curator
More Poetry Resources
- Dada Poetry Writing Prompts
- 52 Kids Journal Prompts about Poetry
- 33 Journaling Prompts about The Arts
- Explore our collection of Fiction prompts
- Discover the 10 most influential poets in history
Tap to See Prompts 52 Inspiring Poetry Prompts for Kids 18 Excellent Topics & Poem Ideas for Kids 27 Amazing Picture Writing Prompts for Kids ------------Start of Om Added --------- @media (min-width: 320px) and (max-width: 767px) { .inside-right-sidebar { display: none !important; } } Featured Posts
Tap to See Prompts 52 Inspiring Poetry Prompts for Kids 18 Excellent Topics & Poem Ideas for Kids 27 Amazing Picture Writing Prompts for Kids Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7-8 Grade 9-12 All Ages ------------End of Om Added --------- Tags All Ages , Grade 6 , Grade 7-8 , middle school students , poetry , Poetry Writing , poetry writing prompt , Poetry Writing Prompts , prompts , Prompts for Middle School , students , topics , types of writing , write , writing , writing poems , writing prompts div#postbottom { margin-top: 12px; } Featured Posts
19 Poetry Prompts for High School Students in 2019
Like many students, I discovered poetry in my freshman year of high school–the kind that made my heart expand three times its limit, the kind that made me believe in humanity’s innate potential for growth amidst all the events going on in the world. As for many high schoolers, poetry saved me during a time when I didn’t know I needed to be saved, and those experiences propelled me to try writing some of my own.
But writing poems? Not easy. Writing poetry can be both exhilarating and frustrating, but whether you’re struggling to find your next set of words or just looking for a change of pace, here we’re sending a list of poetry prompts your way.
1. Write a cento. Cento, which is Latin for “patchwork,” is a poetic form made up of lines from poems by other poets. Because of the juxtaposition of images and ideas that they form, centos can be ironic and humorous with their multiple meanings. Take specific lines out of different poems (it can be yours, others, or a mismatch of both!) and see what you can create.
2. Make an erasure poem , where you erase words from existing text and leave the result as the final poem. Examples of source texts include using a dictionary, an online article, or even one of your own poems.
3. Experiment with a form you’ve never tried before , such as a sonnet, a prose poem, or a sestina.
4. Make a list poem , where you play on the use of repetition with a specific word or with a certain theme. Or, for a more specific prompt, read poet Michael McGriff’s article, “ The Image List ,” wherein he asks students to list and develop images important to them.
5. While listening to music , write down what you hear or “see” from the piece. Be careful of cliché or overused phrases, and try to push for more concrete imagery or expressions.
6. Experiment with repetition. Deborah Landau’s “ Solitaire ” is a great example of how repetition can break or mold the form of a poem, while Jane Kenyon’s “ Otherwise ” and Joanna Klink’s “ Some Feel Rain ” propel the reader forward through the use of repetition.
7. Here’s an Adroit Mentorship prompt! Write an instructional poem , either to yourself or to an unknown speaker, about how to do a certain action. Try to ensure that the piece remains as tangible as possible, and to show, rather than telling. Read Traci Brimhall’s “ How to Find the Underworld ” and “ How I Learned to Walk ” by Javier Zamora for examples.
8. Write a poem based on a photograph , whether it be one of yours or someone else’s. Louise Glück’s “ A Summer Garden ” and “ Photograph from September 11 ” by Wisława Szymborska are both based on photographs yet explore them in different ways: while Gluck focuses more on the world within and surrounding the photograph, Szymborska focuses more on the photograph itself and its significance given context.
9. Another Adroit Mentorship prompt: Write a persona poem , where you adopt the perspective of another individual, such as a historical figure or an ancestor. For examples, check out Tyler Mills’s “ Marie Curie ,” or Natasha Tretheway’s “ Letter Home .”
10. Write an apology poem , or a poem inspired by guilt. I find this prompt useful mostly because guilt as an emotion can be applied to everyone and provokes a strong response within writers, whether the event or situation is directly or indirectly theirs to blame. Both Matthew Olzmann’s “ Letter to Someone Living Fifty Years from Now ” and Donika Kelly’s “ I Never Figured How to Get Free ” explore guilt in different ways, but both carry an implicit message of involvement.
11. Write a poem where you adopt the persona of an inanimate object or an animal , whether real or mythical. In her book Bestiary, Donika Kelly frequently utilizes this form to reflect on the speaker’s greater relationship to the world, such as her poems “ Self-Portrait as a Door ” and “ Love Poem .”
12. Sometimes, we learn more from what we don’t like versus what we do. Rewrite a poem (from another poet) that you personally think is just not that great. Hopefully, you can discover exactly what elements or pieces of that poem aren’t for you and allow it to reveal more about you and your writing in the process.
13. Rearrange a poem you’ve already written. This allows you to play with form in a similar way that the cento does, although it’s just focusing on one piece. A good starter is to change the last line to the first.
14. Write a poem addressed to a future version of yourself , such as Ocean Vuong’s “ Someday I’ll Love Ocean Vuong .”
15. Anaphora , or the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of each sentence, is an interesting (and relatively easy) way to capture the rhythm of a poem when feeling stuck, while also allowing for a lot of freedom in imagery and style. Examples of anaphora range from classics such as Allen Ginsberg’s “ Howl ” and Whitman’s “ I Sing the Body Electric ” to more contemporary poems such as Roger Reeves’s “ Someday I’ll Love Roger Reeves .”
16. Flarf , or poetry that often relies on Google and the Internet to produce odd and often deliberately “bad” poems, is a fun way to experiment with word choice. Create your own flarf poem using anything from search results to Google Translate. For reference, check out Poets.org’s “ A Brief Guide to Flarf Poetry ,” which explains the origins of how the movement started, as well as providing examples of “flarf” poetry.
