creative writing poetry topics

ThinkWritten

101 Poetry Prompts & Ideas for Writing Poems

Not sure what to write a poem about? Here’s 101 poetry prompts to get you started!

We may receive a commission when you make a purchase from one of our links for products and services we recommend. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for support!

Sharing is caring!

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.

300 Fun Writing Prompts for Kids: Story Starters, Journal Prompts & Ideas

7 Creative Writing Exercises For Writers

108 Romance Writing Prompts & Love Story Ideas

42 Fantasy Writing Prompts & Plot Ideas

365 Creative Writing Prompts

96 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

This is a beautifully sad poem. You really wrote your way into my heart. <3

I wrote a poem inspired by number 72. Not really sticking to what it said but thought this was kinda close to what it said…

After dusk, the almost eternal night. The dark, winter sky, full of millions of tiny stars. The sky, a color of blue that seems darker than black.

Sunset, full of an array of colors. Purple, orange, pink, and yellow. Nearly all dark blue.

Right as dawn appears, practically the same sunset hours later. Light wispy clouds fill the sky. Orange, pink, and light blue diffuse in the sky as the sun awakens

Wrote one based off the recipe one (I don’t remember which number)

From the Kitchen of: any teenager ever For: Disaster Ingredients: Social anxiety Existential dread A crush Zero sense of self worth A single class together And no social cues

Steps: (Warning: Do NOT do this if your crush is not single) You’re going to try to talk to your crush. Just say hi. If that doesn’t work, don’t go forward with the rest of these steps. Once you’ve talked to your crush, overthink every single thing you said to them. Do it. Then you’re going to decide you’re stupid for overthinking it. Next, you’re going to wait until they begin speaking to you on their own accord. If they don’t, overthink some more. One day you will think your crush is waving to you in the hallway. They won’t be. They’ll be waving to their friends behind you. Play it cool and pretend you’re doing the exact same thing. Run into the bathroom and cringe at yourself. Keep talking to them and try to partner up with them for a project. If they say no, don’t continue further; you’ll only embarrass yourself. If they say yes, say you need their number for the project. Call them “about the project” and eventually segway into other topics. Continue doing this until you guys eventually call all the time for no reason. Ask them out. If they say no, do not, I repeat, do not act like it was a dare or a joke. It ruins everything. Say “oh okay. Well, can we still be friends?” and continue from that point. If they say yes, go on a date with them outside of school before asking them to be your partner. Eventually break up and either get your heartbroken or break someone else’s heart.

And that is how you make an average teenage disaster. Enjoy!

132 Best Poetry Prompts and Ideas to Spark Creativity

Many great minds considered poetry to be the superior form of art. It transcends mortality and the transience of human life and becomes an eternal monument of people’s existence and creativity. Poetry that was written hundreds of years ago can still mesmerize, astonish, inspire, move, horrify, and elevate us.

There is an unlimited number of themes that can be used to produce great poetry. Inspiration can find its way in a myriad of ways, so this is a chance for you to get your creative juices flowing. Poetry prompts can be of great help when you are trying to find your poetic voice, or trying to step outside your comfort zone. We hope that these ten sets of themes will bring the best of your writing skills.

Ideas for poems about different types of emotions

It is no wonder that the first set is dedicated to emotions. Poetry is almost synonymous with people’s emotional footprint. These 10 prompts cover a wide range of human emotions, so dive in deep!

Write a poem about a moment when you felt overwhelmingly joyful. Try to convey this emotion by depicting the setting, the time, and what prompted this strong feeling of happiness and joy. Was it a personal success? Perhaps a wish you’ve had for years finally came true. Whatever it was, draw from your own life experience.
Sadness is a complex emotion that all of us have felt. Sadness often gives birth to the most poetical literary pieces because many people have experienced grief, or unhappiness at a certain point in their life. Write about the cause for your sadness. Perhaps you experienced a loss of a loved one, perhaps it was a professional failure. Oftentimes, people feel sad when they had their trust betrayed by a person they considered a friend.
When was the last time you felt truly angry? Think of a moment when you suffered injustice at your workplace, or you were deceived by a person you love and trust. Writing a poem about anger can be a powerful poetic expression and a way to deal with your anger.
Write a poem about a time when you felt scared. It can be told from a perspective of a frightened child, or, perhaps, an adult afraid for his/her life. Sometimes fear is connected to certain expectations and uncertainties about the future.
Imagine that you feel very proud. What prompted this feeling of pride? Being proud is usually the result of an accomplishment on a personal or a private level.
Write a poem about a time in your life when you felt brave and powerful. Describe the circumstances that led to this outburst of bravery in a personal, or professional setting. Let the reader feel the confidence and resolution in your actions through the power of verse.
Alienation is a feeling that can be soul-crushing. All people experience some moments in life when they feel as if they don’t quite fit in, or are overlooked. The feeling of alienation is often linked to the feeling of low self-worth. Write about how you managed to overcome this feeling and who, or what helped you in the process. Many people will recognize themselves in a poem about personal alienation.
Another poetry prompt about an emotion is writing about anxiety. In these modern times filled with busy schedules, it is more than expected that people would feel anxious. Take a deep look within and try to discover the source of anxiety in your own life. Sometimes it is the workplace, sometimes it’s your love life, but sometimes people have existential crises that lead to anxiety due to life’s uncertainty and complexity.
Pessimism is a theme widely explored in poetry. People often feels pessimistic due to a variety of problems in their lives. Writing a poem about pessimism may inspire people to try and find another way to look at the world by seeing things in a new perspective.
On the opposite side of the specter is optimism. A poem about being optimistic often falls in the category of carpe-diem poems, or poems about seizing the day and making the best of every opportunity that presents itself in our lives. Write poetry about a bright time in your life when you felt that every new day offered a new chance to become better, happier, and more successful.

Ideas for poems about love

For many people love represents the meaning of life. With its so many forms, love is an eternal spring for inspiration all over the world and across generations.

A mother holding her baby for the first time is one of the most intense human experiences. Try to capture the deepest connection between two human beings that happens instantly. Find a new way to depict the unconditional love that is born with the birth of the baby.
Write a poem about love between siblings. Siblings, especially when they are younger, sometimes have strange ways of showing their love for one another. Write about the big and small gestures that describe the loving connection between brothers and sisters.
Do you believe in love at first sight? Describe the setting, the time, and the situation in which two strangers meet and instantly develop strong feelings of affection. You can write it in a form of a dialogue, or use love letters. You can also give their personal perspectives in different stanzas.
The theme is “a marriage proposal.” Imagine that this poem is written by a person who is planning to propose to their partner. List all the reasons why you think that these two lovers are perfect for each other.
Love stories are never absolutely perfect. Write about a fight between two spouses. Describe the circumstances and the reasons for experiencing anger towards the person you love. Present both sides of the argument. Try to find an elegant solution to the fight and end the poem with a reconciliation.
Not every fight ends in making peace. Unfortunately, some love stories end in divorce. Write about the complex feelings that the two ex-lovers experience in the process.
Unrequited love can be horrible and depressing. The world’s greatest literature includes poem about unrequited love. Try to draw from either personal experience, or from people who are close to you. How did you try to win the other person over? What was the major obstacle? Were you disillusioned about love afterwards?
Write a poem about the one who got away. Start by describing the first date, the first kiss, the first fight, and the last fight before the end of the romance. Write about the expectations you both had from the relationships, the red flags, the disappointment, and the lost love.
Write a poem about the love between your grandparents. How did they show their affection for one another? Which small love gestures did you enjoy witnessing as a child? What did you learn from seeing how much they still care for each other? Try to portray the respect and devotion of a long-lasting relationship.
Talk about love in general. Write about the reasons why it is a vital part of human’s experience. Meditate upon your own experiences regarding different kinds of love. Write about the ways in which love makes us better people. Find different ways to depict the manner in which love enriches our souls.

Ideas for poems about life in general

Life is mysteriously beautiful, complex, difficult, and painful. You can show your appreciation for it, by writing on at least one of the following ten prompts.

Growing old is an important part of the life cycle. Some people fear the inevitable end so much that they don’t live their life to the fullest. Others are older and wiser, so they happily pass their knowledge and wisdom to the future generations. Write about your own experience, or how the old age of family members has affected your own life.
Write a poem about a specific accomplishment in your life and how it has improved you as a person.
The main theme of the poem is “the life cycle.” Everything which is born eventually dies, and the cycle starts again.
Write a poem about the experience of a couple who is expecting a baby. Write about the overwhelming emotions, love, affection, and care that the future parents feel.
There are many obstacles in life, and facing them is an important aspect in a person’s life. Write a poem about the potential hardships in life and how they affect people’s lives.
Write a poem from a child’s point of view. Remember how you used to perceive the world and how you tried to explain things to yourself using child’s logic. The poem will depict the sweetly naïve child’s perceptions of the world.
Write a poem about hope. Life is hard and complex as it is, so hope is often our driving force. Think of a time when you were hopeful.
Write a poem about a usual, boring day. Find poetry in the monotony of life.
Write a poem about travelling to a foreign country. Capture the essence of changing scenery, and dwell on the way travelling makes us more open-minded.
Think of a time when you were badly hurt. Write a poem about how you dealt with the pain.

Ideas for poems about death

People from every culture and generation in the world have been obsessed with understanding death and what comes after it. It brings, sadness, nostalgia, wisdom. These ten prompts can stir your imagination and inspire philosophical thought about the most mysterious concept in the world.

Write a poem about the fondest memory you have of a person who had passed away. Why is this memory so special? How did you feel when this person died?
Death is often personified. Write a poem addressing Death as a person. What is it that you would like to tell him? What would you want to ask him?
Imagine that you are Death and you hate your vocation. How do you justify your actions? You can use a lighter tone for the poem.
Write a poem about a person who had a near-death experience. What happened to them? How did they survive? Did they change for the better after it?
Write a poem about a real or an imaginary genocide.
Write a poem about a person trying to deceive Death and reach immortality.
Write a poem about the death of a pet. What did you do to help you deal with the loss?
Imagine that you have only a day to live. What would you do?
Write a poem about the first time you understood the concept of death.
How do you want to be remembered after you die? Write a poem about how your death is going to affect your loved ones.

Ideas for poems about philosophy

People are gifted with intelligence, wisdom, and the power to think in abstract ways. People’s quest to understand the meaning of life and the world surrounding us is a fantastic basis for writing poetry.

Write a poem about what you perceive to be the meaning of life.
Friendship is a type of human connection that makes people happier and healthier in every possible way. Write a poem about your best friend, or somebody you’ve lost.
The thirst for knowledge is a concept that defines us as a human race. Write a poem about the eternal quest for knowledge.
Imagination is a distinctly human quality. Write a poem about the role imagination plays in creating art.
Write a poem inspired by the Machiavellian quote that the goal justifies the means.
Write a poem about people’s ancient desire to explain the natural phenomena by inventing elaborate mythological stories.
Write a poem about the good and the bad aspects of humility.
Patience teaches us a valuable lesson about controlling our desires. Write a poem about a time when you had to be patient when you wanted something.
Write a poem about the benefits from daily meditation.
Write a poem about perfection. Think of the combination of aesthetics and ethics and how perfection can be achieved.

Ideas for poems about everyday things

Sometimes the most poetic compositions are created out of the simplicity of life. These ten prompts can help you find poetry in the smallest of things around you.

Write a poem about your everyday little rituals.
Write a poem about raindrops slowly falling down the window glass while you’re thinking about your life in general.
Write a poem about a relaxing walk in the park. Use natural imagery, but also try to depict the noises you hear: rustling, splashing, chirping, etc.
Write a short poem about the simple pleasure one gets from eating a juicy piece of fruit.
Pets are an important part in our lives. Write a poem about the joyfulness from playing with your pet.
Everybody makes mistakes, so write a poem about apologizing to somebody for something you’ve done.
Write a poem about a sunny morning when you went out and bought some flowers from a flower shop.
Eating a dessert might be the most relaxing and enjoyable part of dinner. Write a short poem about eating a delicious dessert.
Write a poem about a time when you didn’t have electricity due to a heavy storm, so you had to read a book using a candlelight.
Think of an activity that relaxes you before falling asleep and write a poem about it. Perhaps the activity can be listening to Mozart!

Ideas for poems about time

Time, even for scientists, is one of the most interesting concepts. Its abstractness has served as an inspiration for many philosophical and literary works. The following prompts can guide you into writing poetry about different complexities of the notion of time.