17. Write a poem using only 2nd-grade language. For reference, check out the vocabulary spelling lists for elementary school students online.
18. Write a poem based on Joe Brainard’s “ I Remember ,” wherein he recalled both minute and principal details from his life growing up, while starting every sentence with the words “I remember.” These can center on a specific theme.
19. For those interested in a group project, construct what is called an “exquisite corpse poem,” a poem by allowing each person to write one line or sentence before passing on to the next. However, with each new line written, fold the piece of paper so that only the previous line can be shown. Make a game of it!
Audrey Kim attends Conestoga High School in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. Her work has been recognized by the National YoungArts Foundation, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and the Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize. She is a Content Intern for The Adroit Journal.
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100 Inspiring Poetry Writing Prompts for Kids
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Regular poetry study is a wonderful way to spur a love of writing in children. Poems can be more fun to create than other types of writing, and they truly allow children’s creativity to shine through. Use these 100 poetry writing prompts for kids to inspire your budding poets as they write their own poems.
Why Kids Should Write Poetry
In our fast-paced world, many kids–and even their parents and teachers–may think poetry is a relic of a simpler time. They relegate it to an era that didn’t include Tik Tok, SnapChat, or Twitter (though perhaps some may consider the tweet itself a modern short poem).
In doing so, however, they miss out on a whole world of beauty and insight that poetry exposes us to. No matter the form, style, age, or tone of the poetry we read, it has the ability to transport us to other times and places, to other ways of thinking, living, and viewing the world.
Don’t we all need a little more of that these days?
Through poetry–both the reading and writing of it–we promote literacy and expand children’s ideas about how language works. When we sit with a child and explain the use of syllables, rhymes, apostrophes, capital letters, punctuation, and word choice and order that we find in poems, it opens up new doors into language which may otherwise have remained shut.
As they read and write poems, their vocabulary expands, their reading fluency increases, their spelling improves, and they learn new ways of phrasing ideas.
Emotionally, kids experience growth through poetry when they read the experiences and insights of others and realize that they are not alone. They also learn to understand and express their own feelings in ways that feel safe to them.
And on top of all that, poetry is just plain fun. Coming up with rhyming phrases and funny limericks can just be a real hoot, especially when you give kids some time and space to play with their ideas.
April is National Poetry Month. Why not use that as a time to introduce or expand poetry appreciation and writing activities in your home, homeschool, or classroom?
Types of Poems Kids Enjoy Writing
While kids enjoy reading poetry of many types (as long as it’s well-written), there are a few key forms that will be easiest for them to practice their own poetry writing skills on.
Rhyming poems
Many kids think their poems have to rhyme, and that’s not true at all. Many wonderful poems don’t rhyme or don’t know have an easily recognizable rhyme scheme. In fact, if kids feel their poems need to rhyme to be any good, they may get overwhelmed by that challenge.
On the other hand, challenging oneself to come up with good rhymes can help a young writer overcome writer’s block as they try to make their pentameter and rhyme scheme work.
In a rhyme scheme, the sound of the syllable at the end of each line is represented by a letter. For example, if the first two lines end with box and fox , the sound “ox” would be designated by the letter A, and every line that ends in the ox sound (even if it is spelled “socks” as in socks or blocks ) would also be represented by A. Each new ending syllable sound is represented by an additional letter.
Here are some popular rhyme schemes to introduce to children:
Example of a rhyming poem with rhyme scheme AABAAB:
MIX A PANCAKE Mix a pancake, Stir a pancake, Pop it in the pan; Fry the pancake, Toss the pancake— Catch it if you can. CHRISTINA G ROSETTI
A haiku is a three-line poem that describes something in nature. It typically has five syllables in the first and third lines and seven syllables in the middle line. However, if you like nerding out over stuff like this, check out this article to find out why the 5-7-5 rule for haikus is actually a myth.
No matter how many syllables you include in each of the three short lines, haiku poems work best when written with figurative language. Haikus offer a new way to have kids practice literary devices such as similes, metaphors, hyperbole, and personification. Challenge them to include at least one of these in their short poems.
Example of a haiku:
THE JUDGE UP HIGH When ice freezes stream Heron flocks to his tree branch A judge looking down SOPHIE AGBONKHESE
Acrostic poems
Acrostic poems are extremely fun for kids to write . Have them choose a title for their poem that is also the subject. For example, Bear or Christmas .
Have them write the word vertically down the margin of their page with each letter on one line.
Each line of the poem must then begin with the letter written on that line.
When read vertically, the first letter of each line should spell the title or subject of the poem.
Example of an acrostic poem:
BEAR Busting into my trash can Eating everything he can find A bear is living in my backyard Raiding like a pirate SOPHIE AGBONKHESE
Writing limericks with kids can be a hilarious undertaking, but you’ll probably have to write several together before they get the hang of it. My kids and I have had hours of fun over the years coming up with limericks.
A limerick is a witty, five-line poem with an AABBA rhyme scheme. It usually has a da-DUM da-da DUM da-da DUM rhythm.
Example of a limerick:
THERE WAS AN OLD PERSON WHOSE HABITS There was an Old Person whose habits Induced him to feed upon rabbits; When he’d eaten eighteen, He turned perfectly green, Upon which he relinquished those habits. EDWARD LEAR
Free verse poetry is a form that does not use strict rhyme and meter. It’s perfect for younger kids because it gives them the freedom to write whatever they feel like without worrying about rhyme schemes or syllables.
A popular type of free verse poem is the descriptive poem, in which the poet gives a detailed description of a person, place, animal, or inanimate object.
Example of a free verse poem:
NIGHT Stars over snow, And in the west a planet Swinging below a star– Look for a lovely thing and you will find it, It is not far– It never will be far. SARA TEASDALE
How to Use Poetry Writing Prompts to Help Kids Write Poetry
The prompt ideas in this post are broken up into two sections. The first section are prompts, or ideas for poem topics. There are fifty of these prompts, separated into five categories.
The following section offers fifty poetry starters, or first lines, for poems. You can use these in combination with the topics if you like.
For example, you might have kids choose a towriterduetpic AND a first line and combine them.
Start by having kids pick out a poem topic that inspires them or choose one at random. Then have them pick a first line, or again, draw one at random.
For an extra fun activity, you could have kids pick three cards:
- Type of poem
- First line of a poem
Then have them combine these three elements to create their new poem. If they are writing a type of poem with a specific type of opening line, you’ll want to make sure to only offer them options that match their selection of poem type.
Prompts are just that: prompts. They’re here to spark ideas, not to be an end unto themselves. If they help children come up with their own poem topics and first lines, they’ve done their job.
You might also enjoy: 100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School
50 Topics to Write Poems About
Here are fifty poem topics to write about.
Poetry Prompts about Special Events
Write a poem about…
- How you met your best friend
- The day you got your pet
- A birthday party
- First day at a new school
- A historical event
- A recital or other performance
- An important sporting event
- The birth of your sibling
- Your favorite Christmas memory
- A field trip to a place you love
Poetry Prompts about Everyday Things
- The sound of your alarm clock in the morning
- A mishap at the breakfast table
- Taking a wrong turn and getting lost
- Having a sneezing fit in the middle of a test
- Your favorite food
- Taking care of a pet or a sibling
- How you feel about homework
- A strange dream
- A game (your favorite game or a made-up one)
Nature Poetry Prompts
21. The first snowfall
22. An enchanted forest
23. A beautiful sunrise
24. Gardening
25. A spider
26. Your favorite animal
27. A river
29. Thunderstorms
30. The sun, moon, stars, or planets
Write a Poem from An Unusual Perspective
Write a poem from the perspective of an inanimate object or animal, such as…
32. An article of clothing
33. A chair
35. The earth
37. A basketball
38. A spoon
40. A cell phone
Poetry Prompts about People
41. A grandparent
42. A parent
43. An aunt or uncle
44. A teacher
45. Your favorite author
46. Your favorite musician
47. A friend you miss
48. An important historical figure
49. Someone you look up to
50. Yourself
You might also enjoy: How to Use Story Starters to Get Kids Writing
50 Poetry Starters for Kids
For some kids, seeing a list of topics to write poems about will be enough inspiration. Others might need a bit more encouragement.
Poetry starters are a great way to get the creative juices flowing. They offer a suggested first line for a poem so kids can jump right in.
Remember, the point isn’t to stick to a rigorous set of rules, but to inspire kids to develop an interest in poetry. So, if your kids pick a prompt and then decide to go in another direction, embrace that!
Note: some of the starters contain blank spaces. This is to allow for maximum flexibility in allowing the child to make the starter truly their own. If they can’t come up with anything, feel free to make some suggestions.
Haiku Poem Starters
Write a haiku using one of these first lines…
51. Bees buzz about flowers
52. Today, my heart leaps
53. What is ______? I asked
54. Snow slips down softly
55. Silvery sweet sound
56. Jump! And again: jump!
57. Through the trees, I go
58. Listen, hear her speak
59. Larger than a whale
60. Smaller than a mouse
Limerick Poem Starters
Write a limerick using one of these first lines…
61. I woke up one morning with joy
62. It was quite a big day for me
63. It was the most embarrassing story
64. There once was a wise man who told me
65. If there’s one thing I can’t understand
66. What is that strange sound? I inquired
67. Most people forget I’m around
68. Did anyone ask what I thought?
69. The woman leaned down and said, “Here,
70. Let me tell you a story ‘bout how
Love writing prompts? Check out: The Big Book of Writing Prompts for Kids
Funny Poem Starters
Write a silly poem using one of these first lines…
71. What is a ____(noun) to do?
When ____(pronoun) head is stuck in a shoe?
72. Oh, it might not have been quite so bad,
If it weren’t for my ____(adjective) dad.
73. Have you ever stuck your finger
too far up your nose?
74. Consider, I implore you,
what it’s like to be me
75. When spying, one must
Tiptoe with great care
76. Whatever you’re doing, drop it right now
Listen closely, I’ll make you say, “Wow!”
77. I met a funny little man
As I walked along one day
78. It’s not my favorite thing to do
I’d rather eat broccoli or step in glue
79. What do you do when you haven’t got a clue?
Where do you go when you see a crow?
80. If I found a hundred dollars, here’s what I would do
I’d grab my _____(noun), and my _____(noun), and my _____(noun) too.
Rhyming Couplet Poetry Starters
Write a poem with A/B rhyme scheme using one of these first lines…
81. What do you see when you climb a tree?
Is there anywhere greater in the world to be?
82. Softly she sleeps, in midday sun.
Her afternoon nap, no time for fun
83. This story is strange, as soon you will see,
the weirdest thing, ever happened to me
84. In the spring, a flower grows.
One day it may become a rose.
85. As she pushed me on the tire swing,
my mother told me the most interesting thing.
86. Raise my binoculars up to my eyes,
zoom in on a figure, oh! What a surprise!
87. Whenever I sing a silly song,
whenever I daydream for too long,
88. I have this thing you have to see,
the latest, greatest technology.
89. Within the wrapping paper, brown,
the smallest gift I’ve ever found.
90. Creeping along the ground so slow,
onward, upward, off he goes.
Free Verse Poetry Starters
Go in whatever direction you want with these free verse poem starters…
91. If I could do anything, here’s what I’d do…
92. Come see what I found, look real close…
93. Three things in this world, I can’t live without…
94. When winter snow begins to fade…
96. Look at the stars and name them all…
96. I found a ____ (noun) I thought I’d lost…
97. Whisper, whisper, tell me your story…
98. I dreamed a dream the other night…
99. At night, past my window, a tall ship sailed…
100. The greatest treasure you can find…
I hope you enjoy these poetry writing prompts for kids.