Write a poem about a childhood memory that still brings you joy when you think about it.
Write a poem about the modern age we live it. What is positive and what is negative about living today
Think of a lost opportunity because the timing wasn’t right. Write a poem about the importance of using every opportunity, which is difficult because people often find excuses for their failures.
Write about a person who has wasted his/her youth. This person feels immensely remorseful.
Waking up after having spent a few months in a coma can make people reevaluate their life choices and decisions.
Write a poem about a time in the past when you experienced an epiphany – a sudden realization of great truth.
Write about the development of the human life, starting from the time a person is a toddler.
Describe the sunset and use it as a metaphor for the end of a person’s life.
Describe the sunrise and link it metaphorically to the concept of birth.
Write a poem about an antique clock.

Ideas for poems about different forms of art

Poetry has always been regarded as one of the most sophisticated aspects of human existence. As a form of art, it is inevitably connected to other forms of art. These ten prompts can inspire pieces that combine different artforms.

Write a poem about the feelings that overcome you while listening to your favorite music.
Write a poem about a Shakespearean play.
Write a poem about a mysterious painter.
Write a poem from the perspective of a ballet shoes.
Describe the images and stories painted on a Grecian urn.
Imagine that you are a famous painter looking at a freshly finished piece. Write a poem about the painter’s perceptions of a painting.
Write a poem about a day spent in a museum.
Write a poem about a film character that you admire.
Write a poem that will instruct actors on the manner that they should act, which is similar to prince Hamlet’s speech to the players.
Write a modernized version of a famous speech taken from a Renaissance play.

Ideas for poems about historical events

Historia est magistra vitae. Indeed, history teaches us about life. Numerous works have been written celebrating historical events, so this is your chance to use verses to do the same.

Imagine that you lived in the period of Alexander the Great. Write a poem about him.
Write a poem about the hardships in World War I.
Write a poem about life in the industrial revolution in England.
Write a poem about Martin Luther King.
Imagine that you are an archaeologist who makes a startling discovery in Egypt.
Imagine you saw the apple falling on Sir Isaac Newton’s head.
Write a poem about Queen Elizabeth I. She was an exceptional monarch that deserves literary praise.
Write a poem about the trial of Galileo Galilei.
You are Alexander Bell, the person who invented the telephone. How is the world different because of you?
Write a poem about Archimedes and his “eureka” moment.

Ideas for poems about religion and spirituality

If something truly separates us humans from the other forms of life on this planet, it is spirituality. The belief in a higher power is a distinctively human quality. Delve deeper into your own beliefs and spirituality and put your religious experience into words.

How can you restore the faith in God in somebody who seems to have lost it? How can you help this person find his way again?
Imagine that you are one of the three Magi following a star to Bethlehem.
Write a poem about a moment you felt that you are one with nature.
Describe your feelings after meditation. Write about the setting, your surroundings, and the feelings that come rushing in.
Write a poem about the afterlife. It doesn’t have to your own perception. It can be inspired by major religions.
Think of a religious temple you’ve visited. How did it make you feel? Where was it? Is it real, or imaginary?
Everybody has experienced personal hardships. Write a poem about a difficult period in your life and about your prayers to overcome it.
The death of a close family member, or a spouse can be the most traumatic experience in a person’s life. Write about your relationship to God after you lost somebody you loved. Did it change?
Write a poem about temptation. Did you give in to the temptation? How did you feel after that?
Imagine that you are God for only a day. What would you do with your power?

Ideas for poems about family life

The family life is in the core of a healthy society. Family ties can bring you joy, sadness, love, pride, etc. Use the following prompts to express your understanding of family life.

Write a poem about a child who gets a puppy as a Christmas present.
Describe a family trip to the ZOO. The tone can be lighter, and it can be told from the children’s point of view.
Write a poem about a family summer vacation. Draw inspiration from from jumping into the water, sunbathing, building sand castles, exploring cities’ architecture and culture. A summer vacation brings the best in every family, so you could go back to your own childhood in order to depict a realistic representation of the feeling.
You are celebrating Christmas with your extended family. Write a poem about the conversation around the dinner table.
Imagine that you are a mother, or a father expecting a child. You have created a new heartbeat in the world. Try to depict the wonders that surround procreation.
You are planning a surprise birthday party for you father and you’ve invited all of his close friends into his home.
Write a poem celebrating your parent’s 40-year anniversary. Tell them why this is a special event for you, how much they’ve touched your life, and how much affection you have for them.
Imagine that you are stuck with your sibling in an elevator for two hours. What are you going to talk about?
Write a poem about leaving the home you were born in and moving to anew place. Try to portray the strong feelings of nostalgia and the memories that arise from packing your life in card boxes.
Write a poem about an ill family member. Use your verses to make them feel better and to bring hope that everything will turn out alright in the end.

Ideas for poems about nature and travelling

Nature is a powerful and mesmerizing force that sustains us. We are a part of nature, and nature is within all of us. These ten prompts can serve as an inspiration for you to create an homage to this planet.

Write a poem about the beginning of spring and the new cycle of life. Use natural imagery, colors, and active verbs that would signify the awakening of nature.
Think of a city that you haven’t visited yet, but you really want to. Why is it so? Is it because it is exotic? Is it because of its architecture? Perhaps, you are more interested in the people and their culture.
Write a poem about a natural phenomenon. Are you astonished by it? Is it devastating for people? Focus on the power of nature.
Imagine that you are a raindrop and describe your journey.
Many poems have been written about the Sun and the Moon. Try to find a different angle when writing about them.
Write a poem about meeting an interesting/mysterious/funny person on a train in a foreign country. How did you start the conversation? How long did you talk? Did you explore the city together?
Imagine that you are on top of Mount Everest. How do you feel? Who are you with? How can you inspire other mountaineers to conquer the highest mountain peak?
The ocean, unlike the earth, can’t be conquered by humans. The ocean is too powerful and people are it his mercy during every voyage, regardless of the length. Write a poem about the respect people should have for this large body of water.
Write a poem about the change of seasons and the passing of time.
Imagine that you’ve been granted to power to fly for a month. Where would you go? Why? How do you think your life and perceptions will change after that month?

Ideas for poems with supernatural elements

Human’s imagination is limitless and astonishing. Centuries ago people would come together to tell stories, often incorporating supernatural elements in their accounts. By doing so, they were able to cause catharsis. Mythologies were created because people couldn’t explain natural phenomena. The fight between personifications of good and evil have been of great interest for millions of literature lovers. Here are 12 prompts to help you get started.

Imagine that you are moving into what others believe to be a haunted house.
How far would you go to save a loved one? Would you make a deal with the devil?
You are sage who gives advice to people you believe have kind hearts.
You are a dragon defending your family from human invaders.
Write a poem about a princess locked in a high tower and who isn’t allowed to look at the real world outside her windows.
You find a magic ring in your grandmother’s old casket. You can heal whomever you want on the expense of another human being.
A man who presumably has died at sea returns on Halloween to his old house to visit his grieving mother.
You have the ability to communicate with trees and gain wisdom.
Write a poem from the point of view of a werewolf.
Write a poem about the three Fates who decide on the fate of a baby.
Imagine that world is slowly disappearing and nobody could explain how. Offer a solution to the problem.
You have the ability to foretell the future. You see a great tragedy on a large scale that is to happen in a month. What do you do to stop it? Can you really alter the future with your actions?

Published in Writing Prompts

Join 5000+ Technical Writers

Get our #1 industry rated weekly technical writing reads newsletter.

🎉 Our next novel writing master class starts in – ! Claim your spot →

BEST POETRY WRITING PROMPTS

Join (probably?) the world's largest writing contest. Flex those creative muscles with weekly writing prompts.

Showing 24 prompts reset

Write a traditional english poem in iambic pentameter..

Write a poem with zero punctuation.

Choose a title from our Book Title Generator. Write a poem inspired by that title.

Pick a random number. Write a poem with that many stanzas.
Write a haiku about love.

Introducing Prompted , a new magazine written by you!

🏆 Featuring 12 prize-winning stories from our community. Download it now for FREE .

Write a poem about loss.

Write a poem based on your saddest memory..

Write a poem based on your happiest memory.

Write a poem about growing old.

Write a poem about wanting something that you can't have., subscribe to our prompts newsletter.

Never miss a prompt! Get curated writing inspiration delivered to your inbox each week.

Write a poem about your favorite part of nature.

Pick an emotion. Write a poem that expresses that emotion.
Write an acrostic poem using the word H-O-M-E.

Write a poem based on your favorite childhood memory.

Write a poem inspired by your favorite color.
Listen to your current surroundings. Write a poem based on what you hear.

Look around you. Write a poem based on what you see.

Write a poem about summer., write a poem about winter., win $250 in our short story competition 🏆.

We'll send you 5 prompts each week. Respond with your short story and you could win $250!

Contest #244 LIVE

Enter our weekly contest.

This week's theme: Oh Snap!

Prize money

Contest entries, closes at 23:59 - apr 05, 2024 est, recent contests ✍️.

#243 – Re-Imagining Our World Through Speculative Fiction with Alice McIlroy

#242 – Fine Art

#241 – Et Tu, Brute?

#240 – In the Wind

Recent winners 🏆

Niamh O'Dea – read

Liz Grosul – read

Jonathan Page – read

Gem Cassia – read

Leaderboard 🥇

#1 Zilla Babbitt

32348 points

#2 Deidra Whitt Lovegren

28668 points

#3 Abigail Airuedomwinya

22413 points

#4 Graham Kinross

14370 points

#5 Scout Tahoe

13195 points

#6 Chris Campbell

11007 points

#7 Thom With An H

10596 points

#8 Rayhan Hidayat

10210 points

#9 Michał Przywara

9865 points

#10 Deborah Mercer

9603 points

The best poetry writing prompts

Poetry is one of the oldest art forms in history, stretching back to the times when poems were sung and chanted as hymns around a bonfire, but even the greats back then had some help. While a poet of yore had to turn to technology-less sources in their life to find inspiration — music, friends, places, nature, even memories— these days you can simply go online to get the poetry writing prompts you might need to spark poem ideas.

Whether you’re looking to connect with your feelings on the page, understand your perspective on an event, or explore a past experience through the lens of words, poetry writing prompts are a great way to sharpen your writing skills and hone your relationship with language. We hope that these creative writing exercises can assist you in channeling those emotions and help you on your journey as a poet!

To get you started, here are our top ten poetry writing prompts:

Write a poem about fall.
Write a poem inspired by your favorite saying.

If you're looking for some more help writing a poem, check out this free resource:

How to Write a Poem (blog post) : A poem could be a six-word haiku, or it could be a two-hundred page epic in the veins of Kate Tempest’s Brand New Ancients. Whatever you’re looking to write, this comprehensive series of blog posts will take you through all of the steps involved in writing a poem: from the different types of poetry that you can write to how to write (and publish!) a poem.

Want to expand beyond poetry and learn how to write a short story? Check out How to Write a Short Story That Gets Published — a free, ten day course guiding you through the process of short story writing by Laura Mae Isaacman, a full-time editor who runs a book editing company in Brooklyn.

Ready to start writing? Check out Reedsy’s weekly short story contest , for the chance of winning $250! You can also check out our list of writing contests or our directory of literary magazines for more opportunities to submit your story.

NEW VIDEO COURSE 🎉

How to Write a Novel

Join Tom Bromley for a writing master class and finish your first draft in 3 months . Learn more →

Explore more writing prompt ideas:

Adults Writing Prompts ⭢

Adventure Writing Prompts ⭢

Angst Writing Prompts ⭢

Character Writing Prompts ⭢

Christmas Writing Prompts ⭢

Dark Writing Prompts ⭢

Dialogue Writing Prompts ⭢

Dramatic Writing Prompts ⭢

Dystopian Writing Prompts ⭢

Fall Writing Prompts ⭢

Fantasy Writing Prompts ⭢

Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Fluff Writing Prompts ⭢

Funny Writing Prompts ⭢

Halloween Writing Prompts ⭢

High School Writing Prompts ⭢

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Holiday Writing Prompts ⭢

Horror Writing Prompts ⭢

Kids Writing Prompts ⭢

Middle School Writing Prompts ⭢

Mystery Writing Prompts ⭢

Narrative Writing Prompts ⭢

Nonfiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Novel Writing Prompts ⭢

Poetry Writing Prompts ⭢

Romance Writing Prompts ⭢

Sad Writing Prompts ⭢

Science Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Short Story Writing Prompts ⭢

Spring Writing Prompts ⭢

Summer Writing Prompts ⭢

Teens Writing Prompts ⭢

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts ⭢

Thriller and Suspense Writing Prompts ⭢

Valentine's Day Writing Prompts ⭢

Vampire Writing Prompts ⭢

Winter Writing Prompts ⭢

Oops, you need an account for that!