If you’d like an easy way to use them in your homeschool or classroom, enter your email below to receive a set of printable cards.
And don’t forget to check out all our other writing prompts and resources.
I hope that these poem ideas have inspired you to write some poetry with your children or students.
Leave a comment below and let me know which poetry writing prompts for kids you enjoyed the most (or share a poem!) and don’t forget to save this post to Facebook or Pinterest so you can find it later.
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Non-fiction/Poetry ,
100 poetry prompts.
By Savannah Jackson
100 Phenomenal Poetry Prompts To Inspire Your Writing
Poetry is an expressive and compelling form of writing, but it can be hard to know where to begin. Between form, structure, and content, there are lots of factors to consider when you’re deciding how to write a poem . These poetry prompts will help you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and give you that all-important start.
These prompts are separated into 6 categories containing 15 prompts each, with one miscellaneous section at the end:
- Poetic form prompts
- Imagination focused prompts
- Nature/the outside prompts
- Media and objects as inspiration prompts
- Sentimental/reflective prompts
- Structure prompts
- Miscellaneous prompts
Sometimes coming up with a clear, exciting idea can be the hardest part of writing poetry. But luckily we’ve done it for you! So let’s get started with our poetry prompts.
Poetic Form Prompts
When it comes to writing poetry, deciding on the form you want to use is a great place to start. Whether you’re deciding between writing in free verse or using a regular rhyme pattern; wondering which era of poetry you want to reflect; or what type of poem (acrostic, sestina etc) you want to write; knowing the overall shape of your poem will help you get started. So here are some poetry prompts in the realm of poetic form.
- Write an acrostic poem using your name or that of a loved one.
- Write an ode to someone or something you love. Start with your favourite thing about them.
- Write a sonnet or rewrite one of Shakespeare’s or Petrarca’s. (Sonnets are 14 lines long and are traditionally written in iambic pentameter. But feel free to bend the rules a little; it’s your poem!)
- Write a poem in the style of, or in honour of, your favourite poet.
- Flick through a poetry book. Find a line which resonates you. Use that as your starting point and carry on from there.
- Write a poem that is also a letter. To your past or future self; to a friend; to an emotion; to a loved one who passed away.
- Write a poem in a ‘stream of consciousness’ style.
- Write in the style of a poetic era which interests you (romantic poetry, metaphysical poetry, Renaissance poetry).
- Write a sestina (an unrhyming poem consisting of 6 stanzas of 6 lines and a final 3 line stanza). To help you get started, write about the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning.
- What’s your favourite/lucky number? Write a poem consisting of that many lines.
- Write a poem listing and connecting mundane objects around you. Consider how you interact with them, and how they interact with each other.
- Write a poem without taking your pen off of the paper. Your starting point is your favourite vegetable.
- Write a haiku (5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second line, 5 syllables in the last line). For your starting point, use any word which interests you that begins with the same letter as your surname.
- Write a poem using the poetic ‘I’. Write about your day so far (feel free to exaggerate and embellish).
- Write a poem personifying whichever emotion you’re predominantly feeling right now.
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Imagination Focused Prompts
Poetry is very focused on images, which means you can truly let your imagination run wild when writing it. Be descriptive , have fun, and don’t be afraid to lean into the bizarre. These creative poetry writing prompts will help you craft unique, engaging poems.
- Pick a colour. Use the 5 senses to explore and inhabit it.
- Keep a notebook by your bed. When you wake up in the morning write down everything you can remember about your dreams. Then write a poem based on your notes.
- Write a poem about a mirror.
- What was your favourite fairy tale/fable as a child? Write a poem from the perspective of a secondary character (like Little Red Riding Hood’s Mum) or the antagonist (like the wolf).
- Think of a cliché which irritates you. Write a better version of it (think ‘show, don’t tell’ ), and build your poem from there.
- Think about your favourite scent. Write a poem depicting the things and activities it reminds you of (fresh laundry, apple picking, the ocean, blossom on the trees).
- Write about the aftermath. Of an argument, a panic attack, crying, a break-up, a dizzy spell, the best news of your life.
- If you were an animal what would you be? Write from an animal’s perspective.
- There are flowers on a doorstep. Write a poem about them from the perspective of the sender or the recipient (or both). Are they a celebratory gift (for a birthday, promotion, engagement etc)? An apology? A thank you present? Explore.
- Think of something bizarre or ridiculous you once saw or heard about (the dream you had about a 20-foot-tall flamingo playing the violin, or your niece’s conversation about the elves who helped her with her homework) and use that as the opening to a poem.
- Write a poem which takes place in a time of transition. On the bus home, in the moment between being awake and falling asleep, the day before starting a new job…
- If you were to create your own Coat of Arms, what would it look like? Consider what animal, what kind of plant/flower, what colours etc you would include. Write a poem describing the details and what they represent.
- Write a poem about a secret.
- Think about a big decision you made. Write a poem exploring what may have happened if you’d chosen differently.
- Write a poem about a terrible birthday.
Nature/The Outside Prompts
Classical poetry is what most people think of when it comes to poetry. Lush forests, budding flowers, babbling brooks. Some may think it cliché, but it’s a classic for a reason. And a good reminder to writers to get some fresh air every once in a while. Use this as a nudge to take a break, go for a walk, and who knows; maybe a half-finished poem will come back with you. Try these nature and outdoors focused writing prompts for poetry.
- Write about the month you’re in now. What comes to mind when you think about it/this season? Draw from memories, the five senses, seasonal activities.
- Which element (earth, air) is aligned with your star sign? Write a poem exploring it.
- Look out the window or go for a walk and admire the nature around you. What draws your attention? Write about it in as much detail as possible.
- Write a poem that starts with a tree. Think about what season you want it to be and thus what it looks like (are there leaves/blossom/bare branches)? Think about where you are in relation to it (sat underneath it, looking at it from a passing car, walking up a hill towards it). See where the poem takes you.
- Write about an open window. What kind of building is it in? What’s on either side of it? How high up is it? What does it represent?
- People watch as you gaze out of the window, or look at the people across from you as you walk down the street. Make up a life/story for them in your head. Craft a poem around it.
- Write about a bonfire or a fireplace. Are you someone who loves the smell of them, and how it lingers on your clothes afterwards? Or someone who hates that the smoke gets in your eyes and you have to get really close to them if you want to escape the surrounding cold?
- Write about water. The ocean, drinking a glass of water, washing yourself or the dishes, the rain.
- Where’s your favourite place to be? It could anything from the corner of your bedroom, to a small cafe in town, to an African island. Write a poem about it.
- Write a poem about the weather.
- We always want what we don’t have. Write about the season (autumn, spring etc) you wish you were experiencing now.
- Write a poem about being snowed in or having a power outage. Explore the intimacy of being in close quarters with others or trapped alone.
- When you’re out and about, pay attention to the words around you. Write a poem based on the tail end of a conversation you overheard, the slogan on someone’s t-shirt, or the curious sign in the shop window.
- Think of any old buildings near where you live or grew up. Contemplate who might have occupied them 50/100/200 years ago. Write about them.
- Write a poem from the perspective of someone sullen and sitting alone on a park bench.
Media And Objects As Inspiration Prompts
When trying to figure out how to write poetry that is compelling and meaningful, there are many available options. In a technological world, using media as inspiration is one of the simplest solutions. Let your interests converge and use the images/messages/ themes from your favourite forms of media to help you write your next poem.
- Write a poem based on the first news article which comes up on your TV/phone/the internet.
- Find a picture of you as a child. Write from the perspective of your child self. Look back at the picture from time to time as you write.
- Fill in a crossword puzzle or other word game. Write a poem using as many of the words from it as possible.
- Write a poem about your favourite book.
- Think about an item of clothing or an accessory (the t-shirt that’s worn and well loved, the dress you wore every week when you were in your 30s, the necklace that’s been in your family for generations) that means a lot to you. Write about it. Think about all the places you went and emotions you felt when you wore it. Conversely, personify the object and write a poem about what it experienced with you on those occasions.
- Write a poem about or from the perspective of one of your favourite (or least favourite!) characters from a book/TV show/movie.
- Listen to a song which you enjoy/resonates with you deeply. Dance, close your eyes; do whatever comes naturally. Once it’s finished, sit down and write whatever comes to mind. Think about a key lyric, how it makes you feel, or what your experience was like the first time you heard it.
- Pick a photo you love, your favourite piece of art, or search for interesting images online (volcanoes, Victorian furniture, classical paintings). Write a poem responding to the image.
- Watch the trailer for an upcoming film you’re eager to see. Write a poem based on an interesting moment, or in response to it.
- Think about a memorable concert, play, or fair you attended as a child. Write as though you’re experiencing it now.
- Pick a quote that resonates with you/which you admire. It could be an old adage, something your parents told you, or from a famous writer. Ponder over it for a while, and then write about or in response to it.
- What’s the oldest object you own? When did you get it? What does it mean to you? Write about it in detail.
- Write a poem set in a school. You can recall your own school experience to help you, entirely make it up, or use a scene from a TV show or film as inspiration.
- If you keep a journal, write a poem based on one of your journal entries. Pick an older one (such as the entry you wrote exactly a year ago today) so that you’re a little distanced from what you were experiencing then. Reflect. Contemplate. Use the power of hindsight.
- Spend five minutes or so on a social media or gaming app. Jot down any words or images which interest you or evoke some kind of response in you. Use them to help shape your poem.
Sentimental/Reflective Prompts
Poetry writing can be very reflective and personal. When you’re in need of inspiration , sometimes the best place to start is your own experience. Whether you favour poetry that is sentimental and melancholy, or nostalgic and exuberant, these prompts for poetry will help you out.
- Write something that you aren’t ready to say out loud yet.
- Write about the age you are now; the stereotypes of your demographic, how comfortable you are with your current age, the joys and sorrows it has bought you.
- Think of a really happy day/experience you had in your childhood. Maybe it was when you made a new friend, or read a great book, or went on a trip to the fair. Write a poem describing your unadulterated joy.
- Write about the experience of losing something dear to you.
- Write about someone who taught you/helped you grow but who wasn’t your teacher, parent, or caregiver.
- Think about a memorable birthday you once had. Write a poem about the first one which comes to mind.
- Write a poem about a nightmare or a ‘there’s a monster under the bed’ type fear which you had as a child.
- Write a poem to/about someone, addressing the things you regret not telling them.
- What was your favourite toy/game as child? Write about the devotion you had to it. Are there any parallels between it and your favourite hobbies/passions now?
- Write about a small random thing which brings you joy (your favourite cup of tea, your cat running towards the door to meet you when you come home, the smell of a cinnamon scented candle).
- Write about a haircut/hairstyle or sense of style you once had that differs from how you present yourself today. Who was that version of you? In which ways are you different now?
- Write a poem about a theme or topic which is important to you (animal rights, mental health, education) without explicitly naming it.
- What does home mean to you? Write a poem ruminating on it as a concept and a physical space.
- Write a poem about a cultural moment which resonated with you (old or current).
- Write about a time when you were overlooked. How did you react? Would you respond differently now?
Structure Prompts
The structure of a poem is as important as the words which it contains. And it can be just as meaningful. Starting with the outline of what you want your poem to be like gives you some restrictions so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the myriad of things a poem can be about, while also giving you the freedom to explore your ideas. Here are some creative writing poetry prompts associated with structure.