Or enter your email:

200 Poetry Prompts for your Next Poem

Post author By Onyemechi Nwakonam
Post date September 20, 2023
No Comments on 200 Poetry Prompts for your Next Poem

Poetry presents a powerful medium for self-expression and creativity.

Exploring thoughtful poetry prompts can help unlock stanzas that add beauty, meaning, and imagination to life.

Whether honing your skills or processing emotions, quality poetry prompts inspire impactful writing.

Prompts stimulate the brain and provide launching points for translating observations into verse.

From sensory details to philosophical themes, poetry prompts flex creative muscles.

An effective prompt intrigues and challenges the writer just enough.

In this blog post, we will delve into diverse poetry prompts to ignite your inspiration.

Get ready to let these prompts unfold your unique inner voice.

“Prompts in poetry also called Poetry Prompts are like little ideas or words that help poets get started with their poems. They can be a single word, a picture, a feeling, or a question. Poets use prompts to spark their imagination and create poems that express their thoughts and feelings. It’s like a jumping-off point for their creativity, giving them a starting place to write their poetry. So, prompts are like friendly helpers for poets to begin their poetic journey.”

Form Specific Poetry Prompts

1. Haiku – Write a 3 line poem with 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second line, and 5 syllables in the third line. Make it about nature.

2. Limerick – Write a 5 line silly or humorous poem with an AABBA rhyme scheme. Make the first, second, and fifth lines longer than the third and fourth lines.

3. Free Verse – Write any length poem without rhyme or meter. Use imagery and emotion.

4. Sonnet – Write a 14 line poem with an ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme. Make it about love.

5. Villanelle – Write a 19 line poem with an ABA rhyme scheme using two refrains. Make it melancholic.

6. Sestina – Write a 39 line poem with a set of 6 repeating end words. Make it about longing.

7. Pantoum – Write a poem with repeating lines in an ABCA BCBD CDC… rhyme scheme. Make it meditative.

8. Ghazal – Write a series of couplets with a AA BA CA rhyme scheme. End them with a common refrain. Make them mystical.

9. Tanka – Write a 5 line poem with 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second, 5 in the third, 7 in the fourth, and 7 in the fifth. Make it thoughtful.

10. Ode – Write a poem in 3 stanzas praising something or someone. Use an ABABCC rhyme scheme. Make it joyful.

11. Ballad – Write a narrative poem with a repeating refrain. Use ABXB rhyme scheme. Make it about a legend or hero.

12. Rondeau – Write a 15 line poem with two repeating rhymes and a rhyme scheme of AABBA AABR AABBA R. Make it charming.

13. Rubaiyat – Write a quatrain poem with an AABA rhyme scheme. Make it philosophic yet romantic.

14. Ekphrastic – Write a vivid description of a painting or photograph in verse. Use imagery and metaphor.

15. Clerihew – Write a short 4 line biographical poem with an AABB rhyme scheme. Make it humorous.

16. Acrostic – Use a name or word to begin each line and create a poem from the letters. Make it a tribute.

17. Nonsense – Write a playful poem that celebrates language itself. Use made up words and absurd imagery. Make it silly.

18. Found – Create a poem using words and phrases cut out of magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc. Shape them into meaning.

19. Blackout – Take a piece of text and black out words to reveal a poem beneath. Use pages from old books or print articles.

20. Visual – Create a shape poem or concrete poem using the visual arrangement of words on the page. Make the form match meaning.

21. Surrealist – Write an absurd dreamlike poem using strange imagery, juxtaposition, and free association. Make it irrational.

22. List – Make a list poem using catalogs, litanies, aide memoires, and inventories as poetic form. Make it enumerative.

23. Shakespearean – Write a 14 line poem mimicking the rhythm, meter, imagery and form of a Shakespeare sonnet. Make it dramatic.

24. Praise – Write a poem extolling the virtues of someone or something meaningful using hyperbole and positive language. Make it adoring.

25. Elegy – Write a mournful poem reflecting on the death of someone important. Use imagery of nature to convey loss. Make it contemplative.

26. Autobiographical – Write a personal poem about your own life and experience. Use sensory imagery and concrete moments. Make it reflective.

27. Protest – Write a poem speaking out against injustice or corruption. Use repetition, rhetoric, and emotion. Make it persuasive.

28. Pastoral – Write an idealized poem about rural country life. Use nature metaphors and traditional form. Make it idyllic.

29. Blank Verse – Write unrhymed lines in iambic pentameter like Shakespeare’s plays. Make it elegant and timeless.

30. Epigram – Write a very short satirical or humorous poem ending in a witty turn. Make it clever and pithy.

31. Riddle – Write a short poem that describes something without naming it. Give clues so the reader can guess the subject. Make it mystifying.

32. Symbolist – Use objects, images and metaphors to evoke emotion. Avoid direct statement. Make it indirect.

33. Narrative – Write a poem that tells a story with a plot. Use techniques like pacing, dialogue, and imagery. Make it engaging.

34. Sonnet Sequence – Write a series of thematically connected sonnets with different moods and motifs. Make it varied.

35. Romantic – Write an emotional personal poem valuing freedom, individualism, and nature. Make it passionate and idealistic.

36. Dramatic Monologue – Write a poem from the perspective of a specific character speaking. Reveal psychology through voice. Make it revelatory.

37. Homeric – Write a grand epic poem in dactylic hexameter featuring gods, heroes, and mythic quests. Make it legendary.

38. Imagist – Write a precise visual poem focusing on images not ideas using free verse. Make it luminous.

39. Confessional – Write an autobiographical personal poem emphasizing emotional extremes and intimate details. Make it self-revealing.

40. Speculative – Write a fantastical poem based in science fiction, fantasy or mythology. Make it otherworldly.

41. Verse Novel – Write a poem that reads like a novel with characters, plot, setting and action. Make it narrative.

42. Procedural – Write a poem that follows an instruction manual, recipe or process. Make the form match function.

43. Erasure – Take a text and erase most of the words to create a poem from the remaining words. Make it fresh.

44. Light – Write a short delicate poem subtly capturing a transient moment. Use imagery and quiet language. Make it luminous.

45. Blues – Write a melancholy poem originally accompanied by guitar in an AAB verse form. Make it soulful and haunting.

46. Omen – Write a short ominous poem of prophecy using imagery and symbolism. Make it foreboding.

47. Invocation – Write a ritualistic poem calling upon a muse or spirit for inspiration. Use rhythm and repetition. Make it spiritual.

48. Recipe – Write a poem detailing the ingredients and steps of an actual or invented recipe. Make it abundant and enriching.

49. Children’s – Write a short playful poem using repetition, rhyme and rhythm to delight children. Make it imaginative and fun.

50. Landay – Write a two line poem or Afghan women’s folk couplet with 9 syllables in the first line and 13 in the second. Make it wise yet simple.

51. Chance – Write lines using randomness like drawing words from a hat. Let the poem form organically. Make it unexpected.

52. Voice – Write a dramatic poem in the voice of an inanimate object like a tree, cloud or bicycle. Make it vivid and unorthodox.

53. Rhyme Royal – Write a poem using 7 lines with an ABABBCC rhyme scheme. Make it stately and elegant.

54. Tercet – Write a series of 3 line stanzas with an interlocking ABA BCB rhyme scheme. Make it harmonious.

55. Cadence – Write lines of poetry built around the natural rhythmic cadence of walking or running. Make it embodied.

56. Recipe – Write a poem that reads like the directions for making or doing something. Make the form serve the function.

57. Color – Focus a poem on descriptions of color using inventive language and synesthesia. Make it vibrant.

58. Memory – Write about a vivid memory using nostalgic details, sensory language and association. Make it evocative.

59. Allusion – Write a poem referencing mythology, literature, history, or art through allusion. Make it learned and layered.

60. Elfchen – Write a tiny 5 line poem with 2 syllables in line 1, 3 in line 2, 4 in line 3, 5 in line 4, and 2 in line 5. Make it precise.

61. Dada – Write an avant-garde nonsensical poem using absurd imagery, made-up words, and wild juxtaposition. Make it weird!

62. Slam – Write a performance poem to be read aloud using voice, rhythm, and drama. Make it impassioned and inciting.

63. Song – Write lyrics with meter, rhythm, repetition, and rhyme meant to be sung. Make it melodic.

64. Rap – Write rhyming lyrics meant to be spoken rhythmically over music sampling and beats. Make it fresh and lyrical.

65. Spoken Word – Write a poem using wordplay, storytelling, and performative language meant for live recital. Make it dynamic.

66. Cinquain – Write a short 5 line poem with a specific syllable count. Make it succinct.

67. Ablaut – Write a poem repeating vowel sounds as a form of wordplay. Make it musical and lyrical.

68. Name – Write a poem inspired by the letters and meanings of someone’s name. Make it personal and playful.

69. Cut-up – Randomly cut up words to reassemble them into a poem. Let chance determine the result. Make it unexpected.

70. Bio – Write a short biographical poem encapsulating the essence of someone’s life. Make it resonant.

71. Kural – Write a short Tamil verse with two lines focused on a single idea, proverb, or theme. Make it wise.

72. Odin – Write a poem in three stanzas, two with four lines and one with three, using alliteration and kennings. Make it ancient and epic.

73. Palindrome – Write a poem or poetic line that reads the same forwards and backwards. Make it clever.

74. Kennings – Write a poem using two-word metaphors compound words instead of nouns. Make it imagistic.

75. Love – Write a love poem that captures the essence of desire, passion, heartbreak, or affection. Make it sincere.

76. Nature – Write a poem celebrating trees, storms, flowers, seasons, landscapes or animals. Make it lush.

77. Praise – Write a poem glorifying someone’s talents, deeds, character or accomplishments. Make it adoring.

78. Elegy – Write a mournful poem reflecting on someone’s death or a tragic event. Make it solemn yet beautiful.

79. Satire – Write a humorous poem mocking a vice, shortcoming or societal issue. Use irony and wit. Make it thought-provoking.

80. Protest – Write a powerful poem speaking out against injustice and corruption. Make it political and fiery.

81. Prayer – Write a devotional poem praising a deity, invoking blessings or seeking solace in faith. Make it reverent.

82. Epic – Write a long ambitious narrative poem like the Iliad or Odyssey featuring heroes and grand action. Make it majestic.

83. Ode – Write an exalted lyric poem formally praising someone or something of significance. Make it lofty and dignified.

84. Lune – Write a three line poem with 5 syllables in the first line, 3 syllables in the second, and 5 syllables in the third. Make it minimalist.

85. Tanka – Write a concise unrhymed Japanese poem in five lines following a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable count. Make it vivid and evocative.

86. Senryu – Write a satirical or ironic Japanese poem structurally like a haiku but mocking human folly. Make it humorous and insightful.

87. Free Verse – Write an open, unmetered, unrhymed poem exploring images, thoughts and feelings. Make it reflective and conversational.

88. Sonnet – Write a 14-line poem in iambic pentameter with a specific rhyme scheme. Make it elegant, rhythmic and thematically unified.

89. Villanelle – Write a 19-line poem using only two rhymes with repeated refrain lines. Make it intense and hypnotic.

90. Sestina – Write an elaborate 39-line poem with a complex repeating pattern of end words. Make it complex and mathematical.

91. Pantoum – Write a meditative poem using repeating lines in an interlocking chain. Make it cyclical and hypnotic.

92. Ballad – Write a narrative folk song with short stanzas and a repeating refrain. Make it musical and storytelling.

93. Concrete – Write visual shaped poetry using the arrangement of words on the page to enhance the meaning. Make it vivid and imaginative.

94. Acrostic – Craft a poem where the first letters of each line spell out a word when read vertically. Make it playful and clever.

95. Paradelle – Write a meditative poem repurposing lines like a double sestina. Make it recursive and kaleidoscopic.

96. Abecedarian – Write a poem where each line or stanza begins with a successive letter of the alphabet. Make it complete and exhaustive.

97. Rhapsody – Write an ecstatic poem praising something intensely and effusively with enthusiasm and joy. Make it euphoric and rhapsodic.

98. Recipe – Write a poem detailing the steps for making food using vivid sensory descriptions. Make it abundant, enriching and delicious.

99. Inherited Forms – Use traditional fixed forms and adapt them to fresh modern subject matter. Make it surprising and inventive.

100. Experimental – Break conventions and explore new possibilities in poetic forms, language, and subjects. Make it radically creative.

General Poetry Prompts

1. Write a poem from the perspective of a raindrop falling from the sky. Describe what you see and feel along the journey down.