- Open any book. Write a poem based on the first word which draws your attention.
- Pick a number between 5 and 100. Write a poem containing that exact number of words.
- Make a copy of one of your favourite poems and adjust it to make it your own. Rearrange stanzas/lines, cut out words, change the layout, remove every 5 th word and see what happens.
- Using a random name generator- or just flick through a dictionary/thesaurus/book- come up with 5 random words and craft a poem around them.
- Write a poem without using the letter e.
- Write a poem with each line representing a year of your life (you can do it in calendar years e.g. 1989, 1990, 1991 etc, or in ages e.g. aged 29, 30, 31) and the key memories/emotions/experiences from that time.
- If you speak a second language, try writing a poem in that language instead.
- Write using a different medium. If you usually type your poems on a computer, use pen and paper instead. Or try writing on a whiteboard, in coloured market on a huge piece of paper, using scrabble tiles, in chalk on your garden path, or on a typewriter.
- Write a poem with nouns which start with the letter of your first name.
- Find a poem which you have written but aren’t satisfied with. Read through it, and try and figure out what you don’t like about it. Then, either pick out a line you like and use that as a starting point, or rewrite the poem focusing on its key themes/thesis.
- Write a poem using commas as the only form of punctuation.
- Write with a friend! Agree on an approximate poem length (for instance, 16 lines). Choose someone to start by sending the first line to the other person. They then send the second line back in response. Continue until your poem is complete.
- Write a poem without any full stops.
- Pick up a pen and a paper and free write. About your day, your state of mind, anything. Set a timer for 5-15 minutes and keep writing the entire time. Don’t correct your spelling or cross things out. Just. Keep. Writing. After your time is up, go back through and circle/highlight/underline words or phrases which you like. Use one or two of them and begin crafting a poem.
- Write a poem structured as a poetic transcript of a story a loved one/relative is telling. Use spacing and punctuation to indicate pauses, and include fillers.
Miscellaneous Prompts
There are so many different types of poetry that it can be hard to define as a writing form. And hard to write prompts for, apparently! So here are some extra prompts which refused to be defined by any one category, perfect for the poet whose imagination cannot be contained.
- Write about silence. Is it eerie, peaceful, anxiety provoking? Explore.
- When was the last time you danced? Where were you? Were you alone/who were you with? How did you feel? Write about it.
- Write a poem about any traditions you have, and whether or not you’re attached to them.
- Think of an act of injustice/news story which upsets you. Write about its intricacies and why it angers/saddens you.
- Listen. What’s the most prominent sound you hear? Write about it.
- Write about a part of the body. Any one! Explore all the things about it which you take for granted and the ways in which it brings you joy (arms for hugging, legs for dancing, eyes for watching the sunset etc).
- Write a poem exploring the etymology of your name and your relationship to it.
- Do you have any physical injuries? Write a poem about how you got them and, if relevant, how they affect you now.
- Write a poem about a coincidence that you experienced.
- Write a poem about the gestures/facially expressions you frequently use and what they communicate. How do the people around you use gestures?
Using Poetry Prompts
We hope these poetry prompts give you some great inspiration for new avenues to explore with your writing. Many of these prompts can be used again and again if adapted slightly. You can use them as the basis for a brief freewriting session, to help edit or focus poems you’ve already written, or to help you develop your skills in an area of poetry you’ve been working on (maybe you’re trying to become an expert in all things sonnets). Feel free to adjust these poetry prompts in any way which suits you; we find that a shift in perspective often helps. Happy writing!
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About the author
Savannah is a Digital Content Assistant at Jericho Writers. She has a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Warwick. In her free time, she writes poetry, practices yoga, and reads voraciously.
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100 Poetry Prompts
by Melissa Donovan | Jan 24, 2023 | Poetry Prompts | 4 comments
100 poetry prompts to motivate and inspire you.
My first love in writing was poetry. In my early teens, writing poetry was a creative and cathartic way to explore my ideas and vent my emotions. Writing poetry was accessible — all I needed was some paper and a pen. It didn’t even require a huge investment of time. I scrawled words onto the page as fast as they flew through my mind, often writing a poem in just a few minutes. It was an exhilarating and satisfying way to express myself.
In time, I learned that poetry had many benefits beyond personal expression. I found myself searching for the perfect meaning, rhyme, and meter in my word choices. I counted out syllables and contemplated line breaks. I experimented with form and structure.
It wasn’t just about dumping my thoughts and emotions onto paper anymore. Writing poetry got me thinking about language. It made me aware of writing as a craft, not just as a form of self-expression or communication.
To this day, I find that there are some aspects of writing that are best learned through the study and practice of poetry, and poetry prompts can spark an idea that inspires a poem.
After all, the blank page can be intimidating. If we establish some constraints (such as writing a particular form of poetry) or put some guidelines in place (writing about a particular topic), the blank page often becomes less overwhelming.
- Write a poem about colors without ever naming any colors in the poem.
- Write a poem that tells a story.
- Use the following words in a poem: under, thrust, harbor, wind, prance, fall.
- Write a poem about the following image: an empty stadium with litter strewn about and one sneaker on the stadium stairs.
- Write three haiku .
- Write a poem about your first friend.
- Write a poem that could be the lyrics to a song.
- Use the following words in a poem: fire, spice, burn, chill, tangled.
- Write a poem about the following image: an elderly couple lying in lawn chairs, looking at the stars from their backyard.
- Write a poem in iambic pentameter (each line is five metrical feet, each foot consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable: da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM).
- Write a poem about a wild animal.
- Write a poem that contains dialogue.
- Use the following words in a poem: waves, cliffs, dance, pound, rise.
- Write a poem about the following image: a person kneeling at the edge of a lake, peering into the water.
- Write a sonnet .
- Write a poem about garbage (waste).
- Write a poem that has a perfect rhyme at the end of each line.