2. Pick a color and write a poem using imagery and metaphors related to that color.

3. Observe a friend or family member without their knowledge. Write a poem describing their subtle habits and quirks.

4. Compose a poem using the items currently visible in your room as inspiration. Give each item symbolic meaning.

5. Describe your perfect day in vivid sensory detail through poetry. Let your imagination run free.

6. Go outside and find an interesting natural object, like a flower or insect. Describe its details and connect it to a deeper meaning.

7. Recall a time you felt truly alive and free. Convey that feeling in a poem.

8. Think back to your very first memory. Describe it visually using poetic devices like alliteration, rhyme, repetition.

9. Pick an emotion and write a poem that rouses that exact emotion in the reader.

10. Choose an historic event or person. Write a poem from their perspective.

11. Describe your biggest dream or goal in life in a short uplifting poem.

12. Write a poem about a struggle you overcame. Convey the obstacles and your strength.

13. Observe people in a public space. Write a poem incorporating snippets of overheard conversations.

14. Pick a song with personal meaning. Write a poem inspired by the mood, lyrics, or melody.

15. Write a poem as a letter of gratitude to someone who impacted your life.

16. Use rhythm and rhyme to turn a daily routine, like brushing your teeth, into an energetic poem.

17. Go to a park or natural area. Write a poem personifying an aspect, like the trees swaying or water flowing.

18. Write a silly or humorous poem using puns, nonsense words, or literal meanings.

19. Describe a delicious meal so vividly the reader can almost taste it.

20. Use metaphor and abstract imagery to describe a state of mind like bliss, anger, grief. Allow the reader to interpret.

21. Pick an animal and describe its movements and characteristics in a poem. Think beyond physical features.

22. Write a poem describing yourself to a stranger. Convey your personality with carefully chosen details.

23. Compose a poem using repetition of the first line at the end of each stanza.

24. Use similes and comparisons to describe a simple object in an imaginative way.

25. Write a poem with each line containing a color that conveys the mood of that line.

26. Use personification to let an object or place tell its own story and history.

27. Describe a picture, painting or other visual art in a poem. Move beyond the physical details.

28. Write a poem structured as a debate between two opposing things, like love and loss.

29. Pick an issue important to you. Write a poem rallying people to action.

30. Write a poem where the first letter of each line spells out a hidden message vertically.

31. Compose a poem using natural imagery to describe your feelings about a relationship.

32. Use rhyming pairs of opposites throughout your poem, like dark/light, brave/afraid.

33. Choose a quote and write a poem expanding on its meaning line by line.

34. Write a poem describing a walk you took, journey you made, or trip you went on.

35. Observe strangers and write a poem imagining their hopes, struggles, dreams.

36. Describe a sound you find comforting using literary devices like alliteration and onomatopoeia.

37. Pick an issue in the news. Write a poem from the perspective of someone affected.

38. Choose a monster or mythical creature. Describe its origins and purpose.

39. Use metaphor to describe a friendship or relationship in a new way.

40. Write a poem describing how you have changed over time.

41. Use rhyme and rhythm to turn a list of items into an energetic poem.

42. Describe a moment when you felt utter joy and connection to the world. Convey this elation through poetry.

43. Take on the point of view of an animal in nature. Describe a day in its life.

44. Write a poem sharing words of encouragement and motivation. Uplift the reader.

45. Describe a memorable experience involving one of the five senses: sight, smell, sound, taste, touch.

46. Observe the moon. Write a poem personifying it and conveying its changing faces.

47. Write a poem made up entirely of questions that explore an abstract theme like love, fear, hope.

48. Pick a place you visited, liked, and left. Convey your fondness for it through poetry.

49. Write a poem describing a work of art that moved you or left an impression.

50. Use metaphor and imagery to describe an emotion without naming it. Let the reader infer based on your descriptions.

51. Write a poem describing a spiritual experience or moment of deep reflection.

52. Observe people interacting. Write a poem incorporating snippets of imaginary conversation.

53. Use rhyme and repetition to describe a process, like making a cup of tea.

54. Convey the feeling of experiencing something for the first time, like riding a bike. Describe the excitement and fear.

55. Personify an emotion like loneliness or heartbreak. Give it human qualities and have it narrate a poem.

56. Write a loving poem from a mother’s point of view looking at her new baby.

57. Describe someone you admire without naming them. Use metaphors to hint at who it is.

58. Pick an issue in your community. Write a rallying poem to inspire change.

59. Observe the sky. Personify the clouds, sun, moon, and stars in your poem.

60. Write a poem around a central theme or message you want to convey to readers.

61. Write a poem describing a work of music, like a song or symphony. Convey the sounds and feeling it evokes.

62. Pick a place that no longer exists, like a childhood home. Describe fond memories of it in a poem.

63. Use your senses to describe a pleasant memory associated with a loved one who passed away.

64. Compose a free verse nature poem focusing on sights, sounds, and imagery.

65. Write a short philosophical poem contemplating a deep question or issue in life.

66. Describe a failure or bad day poetically, showing what you learned from the experience.

67. Use metaphor and imagery to describe your life’s purpose or personal philosophy.

68. Pick an object and personify it, giving it human abilities to interact with its environment and share its life story.

69. Write a poem sharing an important life lesson you learned the hard way. Offer wisdom through poetry.

70. Compose a poem made up of advice you would give your younger self.

71. Use rhythm, rhyme, and literary devices to describe the experience of being on a rollercoaster or thrill ride.

72. Pick a job and write a poem about it from the worker’s perspective using sensory imagery.

73. Choose a fairy tale or story. Write a poem from an alternate perspective, like the wolf’s or the giant’s.

74. Use a string of metaphors to describe someone you love in a new imaginative way.

75. Take on the voice of a supernatural or mythical being like a ghost, vampire, or mermaid. Describe your world.

76. Write a free verse poem describing yourself or your life using nature metaphors and similes.

77. Compose a poem of thanks or praise to something abstract like creativity, hope, or your childhood.

78. Write a poem sharing words of support or encouragement for someone going through a hard time.

79. Pick an issue or cause important to you. Write a poem rallying others to lend their voice or take action.

80. Describe a beautiful landscape you visited powerfully using poetic imagery and devices. Allow the reader to envision it.

81. Use personification to let an object tell the story of its creation and history. Imagine if it could talk.

82. Pick an emotion and write a five line poem using each line to convey it more strongly. Build intensity.

83. Describe a stranger you saw in a public place, imagining their life and personality beyond their appearance.

84. Write a poem structured as a debate between two conflicting emotions, like joy and grief.

85. Compose a poem sharing an important life lesson through a metaphor or symbolic story. Offer wisdom obliquely.

86. Describe a type of weather using poetic devices. Convey the sensations and experiences it evokes.

87. Take on the voice of a plant or tree in nature. Describe your limited but rich perspective on the world.

88. Write a poem celebrating a historical figure or event through praise and vivid imagery.

89. Pick an item that symbolizes a relationship, time in your life, or experience. Describe it in detail.

90. Observe people in public. Compose a poem incorporating imagined snippets of conversation that hint at their lives.

91. Use a central metaphor extended through a poem to describe your life’s journey or personal growth.

92. Write a poem sharing words of gratitude or praise for someone who helped you through a difficult time.

93. Describe a memorable, fleeting moment in nature through poetry in great detail. Convey its power and beauty.

94. Pick a place you love. Use rhythm and imagery to take the reader on a poetic tour of its sights and sensations.

95. Compose a free verse poem describing a spiritual experience, enlightening realization or moment of clarity.

96. Write a rhyming poem describing a process through a string of verbs, like chopping, mixing, folding, baking.

97. Use similes and vivid imagery to describe a simple, everyday object in a fresh imaginative way.

98. Take on the voice of an animal. Describe a day in your life using humor and your unique perspective.

99. Describe someone you love without naming them. Use metaphors and objects to creatively hint at who they are.

100. Free form poem: Write freely about any topic or experience important to you. Let your inner voice guide the pen.

Poetry prompts are invaluable tools for stimulating creativity and self-discovery.

However, don’t become overly attached to any single prompt.

Allow them to gently provoke and guide, not control.

Keep practicing the art of channeling insights into imaginative verse.

Appreciate that poetry’s beauty lies in capturing fleeting moments and intangible concepts.

Your authentic experiences deserve expression.

Revisit your poems occasionally to appreciate your evolution.

Though rewarding, translating life into poetry requires courage and vulnerability.

By opening up, we better know ourselves and connect with others. Keep these prompts close by whenever inspiration strikes.

By Onyemechi Nwakonam

Hi ,I write poetry and short prose. I am excited to help you organise your writing journey.

127 Creative And Fun Poetry Writing Prompts

Whether you’re writing a poem for your own collection or a significant other, you’re here with one question in mind: “How do I get ideas to write a poem?”

This isn’t some random, “Let’s get this over with” assignment, after all. You want this poem to be worth writing — and worth sharing.

You need the kind of poetry inspiration to help you take your thoughts, memories, and experiences and turn them into something beautiful and memorable.

Fun should be as much a part of the process as feeling.

You’ll find both in this list of 127 poetry prompts.

127 Creative and Fun Poetry Writing Prompts

Make a note of your favorites as you go through this list of poetry prompts . Some will stand out more than others, thanks to your unique perspective and experiences. Jot down some ideas as you go along, and enjoy creating a list of your own to play with.

1. Childhood Home. Describe a particular home you remember from your childhood.

2. Growing Pains. Describe a uniquely painful time of transition.

3. Haiku Challenge. Write a haiku (7 syllables, 5 syllables, 7 syllables) about the perfect morning or evening.

4. The End of Something. Describe an end to a relationship, a job, or something else you remember with regret or satisfaction.