- Use the following words in a poem: dirt, squirm, fingers, sprout, shine.
- Write a poem about the following image: an old, dilapidated barn with a caved-in roof and rotting walls.
- Write a sestina .
- Write a poem about the cosmos.
- Write a poem that contains a surprising twist.
- Use the following words in a poem: feet, bees, violet, moss, clunk.
- Write a poem about the following image: a person (or animal) looking out a fogged-up window on a snowy day.
- Write a blackout poem (start with a page of printed text and selectively black-out words; the remaining, unredacted text is the poem).
- Write a poem about your country, city, or state.
- Write a poem that contains no adverbs or adjectives.
- Use the following words in a poem: hunger, curl, click, drill, run.
- Write a poem about the following image: a ladder leaning against the side of a massive tree.
- Write an ode (a tribute to someone or something).
- Write a poem about your greatest accomplishment, personal or professional.
- Write a poem that does not contain any rhymes.
- Use the following words in a poem: cotton, float, foam, fizz, glam.
- Write a poem about the following image: a bag of groceries sitting on the ground in a parking lot.
- Write a palindrome poem .
- Write a poem about your deepest fear, or write about courage.
- Write a poem that contains six numbers but not the number six.
- Use the following words in a poem: bow, shoulder, sprawl, whisper, brush.
- Write a poem about the following image: a table piled with delicious food.
- Write a tanka (five lines, with the following syllabic pattern: 5-7-5-7-7).
- Write a poem about dancing.
- Write a poem that engages each of the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
- Use the following words in a poem: spin, calculate, lie, march, retreat.
- Write a poem about the following image: a phoenix rising from the ashes.
- Write a rondel .
- Write a poem about your future.
- Write a poem that uses an ABABB rhyme scheme.
- Use the following words in a poem: hail, port, send, kneel, salute.
- Write a poem about the following image: a mountain range seen from a great distance.
- Write an acrostic poem (the first letters of each line spell out a word).
- Write a poem about the weather.
- Write a poem that contains internal rhymes but no end rhymes.
- Use the following words in a poem: meet, time, basket, neon, puddle.
- Write a poem about the following image: a wild baby animal crouching in the brush, watching its mother from a distance.
- Write a concrete (shape) poem (a poem that forms a shape on the page, which can be simple, abstract, or complex).
- Write a poem about a momentous, life-changing event.
- Write a poem that has exactly one hundred words.
- Use the following words in a poem: book, carpet, stick, hide, wander.
- Write a poem about the following image: an assembly line in a factory that produces home-assistant robots.
- Write a poem that has at least four instances of repetition.
- Write a poem about entertainment.
- Write a poem that contains a running metaphor.
- Use the following words in a poem: satellite, bunker, can, water, dig.
- Write a poem about the following image: unusual footprints on a trail in the forest.
- Write a ghazal .
- Write a poem about childhood.
- Write a poem that explores the concept of duality.
- Use the following words in a poem: motherboard, lava, smolder, flow, sear.
- Write a poem about the following image: gum, mirror, pen, speak, fan.
- Write a list poem (for example, a poem that is also a grocery list).
- Write a poem about the most thrilling experience you’ve ever had.
- Write a poem that is set in a particular time and place.
- Use the following words in a poem: lavender, horn, gold, hooves, trot.
- Write a poem about the following image: a notebook that is partially burnt.
- Write a prose poem (a poem written in paragraphs rather than in verse).
- Write a poem about lacking something essential.
- Write a poem that is abstract or open to interpretation.
- Use the following words in a poem: barn, skyscraper, bicycle, climb, stack.
- Write a poem about the following image: a crew of workers eating lunch.
- Write a poem of three stanzas, each with three lines, and include the number “three” somewhere in the poem.
- Write a poem about a journey.
- Write a poem that includes onomatopoeia (words that sound like what they mean — for example, hiss ).
- Use the following words in a poem: drink, desire, switch, swell, relish.
- Write a poem about the following image: a polar bear on a tropical island.
- Write a rondelet .
- Write a poem about an ordinary day.
- Write a poem that includes at least three instances of alliteration, including one each of assonance and consonance.
- Use the following words in a poem: buckle, bend, kick, pot, shift.
- Write a poem about the following image: an empty raft floating down a river.
- Write a limerick (five lines with rhyme scheme AABBA and a naughty attitude).
- Write a poem about building something.
- Write a poem that contains a pun.
- Use the following words in a poem: squeeze, type, mission, gate, blast.
- Write a poem about the following image: a bird soaring through sky.
- Write a cinquain (five lines, with two syllables in the first line, four in the second, six in the third, eight in the fourth, and two syllables in the final line).
- Write a poem about gaining something you’ve never had before.
- Write a poem that is optimistic and hopeful.
- Use the following words in a poem: airplane, jungle, needle, hike, signal.
- Write a poem about the following image: a child exiting the library with a stack of books.
- Write a magic 9 poem (nine lines with rhyme scheme ABACADABA).
Did These Poetry Prompts Inspire You?
Which of these poetry prompts inspired you? Were you moved to write a poem? How often do you write poetry? Do you regularly use poetry prompts? What’s your favorite thing about writing poetry?
Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below, and keep writing poetry.
I love these poetry prompts! They’re really inspiring and I’m looking forward to trying out a few of them.
Thanks! I’m glad you love them!
Thanks for this. It’s just what I need. In December I decided to write a poem a day for a year. So far I’ve managed it;some long, some short (haiku, limericks, or just a short 4 line poem). I now have almost 60 poems! My idea is to publish them in 2 books January to June, and July to December so people can read a poem a day. I’ve written poetry since my teens, like you, but sadly, most have been lost. I wrote some more, and just before Christmas, they were released as a book. It made a change from novels.
What an exciting project: a poem a day. I like it!