5. Social Misfit. Describe a moment where you felt like the odd one out.

6. Street Signs. Write about a street sign that stood out for you.

7. Statistics. Write about a statistic that surprises you or has personal meaning.

8. Bug’s Eye View. Write from the perspective of an insect at a busy park.

9. Ghostwriter. You wake up to short notes written by a diseased former resident.

10. Insta-ration. Go to a friend’s Instagram and write about a post that stands out.

man and woman discussing book poetry writing prompts

11. Grandma’s House. Write about your grandmother’s house (or how you imagine it).

12. Ice Cold. Write about the sensation of drinking (or wearing) something cold.

13. Beach Walk. Write about a solitary walk on the beach and what you see and hear.

14. Curio . Write about a souvenir you keep visible and what it means for you.

15. How’s the weather? Describe today’s weather and how it’s affecting you.

16. Neighbors. Describe one of your neighbors in a poetic snapshot.

17. First Crush. Describe the first crush you ever had and what it taught you.

18. First Friend. Describe the first real friend you made and the difference they made.

19. Radio. Turn the radio on and write about a song that makes you stop to listen.

20. Fangirl. Describe a favorite character or celebrity crush from a favorite series.

21. How To . Describe a daily process most people rush through or do without thinking.

22. Under 21. Write a poem of fewer than 21 words about whatever comes to mind.

23. Far From Home. Write about your imaginary home planet (not Earth).

24. A Reality Apart. Write about a separate reality you came from and how it differs.

25. Check Your Privilege . Describe an unearned privilege you enjoy that some do not.

26. Prejudice . Describe what you feel when someone treats you as less than human.

27. Chameleon. Describe a time you changed your persona to fit and how it went.

28. Face to Face. Describe a time you came face to face with a nemesis or mentor.

29. Complete . Describe the feeling of finishing a labor of love (or an arduous project).

30. Uncertainty. Describe a moment when you struggled to make a decision.

31. Tea & Sympathy. Describe a difficult time when someone was there for you.

32. The Elements. Describe the four elements and what each represents to you.

33. Written in the Stars. Describe your daily horoscope or your birth chart.

34. Creature Comforts. Describe something that helps you feel calm and comforted.

35. Wandering. Describe a time when you wandered off and got lost.

36. Phobias. Describe a phobia you have and what you would do without it.

37. Homecoming. Describe a return to a place that once felt like home.

38. Hobbies. Describe a favorite hobby and what you love about it.

39. Compare and Contrast two very different people you know.

40. Storytime. Describe a time when someone told you a story that stayed with you.

41. I’d rather… Describe something you don’t want to do and what you’d rather do.

42. Numb. Describe a time when part or all of you felt numb and what it was like.

43. Dreaded Sound. Describe a sound you’ve come to associate with danger or dread.

44. Anticipation. Describe what you feel when you’re waiting for something.

45. Mistaken Identity. Describe someone you mistook for someone you know.

46. Circus Performer. Describe an experience as the circus performer of your choice.

47. Knowing By Touch. Describe a strange feeling you got from touching an object.

48. Off the (Spice) Rack. Compare a spice to something or someone in your life.

49. Unexpected Test. Describe a test you weren’t prepared for and how you did.

50. Mad Scientist. Describe a real or imagined experiment gone horribly wrong.

51. Doppelganger. Describe an imaginary look-alike who shows up and complicates your life.

52. DIY Repairs. Describe something of yours that’s broken and how you might fix it.

53. Amateur Sleuth. Someone you know is dead, and you’re reviewing the suspects.

54. Political News. Write an opinion letter in poem form (rhyming or not).

55. What’s In A Name. Include words for each letter in your name in a poem.

56. Scentsation. Write about memories or thoughts evoked by a scent.

57. Waiting Alone. Write about a moment spent waiting for someone to show up.

58. Make a List. Describe an unusual list (grocery, to-do, etc.) you made or received.

59. White Elephants. Describe an unwanted or useless gift you received.

60. Recipe. Write a recipe in the form of a poem (rhyming or not).

61. After Party. Describe a party scene after all the guests have left.

62. Stranger Than Fiction. Write about an incident that struck you as bizarre.

63. Drive-through. Describe a memorable experience with a fast-food restaurant.

64. Unemployed. Describe the feeling of being laid off or fired from a job.

65. Hired. Describe the feeling of being hired for the job you know you’ll love.

66. Box of Memories. Describe a sealed box (and its contents) from your parents’ attic.

67. Trapped. Describe an experience that made you feel pinned down or trapped.

68. Inner Voice. Describe a time when your inner wisdom led you to a better choice.

69. Medical Advice. Describe a piece of advice you received from a doctor or nurse.

70. Unplanned. Describe an unexpected gift and/or challenge that changed your life.

71. Ode to a First Car. Write an ode to the first car you ever owned or drove.

72. Queen. Write a poem from the perspective of a queen (#BornLikeThis).

73. From the First Taste. Describe a first taste experience that was a revelation to you.

74. First Pet. Describe your first pet or the closest thing you’ve ever had to a pet.

75. Near Miss. Describe a moment when you nearly missed your target and how it felt.

Are you ready to use these poetry writing prompts?

Now that you’ve looked through this list of poem topics, which ones stood out for you?

Make your own shorter list of ideas and keep it handy for inspiration. You could even start a poetry journal and make the first page your list of favorite poetry prompts.

Whatever gets you writing at least a few lines of poetry every day will help you develop your skills. Imagine holding a book of published poetry with your name on it!

Until then, practice getting those thoughts onto the page. Who knows where they’ll lead?

You need the kind of poetry inspiration to help you take your thoughts, memories, and experiences and turn them into something beautiful and memorable. Fun should be as much a part of the process as feeling. You’ll find both in this list of 127 poetry prompts.

22 Poetry Prompts to Help You Write Your Next Great Poem

While there is so much joy associated with writing, there is one pitfall that we all fall prey to—the dreaded writer’s block. It can strike at any moment and fill our hearts with frustration. But never fear! Sometimes, all we need is a small spark of inspiration. Poetry prompts can be a great way to get the creative juices flowing after a dry spell.

If nothing else, it might be what prompts you to start putting pen to paper again. Even if you’re not always sure where a prompt or writing session will lead, try and choose a prompt or two and just start writing. It might start you down the path to your next major breakthrough.

I hope these prompts help you focus and get excited about your poetic journey. Happy writing:

1. Choose one of your five senses. Write a poem that focuses on your chosen sense.

2. write a poem inspired by a color., 3. write a poem based on something that happened to you this week. it could be something life-changing or something seemingly ordinary. tune into that moment and paint a story about it., 4. listen to one of your favorite songs and write a poem directly after based on the feelings and emotions it brought about in you. let music inspire poetry., 5. write about a lesson that you recently learned. , 6. think of a friend or family member who has played a huge role in your life. write a poem about the relationship. , 7. write a poem about the life advice you would give to your younger self. , 8. write about traveling—whether it’s taking a road trip or flying in a plane or spending the afternoon on a train. write about the feelings you experience while being en route to somewhere new or familiar. , 9. recall a favorite holiday memory and tell your readers about it. , 10. create a gallery of your heart. take readers on a guided tour of what they might see there. , 11. recall one of the strangest dreams you’ve ever had and write about how it made you feel or write it out in as much detail as you can remember. , 12. write about a time that your illusions of someone or something were shattered. , 13. write about a favorite childhood toy, movie, book, etc. and tie it back to the present day. , 14. you are renovating a home. imagine that you are this home. what serves as your foundation what are you working on fixing what needs to be replaced and what makes your house a home describe., 15. write a haiku inspired by an element of nature. (haikus are three lines. the first line has five syllables, the second line has seven syllables, and the third line has five syllables)., 16. write a poem where you are observing another time period as a detached observer. (this could be a time from your past or from another decade or era)., 17. write a poem from the perspective of your favorite pet. , 18. imagine that you switched places with someone for a day. (like in freaky friday). what would you learn from the experience , 19. write a piece about body positivity, as though you are looking into the mirror and speaking to your reflection. , 20. if you could freeze time in one moment of your life, what would it be write a poem in honor of that memory. , 21. imagine you are on a run through nature. describe your inner dialogue as you run through the trail at sunrise. what do you reflect on as you run , 22. has there ever been a time when you felt like the hero of your life how about the villain write yourself as the hero, then write yourself as the villain. paint the perspectives of each and explore the different aspects of the story from each lens. .

Have you written a masterpiece yet? I’m sure you are well on your way to a creative breakthrough. I hope you enjoyed this exercise and the opportunity to try your hand at a few different topics.

Feel free to leave your poetry prompted poems in the comments for us to check out together. Also, if you have any prompts you would like to share, leave us a comment and let us know. Nothing is better than coming together as a group and inspiring some great writing!

4 Reasons You Should Write Eco-Poetry

5 Spring Activities to Help With Writer’s Block

Writing Tips: Love Poems

BRYN DONOVAN

tell your stories, love your life

Writing Inspiration
Semi-Charmed Life
Reading & Research

20 Easy Poetry Writing Prompts and Exercises

Although I mostly write fiction now, I started out writing poems. My MFA is even in poetry. I’ve taught beginning poetry workshops at university and also in some fairly unusual settings.

I know a lot of people can use ideas for poems, poetry writing prompts, and inspiration. Even if you write poetry all the time, one of these idea starters might spark your muse or take your writing in a fresh direction. And if you’re a teacher—whether you teach creative writing, English, or grade school—you might be able to adapt one of these for your class!

My favorite thing about poetry is that there aren’t any real rules about how to write a poem. When you find your creative inspiration—whether it’s love, life, or something else—you can just let the words flow. (You can always shape it up later.)

Here are some idea starters, prompts, and exercises that have worked for me before as a poet. You might want to pin or bookmark them for future reference!

20 Easy Poetry Writing Prompts and Exercises #ideas for poems #how to write a poem #classroom #creative writing #idea starters

1. Pick a song on your iPod, phone, or a playlist at random and let it influence you as you quickly write a first draft of a poem.

2. Go to a café, library, or fast food restaurant. Sit where you can see the door. Write a poem about the next person who walks in.

3. You can also do this in a public place where there are a lot of people talking: write a poem based on an overheard conversation.

4. Write a poem about a wild animal. Mary Oliver, who passed away recently and who was such a great talent and inspiration, has written many poems like this, including “The Hermit Crab,” “ The Shark ,” and “ Wild Geese .”

5. Write a poem inspired by a piece of art. (By the way, the word for a poem or literary work inspired by visual art is ekphrasis . Pretty cool, right?)

6. Write a poem with a refrain: a line or a few lines that repeat, like the chorus of a song.

7. This isn’t the easiest poetry-writing exercise…but I’ve gotten some good poems this way!

Set your alarm for two hours earlier than you usually wake up. Put a notebook and pen next to your bed. When you wake up, free-write for about fifteen minutes. (“Free-writing” means “writing down whatever pops into your head, without thinking too hard about it.”) If you woke up in the middle of a dream, use the dream as inspiration; otherwise, just write whatever comes into your head. Go back to sleep. Later, turn your free-writing into a poem.

8. Write a poem that’s an open letter to a whole group of people.

9. Write a poem that’s a set of directions or instructions.

10. Write a poem about a food. The poet Kevin Young has many examples to inspire you, including “Ode to Gumbo”:

11. Write a poem in which every line begins with the same word. You can change that in revision…or maybe you won’t want to.

12. For this one, you’ll need to either write in a notebook or journal, or on your phone. Go to a store that would be a weird place to write a poem—like a convenience store, a department store, or a drugstore—and write a quick poem.

13. Write a poem that focuses on one color. Federico García Lorca’s poem “Somnambulist Ballad,” translated from the Spanish, or Diane Wakoski’s poem “Blue Monday” might inspire you.

14. Pretend you’re a fictional character from a book, movie, or TV show. Write a poem in their voice.

15. Write an acrostic poem. The first letter of each line spells out a word vertically down the left-hand side of the page. Even for serious poets who would never try to publish an acrostic poem, this is a great exercise to get creative juices flowing.

16. lose your eyes, flip through a book, and put your finger on a page. Whatever word you’re pointing at, use it as a poem title and write that poem.

17. Write a poem late at night, by hand, by candlelight.

18. Fill a page with free-writing using your non-dominant hand. This can help you tap into less rational, more creative thought patterns.

19. Write a poem with very long lines. Walt Whitman’s collection Leaves of Grass might inspire you.

20. Write a poem saying goodbye to someone or something. It could be a happy poem, a sad poem, or both.

I hope you enjoyed this list of creative writing exercises and poetry prompts!

Would you like some more ideas? My book 5,000 Writing Prompts has 80 more poetry-writing exercises in addition to the ones on this list, plus hundreds of master plots by fiction genre, dialogue and character prompts, and much more.

[spacer height=”20px”]

Do you have a method or exercise that inspires you? Let us know in the comments! I’ve said it before, but I learn so much from the comment section, and I always appreciate it. Thanks for reading, and happy writing!

5 JOURNAL EXERCISES FOR SELF-ESTEEM #journal exercises for healing #journal prompts #journal exercises for depression #journal ideas #journal exercises for anxiety #mental health #creativity

Discover more from BRYN DONOVAN

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

A Selection of Poetry Prompts from 1200 Creative Writing Prompts

by Melissa Donovan | May 24, 2022 | Poetry Prompts | 15 comments

Poetry prompts from 1200 Creative Writing Prompts.

Today’s poetry prompts come from my book, 1200 Creative Writing Prompts , which is jam-packed with ideas and inspiration for writers and includes fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction writing prompts.

Some of the poetry prompts in the book ask you to use a list of specific words in a poem. Some give you a topic to write about. Some ask you to draw on your life experience. Some give you images to use as inspiration for a poem.

25 Poetry Prompts from 1200 Creative Writing Prompts

Write a descriptive poem about a banana split: three scoops of ice cream with banana halves on either side and a big mound of whipped cream on top laced with chocolate sauce and sprinkled with chopped nuts—all topped off with a plump red cherry.
Use all of the following words in a poem: tapestry, sings, eye, din, collide, slippery, fantasy, casting, chameleon, lives.
Write a poem about somebody who betrayed you, or write a poem about betrayal.
Write a poem using the following image: a smashed flower on the sidewalk.
The hallmark of great poetry is imagery. A truly compelling poem paints a picture and invites the reader into a vivid scene. Choose an image or scene from one of your favorite poems and write a poem of your own based on that image.
Use all of the following words in a poem: scythe, fresh, bloody, dainty, screaming, deadly, discovery, harrowing.
Write a poem about one (or both) of your parents. It could be a tribute poem, but it doesn’t have to be.
Write a poem using the following images: a “no smoking” sign and a pair of fishnet stockings.
You’re feeling under the weather, so you put the teapot on. Soon it starts to scream. Write a poem about the sound of a whistling teapot.
Use all of the following words in a poem: stem, canvas, grain, ground, leather, furrow.
The beach, the mountains, the vast sea, and deep space are all great for tributary poems about places. Write about the city you love, the town you call home, or your favorite vacation destination.
Write a poem using the following image: a pair of baby shoes.
Some poems are more than just poems. They tell stories. Try writing a poem that is also a story, a play, or an essay.
Use all of the following words in a poem: elegant, hips, fern, listless, twisting, bind, surprise.
Write a poem about the first time you experienced something.
Write a poem using the following image: a torn photograph.
Although holidays have deeper meanings, we like to truss them up with a lot of decadence and nostalgia. All that food! All those presents! Oh, what fun it is…Write a poem about the holidays.
Use all of the following words in a poem: burnt, spacious, metropolis, pacing, fiery, cannon.
Write a poem about an inanimate object. You can write a silly poem about how much you admire your toaster or you can write a serious piece declaring the magnificence of a book.
Write a poem using the following image: a small rowboat tied to a pier, bobbing in the water under darkening skies.
Now that time has healed the wounds, write a poem to someone who broke your heart long ago.
Use all of the following words in a poem: deadline, boom, children, shallow, dirt, creep, instigate.
Write a poem about streets, highways, and bridges.
Write a poem using the following images: a broken bottle and a guitar pick.
Write a poem about the smell of cheesy, doughy, saucy, spicy pizza baking in the oven.