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14 Poem Ideas for Kids: Creative Writing Prompts
Is writing poetry difficult? Where do you start? How do you come up with a poem idea? Writing poetry doesn't have to be difficult, especially for kids whose creative spirits love to be unleashed! Nevertheless, poetry prompts are very helpful for those writers staring at a blank page and trying to decide how to begin! These poem ideas include a variety of poetry forms and topics, and are good writing prompts for kids ( and adults! ).
Although April is National Poetry Month (and I always make a big deal of it), anytime of the year is a good time to learn how to write poetry.
Note: this post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through affiliate links may earn commission.
How to Begin
Before you sit down to write your first line of a poem, you must first learn how to read poetry ! If you haven't already done so, complete this easy Poetry Reading Challenge that will introduce kids to different poetry forms and have them eager to created their very own poem.
Next, laugh yourself silly while completing in this Poetry Writing Challenge in which kids learn to write poetry the easy way .
Finally, use the poem ideas and prompts in this article to start experimenting with form and language.
Coming Up with Good Poem Ideas
Lots of new poets wonder how they can get ideas for poem. The good news is that poetry ideas don't have to be complicated. When kids harness their creativity and start to brainstorm about topics they are interested in, writer's block will fade away!
When young writers explore different types of poetry like the ones below, they will practice their writing skills as well as learn about the essential characteristics of poetry such as rhyme and rhythm, meter, figurative language and metaphor, form and mood.
Poem Starters
Sometimes writing the first line that grabs the attention of the reader is the hardest. When you have a little guidance about what form your poem will take, it gets easier. These poem starters and prompts are excellent jumping off points!
Write a spine poem using the books on your shelves.
Try writing a color poem . This is a good easy poem writing idea for younger kids and helps them learn about creating images and emotions with words. (via The Measured Mom)
Young poets will love experimenting by looking at things from a new perspective when they write a "never" poem . This particular version of the Never Poem harnesses the power of alliteration. Plus, kids love it when they can be silly. (via The Write Shop)
Some poetry writing ideas can be more challenging than others, but don't shy away. You'll be surprised how your kids rise to the occasion. Write a reverso poem (via Mama Smiles, inspired by Marilyn Singer's Mirror Mirror )
One of the most commonly assigned school poems is a haiku! How to write haiku , an article by Bob Raczka, poet and author of one of my favorite haiku books, GUYKU: A Year of Haiku for Boys . (via Imagination Soup)
Creative poem ideas can take many forms. What about a puzzling rhyme? Try writing a riddle poem . (via Imagination Soup)
Ditch the pen and paper and compose poetry using magnetic words. We have a set of really big magnetic poetry words and the boys love them. Having a limited selection of words to chose from helps take the pressure off writing.
Write a concrete poem . Concrete poems are poems (rhyming or free verse) in which the words on the page take on a shape that relates to the imagery in the poem's meaning (via Poetry 4 Kids)
MORE : Concrete Poetry Books for Kids
Need a poem starter kids will love? Give them a topic they boosts self-esteem. Write an "I'm so smart" poem . I think my kid might like this idea a little too much.
Write an acrostic poem . Acrostics are often the first poems kids learn how to write in school. (This post also teaches about similes.)
Write a limerick to make everyone laugh! A limerick uses a very specific AABBA rhyme scheme, convey a humorous and whimsical mood, and frequently veer into the realm of nonsense poetry! (via Power Poetry)
MORE: Funny Poetry Books for Kids
Focus on imagery and write a poem using the 5 senses . This is another excellent easy poem idea for kids. (via This Reading Mama)
Create a rhyme using word families . This is an great idea for kids still learning how to read and are working on learning the parts of speech like adjectives and adverbs. (via This Reading Mama)
Not all poems have to rhyme. A diamante poem has seven lines. The shape of the poem is a diamond, with the first and last lines containing a single word. Learn how to write a diamante poem . (via Write Shop)
MORE: Children's Poets Your Kids Should Know
Poetry books for inspiration:
- Haiku poetry books
- Diverse poetry books
- Non-boring poetry books to make you love poetry
Need more convincing that writing poems is fun?
- 8 ways poetry calms kids and brings joy to family life
Reader Interactions
Kim Kautzer says
April 08, 2014 at 1:08 pm
Thank you for linking to our "Never" Poem!
Erica MomandKiddo says
April 08, 2014 at 4:06 pm
My pleasure! It's a wonderful idea.
Disha Jha says
January 14, 2022 at 4:55 am
You can give IDEAS ABOUT ON WHAT TOPICS CAN WE WRITE A POEM ON but this article kinda helped , but I expected something else .
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Poetry Ideas and Creative Writing Prompts · Rain, snow, or a storm · An animal you think is beautiful or strange · Your parents or children · How a kiss feels · The
Poetry ideas - Write a poem about: · Night-time · A particular color · Being underwater · A person whose life you're curious about · Your mother's perfume · Falling
Take me back those carefreee days, When I was far away from school days. Take me back to those days , where every one used to prase, no matter
Funny Poetry Prompts · Write an ode to your favorite food. · Explore your feelings about school lunch in a limerick. · Examine your most
Poem Topics and Poetry Writing Prompts · Why do people write poetry? · What types of things can you express in poetry that are hard to express
1. Write a cento. · 2. Make an erasure poem · 3. Experiment with a form you've never tried before · 4. Make a list poem · 5. While listening to
Poetry Prompts about Everyday Things · The sound of your alarm clock in the morning · A mishap at the breakfast table · Taking a wrong turn and getting lost
Think about your favourite scent. Write a poem depicting the things and activities it reminds you of (fresh laundry, apple picking, the ocean, blossom on the
100 Poetry Prompts · Write a poem about colors without ever naming any colors in the poem. · Write a poem that tells a story. · Use the following
Is writing poetry difficult? Where do you start? How do you come up with a poem idea? Writing poetry doesn't have to be difficult, especially for kids whose