Did any of these poetry prompts inspire you to write? Which one stoked your creative flames? Did you write a poem, or were you inspired to write something else? Where do you get your best creative inspiration? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment, and keep writing!

15 Comments

This is very helpfull

Thanks, Linda!

What’s the easie#t way for me to get my poems published? I’m 13 and would really like to see my works immortalized.

Why are you looking for the easiest way? The easiest is not always the best.

That would almost certainly be starting a blog and publishing your poems there. For the record, I think this is a fine way to publish poetry, depending on your goals. And the internet certainly immortalizes everything.

Use all of the following words in a poem: tapestry, sings, eye, din, collide, slippery, fantasy, casting, chameleon, lives.Use all of the following words in a poem: tapestry, sings, eye, din, collide, slippery, fantasy, casting, chameleon, lives.

that was prompt #2. this is my poem.

the world is nothing but a tapestry spun with lives. The world sings out calling, calling to everyone to join and help and make this one big cloth that changes color a chameleon cloth the casting is made from happiness but oh It’s just so slippery but hang on just as tight as your fantasy the life you’re living now. Your living in the eye of god It’s not as din as you might think You collide with oh so much you give chances and take them too And that’s what life is all about.

Anushka Joardar, age 11

What a lovely poem, remarkable for your age. Keep writing, Anushka!

I have just finished a novella of poetry and am looking to publish after I flesh out the last few details, but I have found that poetry can be harder to market. Do you have any suggestions there?

Hi Mackenzie. I’m not sure what a “novella of poetry” is. A novella is a short novel (a fictional story). Poetry is usually published in collections. Do you, perhaps, mean a chapbook of poetry?

Writing Forward is about the craft of writing rather than marketing, so I’m afraid we don’t have any marketing tips here. But there are other resources online that focus on marketing.

I have written poems and think writing prompts are very helpful. Here is one of my pieces: “Storms” The ground is shaking, splitting the earth The way my headache splits, unleashing the monsters of my mind and letting them fester. Rain soaks my skin The way tears once soaked my cheeks With salt and sadness. Now I feel nothing. The ground still splits The rain still pours. The world is moving and I am standing still, Unable to move with it.

I would LOVE advice.

Hi Lexi. Thanks for sharing your poem with us. I’m guessing that “12” is your age? If so, then this is impressive work for someone so young. This isn’t a forum for feedback and advice, but you’ll find plenty of articles and books to guide you in your writing journey. I wish you the best of luck.

Mother Nature and her kingdom are flourishing Her kingdom provides humans nourishing Her love for her creation cannot be tamed All of the land belongs to her, it has been named Nature’s songs can be heard through the birds They can’t be explained by words Her flowers sprinkle fresh smells The animals all have their stories to tell

She let us borrow her kingdom while it lasts We were novice to her kingdom in the past Now, what have we done to her? We have torn her dress Mother Nature has become less Her kingdom is destroyed Animals have fallen in our cunning ploys We have become doltish to her All her once gardens, are now a site of destruction People have brought ructions to her calm palace We have left her broken After she gave us her life, as a token! Please notify me if there are any errors. After all, I’m pretty young!

Thank you for sharing your poem with us, Ashley. It’s lovely.

really impressive

The Day We Met. A Poem by Ainsley, Age 13 (Almost 14) Prompt Number: 3, Getting Betrayed

Note: Hello! So, this poem is about a close friend I had. But we met online. We never met in person. We planned it all out. Whose house to go to, etc. She lives in New York, While I live In Washington. Then, well, she turned toxic. She was my first ever Internet Friend, and my first crush, as well as the first person who ‘kinda’ asked me out. She was also the only one I could text and or stay on a call with for hours on end and never get bored. We both love ukulele, writing songs, singing, Gacha life, Moriah Elizabeth, singing, roleplaying, videos games, etc. We trusted each other so much, we gave out our full names. After dm-ing on the app for a couple months (The app name is PicsArt Btw), we gave each other our phone numbers. Then go from there. This girl is like, 2 years younger than me. I mention “Jewls” at the end of the poem. That’s her nickname, and that’s what I’ve always called her sense we first shared our names. I also mentioned the word “Blocked” quite a lot. That’s because she’s blocked every single very small amount of social medias I have, which includes one PicsArt Profile, two Pinterest accounts, one Phone Number, four Email Accounts. I literally cannot contact her.

The day we met, I’ll never forget, The good times we had on those dark dark days.

The day we met, You said you’d never forget The laughs we shared on those boring old days

The day we met She’ll never forget That I covered for her on those crazy unfair days

The day we met I’ll never forget When we saw each other’s faces on that bright bright day.

The day we fought I never even thought That things could turn out in this way

The day we fought You never even thought That you could be so cruel today

The day I cried I barley even tried To get out of bed when I thought of your face

The day she smiled On the other side of the world While I was sat in a puddle of my wounds

Today, this day She’ll never understand That I miss her still even if she broke my heart

…and stomped on my dreams …and crushed my soul …and slashed my seams

That she turned upside down that I called her name That she turned around Just to laugh in my face

Then I ran away But I can’t let go And though she’s moved on I still seem to know That one part of her Maybe misses me? But then again Why would she want to make me bleed? And call me a liar A fake A Bitch A Freak A creep A jerk A maid A weak?

Why would she say she loved me? When all she did was dump me It had only been an hour And then she said I did something She got someone else to do a favor That broke my heart from the start Then we go around and yell through the keyboard And in the end, I always get blamed

Doors shut Now I want to say “I’m sorry, Jewls, please don’t go away!”

It’s too late now. It’s been weeks sense that day. But it feels like It happened yesterday

Cause I’m still as hurt And I’m still as torn As I was the day We said our last words

Now I’m remembering our times And saying to myself “The day we met, I told you I’d never forget.”

Thank you for sharing this, Ainsley. Keep writing!

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

Writing Prompts: 37 Places to Find Them When You Need Inspiration - […] 29. Writing Forward Poetry Prompts […]

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe and get The Writer’s Creed graphic e-booklet, plus a weekly digest with the latest articles on writing, as well as special offers and exclusive content.

Pin It on Pinterest

Poetry Writing Tips

130+ Poetry Writing Prompts

Poetry comes in all forms, from seasonal Haiku poems to funny limericks set out to entertain the reader. Whatever type of poem you’re writing, the first struggle is normally inspiration. What do you even start writing a poem about? Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a beginner starting out, here are over 130 poetry writing prompts to help you.

This collection of poetry prompts covers everything from weather , life and even some random funny stuff like giraffes on unicycles or talking apples.

Random Poetry Prompt Generator

Looking for more poetry inspiration? Take part in our daily poetry challenge !

Over 130 Poetry Writing Prompts

Turn that blank page into a beautiful poem of your choice with these prompts:

Pick any object in your room. Now write a poem describing this object.
Look outside your window. Look at the sky – How do you feel when you look at the sky?
Struggling to sleep? Find a paper and pen and write down your feelings.
Write a poem for a friend’s birthday.
Think about a thing you recently learned. Write a poem about how this made you feel.
Write a 7-day poem. This is a poem where you write one line a day until you have a whole poem by the end of the week.
Pick any colour you like. Now write about this colour.
Imagine if fruit could talk. Pick any fruit you like and write a poem about it talking to you.
Write a poem, where each line begins with the letter E.
Fluffy clouds are nice. Write about them.
Sunflowers are known as friendship flowers. Write a poem about sunflowers.
What’s your favourite food? Write about this in your poem.
Imagine you’re going to a tea party.
What are you most scared of? Write a poem about your fears.
Dreams and ambitions are important. Write a poem about your dreams in life.
Write a poem about eating a tasty pizza.
Using the letters that spell ‘Happy’, write an acrostic poem .
Write an ode to your favourite toy.
From the perspective of a cat , write a poem about your life.
Continue this poem: Lights in the night sky…
Keep on trying, is an important message. Write a poem titled, ‘keep on trying’.
Write a poem for your favourite pair of shoes.
There’s a giraffe on a unicycle – write about it.
What do you think of Mondays? Write a poem about them.
Now think about Fridays.
Who is your favourite superhero? Wonder Woman, Batman, Spiderman? Write a poem dedicated to them.
The sound of birds and nothing else.
The most magical unicorn you’ve ever seen.
Weather is a common theme in poems. Pick any weather of your choice, such as rain, snow, a sunny day and then write a poem about it.
Write a poem about writer’s block . How do you feel? Will you ever overcome it?
Don’t cry, my friend. Write a poem about how to stop crying and holding back the tears.
Continue this poem: Lean on me, when…
Write a poem about a dancing pencil in your room.
Cold winter air feeling.
Boredom is the worst. Write about it.
Deep underground there lives…
Write about a recent dream you had.
In the mouth of a whale.
Sitting on a flying carpet.
Looking in the mirror you see…
The smell of breakfast in the morning.
Losing your favourite thing or something important.
A rainbow outside your window.
An alligator wearing a pink tutu skirt.
Dancing with the leaves in Autumn.
The sound of car horns and sirens in a busy city.
Someone who inspires you and why.
From the perspective of a falling leaf.
A bear playing an acoustic guitar.
A sandcastle of your dreams.
Finding a fairy in your garden.
That night before Christmas feeling.
Your favourite cartoon character
In 20 years time, how will the world be?
Your favourite subject at school.
Write a poem using smell only.
Using the sense of taste write a poem.
Something that happened to you today.
About the monster under your bed.
Your favourite fairytale character.
The taste of your favourite sweets.
Lost alone in the desert.
Walking through a forest.
Finding a secret garden.
Meeting a caveman.
Dedication poem to your favourite celebrity.
A talking flower.
Finding a new planet in the solar system.
Your favourite sandwich fillings.
Acrostic poem using the letters of your favourite animal.
A poem dedicated to your mother.
Tiny people living in teacups around your house.
A piece of old furniture in your home.
A flying pig with feathered wings.
Going to Japan on holiday.
Getting stranded on an island.
The contents of a treasure chest you found.
Time travelling to the past.
Ruling the world.
Meeting a group of talking monkeys in the jungle.
Being turned into a vampire.
Creating your own Frankenstein monster.
Sitting in silence.
Being lost in a dark tunnel.
The wild waves of the ocean.
Sitting on a cloud.
The cars passing you by on the highway.
The taste of a juicy orange.
The sound of buzzing bees at a picnic.
A mysterious cat that keeps following you.
The happiest day of your life.
The worst day of your life.
About feeling cold or hot.
The fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
About the first day of school
Saving the environment and recycling.
An endangered species that is going extinct.
Dinosaurs roaming the Earth.
Being stuck in the middle of an alien invasion.
From the perspective of a talking tree.
Waking up in a new place.
About your favourite sports activity.
The smell of fresh air at your local park.
The sound of aliens talking.
A bad dream or nightmare you recently had.
The feeling of being underwater.
The night-time sky.
A newspaper headline you recently read.
The creepy shadows in your room.
The truth that everyone should know.
A poem about daydreaming.
Sitting at the beach on a nice Summer’s day.
Describe your favourite smell.
Being able to fly.
Write a poem about being invisible.
Everything about the colour yellow.
Meeting a pink poodle on your way to school.
Being on stage with everyone looking at you.
About going to the dentist.
Write a poem about Springtime .
Look into a mirror and write a poem about yourself.
Home sweet home – Write a poem about being home.
Describe the city of the future.
Write about the full moon.
Write a poem about the smell of melted cheese.
Describe the feathers of a peacock.
Write an ode to your school bag.
The lucky number seven.
A poem about your favourite board game.
From the perspective of a brain-eating zombie.
Being inside a baking oven.
A thunderstorm inside your bedroom.
Being the outsider in a group of people.
The feeling of pure loneliness.
Having a money tree in your backyard.
The feeling of buying new things.
Keeping a big, dark secret from everyone.
Write a poem about eating lunch at your school’s cafeteria.

Use this huge list of over 130 poetry writing prompts to create your own unlimited collection of poetry. Thes best way to use this list is as daily writing exercises and soon you’ll be on the road to becoming a master of poetry and writing. Feel free to share your poems with our online writing community for feedback or in the comments below.

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

Comments loading...

Nadia Colburn

Align your story ®

About Nadia
Upcoming Events
Poetry of Attention: Online Poetry Course
Write From Your Center 31 Day Mindfulness Writing Course
Align Your Story
Writing Coaching
Online Healing Yoga Workshops and Coaching
Writing for Healing Trauma – Workshops and Coaching
I Say the Sky: Book
The High Shelf: Book
Selected Poetry
Selected Essays
Align Your Story Interview Series
Featured Interviews and Podcasts
Free Resources
Student Login

A list of 50 inspirational topics for writing a poem

tips for writers: image of books at table

There is no one way to approach writing. The process of finding inspiration and then putting that inspiration into words is a unique and individual experience for each writer. Of course, you don't need prompts to write, but they can help you tap into your creative energy and feel part of a dialogue.

I've put together a list of 50 topics that can be particularly inspiring; thinking about these topics can help jumpstart the creative process.

When looking for inspiration, it's important to explore all aspects of your life and the world around you. By writing about what you know and feel passionately about, you can create poems that are authentic and meaningful to you and your readers. Of course, you can also allow the creative imagination to jump in--let some magic, some humor, some whimsy come into the writing experience.

As a poet and writer, I've learned that the most important skill is to be open to and believe in the value of your own creativity . I've learned from reading others and from having others read and comment on my poems. As I wrote more and was more in alignment with myself, my writing got more understandable, more moving, and more skillful. But it was only when I really let go of the idea of wanting to please others and could listen more deeply to myself that I began to write my most powerful work.

The following list provides a variety of poem topics that can be used for inspiration when writing your next poem:

Share this image on Pinterest

50 Poem Topics And Ideas To Help You Write Your Next Poem

The beauty and mystery of nature can be a great source of inspiration for poets. Write about the changing seasons, a particular flower or tree, the stars or moon, the ocean, mountains, or any other aspect of the natural world that speaks to you.

2. Childhood memories

Reflect on a time from your childhood that was particularly special or meaningful to you. Write about the sights, sounds, and smells of that time and what it meant to you then and now.

3. A significant event

Write about an event that has had a major impact on your life, whether positive or negative. Now write a poem describing how this event has changed you.

Express your deepest emotions and write about the power of love in all its forms. This could be a poem about romantic love, the love between friends or family members, or even self-love.

5. Happiness

What makes you happy? What are the small things in life that bring you joy? Write about the moments and people that make you smile and fill your heart with happiness.

6. Friendship

Write about the value of friendship, and how it has positively affected your life. This could also be a poem about saying goodbye to a friend, or remembering a lost friend.

7. Overcoming adversity

We all face challenges in life, but how we deal with them can make us stronger. Write about a time when you faced and overcame a difficult situation. What did you learn from the experience?

8. Gratitude

Express what you are grateful for in your life, and why these things are important to you. If you haven't had a chance to read my interview with Ross Gay , poet, writer and visionary, I highly recommend it. In this interview, we talked about his new book Be Holding, his Book of Delights, Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, and how to practice attention, gratitude, and care both in poetry and in our difficult but also joy-filled world. Just click here to read it . I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay

How has your life changed over the years? What are some of the things that are different now than they were in the past? Write a poem about the process of change, and how it can be both scary and exciting.

10. Hope

In spite of everything, we all need to believe that better days are ahead. Write a poem about hope, and how it can help us get through tough times. What gives you hope? Describe what hope feels like, and how it helps you in your life.

11. A moment in time

Write about a specific moment that was particularly memorable or significant to you. It could be a happy memory, a sad memory, or even a moment of realization or understanding.

12. A day in the life

Describe a typical day in your life, or write about a specific day that was particularly memorable.

13. Your favorite place

We all have a place that makes us feel safe and happy. Write about your favorite place, and what it is that you love about it. Write about what makes it so special, and how it makes you feel.

14. An object

Write about a particular object that has special meaning to you. It could be something that you use every day, or something that you only see occasionally.

15. A person

Write about someone who has had a major impact on your life, for better or for worse. This could be a family member, friend, teacher, or anyone else who has made a significant impact on you.

16. A memory

Reflect on a specific memory that is significant to you. What does it remind you of? Write a poem celebrating a happy memory, or exploring a painful memory.

17. A feeling

Write about a feeling that is particularly intense or meaningful to you. Describe a specific emotion, and how it feels in your body and mind. No matter what you write about, poetry can be a powerful way to express your thoughts and emotions. So don't be afraid to let your words flow freely and see where they take you.

image of landscape: the earth and sky with clouds

18. The earth

Express your love and appreciation for our planet, and everything that it has to offer. Write about the importance of taking care of it. Write a poem or prose using the phrase "the poetry of the earth." What does that phrase mean to you?

19. A hobby

Write about something you enjoy doing, and why it is so important to you.

20. An experience

Describe a particular experience that was particularly memorable or impactful for you.

21. Your dreams

What are your hopes and dreams for the future? Write about what you want to achieve, and how you plan to get there.

22. Your fears

What are you afraid of, and why? What do these fears mean to you?

Explore the emotions associated with losing something or someone important to you. When you lose something, it's natural to feel pain, grief, and even anger. Writing about these feelings can help you to process them and move on .

24. A time when you felt lost

Describe a time in your life when you felt lost or confused. What helped you find your way again?

25. A time when you felt alone

Writing poetry can be therapeutic, and can help you to express feelings that you may not be able to express in any other way. We all feel alone at times, but it's important to remember that we are never truly alone. Write about a time when you felt alone, and how you coped with it.

26. A time when you felt angry

We all experience a range of emotions, and it's okay to write about the negative ones as well. Use your anger to fuel your words, and write about whatever it is that made you angry.

27. A time when you felt sad

We all experience sadness at times. Write about a time when you felt particularly low, and how you coped with it.

28. Your hopes for the future

29. your favorite thing.

What is your favorite thing in the world? Write about why it is so important to you.

30. A time when you felt happy

What makes you truly happy? Write about a time when you felt this way, and why it was so special to you.

31. Your worst nightmare

Write a poem inspired by your deepest, darkest fears. Write about what this fear means to you, and how it affects your life.

32. A time when you were proud of yourself

We all have moments that we are proud of. Write about a time when you felt this way, and what it was that made you so proud.

33. A time when you laughed

Laughter is one of the best things in life. Write about a time when you laughed until you cried, and what made it so funny.

34. A time when you cried

We all cry at times. Write about a time when you felt particularly sad, and how you coped with it.

35. A time when you were disappointed

A time when you were disappointed: We all have moments when things don't go the way we wanted them to. Write a poem inspired by a time when you were disappointed and had to pick yourself up and keep going.

36. A time when you felt scared

37. a time when you helped someone.

Describe a time when you went out of your way to help someone else. What made you do it, and how did it make you feel?

38. A time when you felt supported

We all need support at times. Write about a time when someone was there for you, and how it made you feel.

39. Your favorite thing about yourself

What do you love about yourself? Write about why you are so special to you. Sometimes we forget why we are amazing! So take a moment and drop out some of your best qualities.

40. Your favorite thing about life

What do you love about life? Write about what makes it so precious to you.

41. Your favorite thing about people

What do you love about people? Write about what makes them so special to you.

42. Your favorite quote

Do you have a favorite quote? Write about what it means to you, and why it is so important to you.

43. A time when you felt proud of someone else

We all feel proud of others at times. Describe a time when you felt this way, and who it was that you were proud of.

44. Your favorite memory

What is your favorite memory? Write about what made it so special to you.

45. A time when you were surprised

We all experience surprise at times. Describe a time when something unexpected happened, and how it made you feel.

46. A time when you made a difference

We all have the ability to make a difference. Write about a time when you did just that, and how it made you feel.

47. A time when you felt loved

We all need love in our lives. Write about a time when you felt particularly loved and supported, and why it meant so much to you.

48. Something that you are passionate about

What are you passionate about? Write about what this passion means to you, and how it drives you.

49. Your hopes for the world

What are your hopes for the world? Write about what you would like to see change, and how you think we can make it happen.

50. Finally, last, but certainly not least, take inspiration from any of your favorite poems.

Reading is one of the best ways to be inspired as a poet and to find poetry topics. Explore my list of 15 morning poems for some inspiration .

These are just a few poem topics to get you started based on my own experiences and what I value most in life. Feel free to choose whichever topic speaks to you, or mix and match several different ones to create your own poem.

If none of these inspire you, think about what matters most to you and write about that. The most important thing is to be true to your own voice and express how you feel in your own words.

So don't be afraid to experiment with different poem styles or subject matter until you find the right fit for you. Whatever you do, have fun with it and let your creativity flow!

I am a member of a group called Toastmasters. One of my favorite parts of our meeting is Table Topics, where a person responds with a 2 minute impromptu response to a speaking prompt, not unlike your fifty topics. Because of the eclectic diversity of our members, it is here where I get to know the soul of a member. I am going to use some of the 50 prompts when I am next, the table topic master.

I'm so glad that you find this helpful and will use it in your Toastmasters group. I agree, it's a nice way to get to know other people.

Can I get interesting poetry prompts for my poetry group

Thank u so much for helping me out

Poetry can be amazingly emotive. All things considered, artists, similar to the journalists of the best books ever and best book club books, have an approach to communicating feelings that we probably won't have the option to really express.

Yes, I completely agree!

Thanks for this web it really helps me with school to get some ideas for the poem I'm writing.

I'm so glad this was helpful for you!

Verse can be incredibly emotive. Taking everything into account, craftsmen, like the writers of the best books ever and best book club books, have a way to deal with imparting sentiments that we presumably will not have the choice to communicate truly.

Is a great article for all readers because you have described the ideas of poem topics there are many people or students are found to these ideas because they have need to write their poem and assignments and other writing

Thank you for your comments!

This was very helpful

I love love love these poem ideas! Keep up the work!

I'm so glad!

Hello, I am working on a poetry project, and these prompts were really helpful! Thanks for the tips! You're great, just keep doing what you're doing! 🙂

So glad it was helpful!

24 and 25 are basically the same, with feeling lost and feeling alone. other than that it's very helpful.

That’s really interesting: when we feel lost, we often feel alone. And when we feel alone, we often feel lost. But there are also differences between the two experiences, too. And we can feel surrounded by people, but also lost and alone but with a clear sense of direction. I’m glad you found the list helpful!

Great ideas but I feel that it's best to just write from the heart and do it because you want to. not because of a website. I want to say this to all people reading this website: Don't take the advice. Write what comes into mind and make a beautiful word formation. I have written so many of my own poems about how I feel and now I can write poems about anything. Please write what you feel in the moment even if it's sad. Anything makes a great poem so don't worry about what you need to write a poem about. Now I am going to say something to the person who made this website: I see why you made this. For people who don't know what to write about. I think your ideas are great, but it really is better to just write what comes to your mind. I have written over 50 poems and I had no guidance. Please take my advice. I don't ask that you delete the website but that you read this.

Yes, writing from the heart is great. And having prompts can be also helpful–and even help us write more from the hearth. Many tools. There is no one right way 🙂

It helps me a lot…… Thank you 🙏🏻 very much ☺️💯💯

hello. i am non established poet from india.. wanting to write my first ever poem to publish.. you article helped me a lot..

This realy helped

Number 51: A time when you felt free from all the bd things in life

thats what i will now write about

I am what is termed an automatic poet, a visionary compelled to channel by pen messages from within. Spiritual messages from God and Jesus flow through my pen I write the time the poem begins and ends as the lines flow like rushing rivers. I can’t even stop to think, I just write. I’ve never had courses in writing and never know my poems content until it is written. The titles come last. I am learning to be in the moment and not concern myself with what will others think of me when I read to them. I belong to a small writers group that often ask me, where do you come from that you write as you do. Maybe I’m channeling my many poet and author ancestors or maybe I’m just being me. I am the poet Snowflake. Thank you for enlightening me to be more free

Lately, I’ve found myself drawn to the enchanting world of poetry and https://www.nursingpaper.com/msn-writing-service/ The rhythm of words, the dance of metaphors, it all captivates me. Exploring emotions through verses feels like unraveling mysteries of the heart. Whether it’s the gentle sway of nature’s symphony or the turbulence of human emotions, poetry offers a canvas to paint with words. Each stanza is a journey, a glimpse into the soul’s depths. With every line, I discover new ways to express the ineffable. Writing poetry isn’t just a hobby; it’s a passion that ignites my creativity and allows me to weave stories with the magic of language.

Enjoyed this article?

Find more great content here:

Writing, Pleasure, and S&x

I hope you are staying well! So what's up with my blog ...

Free Workshop: Writing as Practice

Outside my window, as I'm writing this post, the birds are singing!Sometimes, ...

Listening to Your Body: Writing, Yoga, and a Free Class

Today, I want to share a companion piece to the Make Your ...

Make Your Story a Gift (And FREE Class!)

After a wonderful few weeks of traveling on my book tour, I'm ...

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Skip to main content
Skip to primary sidebar

EveryWriter

A New Community of Writers

50 Poetry Prompts Every Writer Should Try

January 12, 2023 by Richard Leave a Comment

Everyone gets stuck in their writing from time to time. On occasion, that little bit of being stuck turns into terrifying writer’s block, and sometimes it’s just a day’s wait, a hiccup in creativity. If you have ever suffered from these, you might need a little push to get going again. The best way to get going in my writing is to start writing. Even if I can’t work on my WIP, any writing, even inspired by a prompt, is helpful. Unstick yourself before you are stuck. This short list of poetry prompts helps. I’m a poet, and I know what it’s like to be unable to come up with an idea. Sometimes you need a little push. We hope this list helps you. Here are a few or 50 prompts to kickstart your poetry.

These prompts are modeled after some famous poems. Every writer should try writing these poems.

The Prompts:

The lost and alone. write about the feeling you had the first time you felt helpless., the love poem. start by writing a love poem that is 100% honest/a bunch of complaints. , tell the world how you like the person more because they are not perfect., the odd metaphor, write a metaphor that uses odd imagery. , image start with a famous painting and writing a poem that tells a story about the scene coming to life. , magical real, have the images in your poem attack you, the poet., short short, write a poem that talks about an ah-ha moment but has 5 lines or less., haiku write a haiku that starts with an image and ends with a lie., the lie. write a poem where the poet is lying to themself. , the go-to. go to a busy place, a coffee shop, a hotel lobby, a train station, or anywhere with lots of people, listen to their conversations, and use lines that they say as lines in your poem. , the camera. make your pen a camera, go to an exciting place, and write vivid descriptions of the site like your pen is a camera. , a recipe for disaster. write a poem about a meaningful relationship as if you are writing down a recipe for that relationship., the cat. write a poem about a cat. i don’t know why; all poets write one of these eventually. , free write, write 20 lines of poetry, doing your best not to let any of them go together or mean anything. , the first line. use the first line of your favorite poem and use it in your poem somewhere. , music inspires; find a genre of music you do not listen to often, listen to it with your eyes closed, and hear as many words as you can. then write a poem that captures the feeling you had listening to the music. , the scary. write a horror poem. , the conversation. write a poem as a letter to your favorite poet. , write a poem about the last sunset you will ever see. , the fly buzz, write a poem about the last thing you see or hear before you die. , the circus, write a poem using something from a circus as a metaphor for someone or some profession today. , the goodbye. write a poem as a goodbye to the old you., the writer. write a poem about poetry. , the place you love; write a poem about the sea, the mountains, the south, some other country, or any place you love. , the lament. use a poem as a plea for change in your life., the quiet. write a poem that you would have to whisper to someone sleeping., the tiger. write a poem about a creature, real or unreal, and you’d be afraid to meet. , the outer space. start in the stars and imagine living 100 years from now. , the copy. mimic the style of your favorite poem but make the subject matter completely different. , the call to action. take a modern-day cause and turn it into a poem that tries to convince people to take action. , the love text. write a poem of text messages. , the time traveler. write a poem to a past generation asking them not to do something terrible that they did or let happen. , the sad. write about your most heartbreaking event., the good day. use your best day as a poem. , no return address; write a poem about being in love with something (cell phone, car, a gadget) that will never love you back but imagine it loves you back in the poem. , the universal. write a poem about coffee or tea. , wrong way write a poem about a time you fought over something but ended up wrong. , the i hate. write a poem about something you hate (football, onions, hockey, people driving slowly in the fast lane), no, see. start by saying something you are afraid that anyone else to ever find out about you. , the small child. a poem about a hope being a small boy who gets beat up every day. , emotion being write about meeting your worst controlled emotion as a different person sitting at a bar. , the fight. write a poem about a fight or argument you had with someone. , the mother write a poem about how people in heaven treat your mother. , the quest. write a poem about going on a medieval quest to find the thing you are missing in your life (like job satisfaction), the ghost. write a poem about a ghost waking you up at night and wanting you to help them. , specific ending. write a poem about the zombie apocalypse. , the challenge. use a famous poetic form sestina, villanelle, sonnet., use to know. write a poem to someone you used to know well but have fallen out of touch with. , the monster. write a poem about a monster that is the hero. , the short stack. write a 10-word memoir poem. , flying. write a poem about flying high above the trees and looking down at your life. .

So here are 50 poetry prompts that inspire you to write. Many of these were taken from famous poems. Suppose you can guess which ones. Leave us a comment below, or if you have something to tell us, a correction, suggestion, or can even leave a poetry prompt. Maybe in our Poetry prompts part 2, we will use them.

1000 Writing Prompts
10 Horrifying Horror Story Prompts
10 Even More Horrifying Horror Story Prompts
50 historical fiction writing prompts
100 Children’s Story Ideas to Inspire

About Richard

Richard Everywriter (pen name) has worked for literary magazines and literary websites for the last 25 years. He holds degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology and Education. Richard has headed many writing workshops and courses, and he has taught writing and literature for the last 20 years.

In writing and publishing he has worked with independent, small, medium and large publishers for years connecting publishers to authors. He has also worked as a journalist and editor in both magazine, newspaper and trade publications as well as in the medical publishing industry. Follow him on Twitter, and check out our Submissions page .

Reader Interactions

Privacy Overview

Poem Ideas: 255 Prompts to Spark Your Creativity

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on October 6, 2023

Categories Creativity , Creative Writing , Writing

Poetry is a timeless art form that allows writers to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a creative way. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting out, finding inspiration for new poem ideas can sometimes be a challenge. There are countless ways to spark your creativity and tap into the unique perspectives that can shape your poetry.

One way to approach writing poems is to explore your personal emotions and experiences, using language and imagery to convey these feelings to the reader. Connecting with nature and drawing inspiration from the world around you can also provide rich material for your poetry. Additionally, trying out various writing techniques and using prompts and themes can help you hone your skills over time, experimenting with different styles and voices.

Key Takeaways

Explore personal emotions and experiences to create authentic and moving poetry.
Connect with nature and the world around you for inspiration and unique perspectives.
Experiment with different writing techniques, prompts, and themes to enhance your poetic skills.

255 Poem Ideas

Here are 255 poem ideas grouped into themes:

A poem about watching the sunset over the ocean
A poem comparing a flower to a person
A poem about getting lost in the woods
A poem about the changing of the seasons
A poem personifying a tree through the seasons
A love poem using extended metaphor
A poem celebrating a first kiss
A poem mourning the end of a relationship
A poem about unrequited love
A poem giving advice about love
A poem about starting a new chapter
A poem about overcoming challenges
A poem about a major life change
A poem about finding your purpose
A poem about not giving up on your dreams
A poem reminiscing about your childhood home
A poem about childhood imaginary friends
A poem reflecting on lessons learned in childhood
A poem about childhood adventures
A poem about childhood innocence
A poem thanking a parent or grandparent
A poem about family traditions
A poem about family conflict
A poem about the bonds of siblinghood
A poem regretting not spending more time with family
An ode to your best friend
A poem about making new friends
A poem about drifting apart from friends
A poem celebrating your friends’ quirks
A poem about shared childhood memories
A poem exploring a social issue
A poem about conformity
A poem about social media’s influence
A poem examining racism
A poem about poverty
A poem about finding yourself
A poem wrestling with contradictory parts of yourself
A poem about not fitting in
A poem learning to embrace who you are
A poem about masks we wear in public
A poem reminiscing a happy memory
A poem about a memory you can’t let go of
A poem about a place that holds memories
A poem about forgetting people or moments
A poem about artifacts that hold memories
A poem exploring how quickly time passes
A poem regretting wasted time
A poem about making every moment count
A poem appreciating the present moment
A poem about learning patience over time
A poem reflecting on death
A poem exploring grief
A poem about leaving a legacy
A poem making peace with mortality
A poem marking a person’s passing
A grateful poem for everyday blessings
A poem thanking someone who changed you
A poem on the gifts of nature
A poem on the power of gratitude
A poem thanking an inanimate object
A poem encouraging hope in hard times
A poem envisioning a bright future
A poem seeing light in the darkness
A poem keeping hope alive
A poem inspiring hope through nature
A poem regretting words left unsaid
A poem regretting paths not taken
A poem making peace with regret
A poem learning from regret
A poem regretting a lost opportunity
A poem about seasons changing
A poem reflecting on personal growth
A poem about transition or transformation
A poem resisting unwanted change
A poem accepting the inevitability of change
A poem exploring a truth you’ve uncovered
A poem admitting a difficult truth
A poem searching for truth
A poem differentiating truth from lies
A poem revealing an ironic truth

Perseverance

A poem about overcoming obstacles
A poem encouraging persistence through challenges
A poem about defeating self-doubt
A poem on the rewards of perseverance
A poem urging self-belief during hard times
A poem about being brave in the face of fear
A poem about standing up for someone or something
A poem on finding inner courage
A poem celebrating everyday acts of courage
A poem about a historical act of courage
A poem imparting a life lesson or piece of wisdom
A poem appreciating the wisdom of elders
A poem gaining wisdom through suffering
A poem reflecting on the journey to wisdom
A poem debating the nature of wisdom
A poem learning from failure
A poem overcoming failure
A poem finding hope after failure
A poem accepting failure
A poem gaining perspective through failure
A poem celebrating a personal success
A poem cautioning against pride in success
A poem defining true success
A poem appreciating simple successes
A poem about success and failure going hand in hand

Opportunity

A poem about seizing opportunities
A poem regretting missed opportunities
A poem seeing opportunities in challenges
A poem urging boldness in taking opportunities
A poem grateful for second chances
A poem exploring injustice in society
A poem advocating for equality and fairness
A poem appreciating justice finally achieved
A poem lamenting a lack of justice
A poem on karma bringing justice
A poem envisioning world peace
A poem appreciating inner peace
A poem finding peace in nature
A poem yearning for peace of mind
A poem reflecting on the fragility of peace
An anti-war poem
A poem from a soldier’s perspective
A poem about the loss of innocence through war
A poem reflecting on the devastation of war
A poem urging peace and understanding
A poem about loneliness even when surrounded by others
A poem reflecting on the pain of loneliness
A poem finding comfort in solitude
A poem about superficial relationships
A poem advocating human connection to ease loneliness
A poem about losing a loved one
A poem processing a breakup
A poem about losing your sense of self
A poem reminiscing a lost friendship
An ode to your favorite song
A poem comparing music to magic
A poem exploring music’s power to transport you
A poem appreciating live music
A poem with song lyrics woven through it
An ekphrastic poem inspired by a painting
A poem exploring the process of creation
A poem appreciating fading beauty
A poem about finding truth in art
A poem celebrating an artist
A poem inspired by a dance style
A poem appreciating the artistry of dance
A poem using dance as a metaphor
A poem observing dancers
A poem capturing a dancer’s dedication
A poem praising the excitement of cities
A poem observing city-dwellers
A poem exploring urban isolation
A poem appreciating small town charm
A poem people-watching in a crowd
A poem imagining humanity’s future
A poem envisioning your personal future
A poem appreciating living in the present
A poem about worrying about the future
A poem exploring fear of the unknown
A poem considering technology’s benefits and risks
A poem satirizing social media
A poem exploring how tech changes communication
A poem appreciating simplicity without technology
A poem imagining fantastic future tech
A poem reflecting on getting older
A poem exploring fear of aging
A poem appreciating wisdom gained with age
A poem lamenting fading youth
A poem accepting the passage of time
A poem exploring a historical event
A poem appreciating past progress
A poem urging learning from the past
A poem regretting repeating past mistakes
A poem reflecting on change over time
A protest poem about a cause you care about
A poem exploring the corruption of power
A poem appreciating living in a democracy
A poem about feeling powerless
A poem examining political divisions

Environment

A poem appreciating the beauty of nature
A call to action poem about climate change
A poem exploring humanity’s impact on the earth
A poem connecting nature to emotions
A poem lamenting environmental destruction
A poem praising scientific discoveries
A poem warning about ethical dilemmas of science
A poem using scientific imagery
A poem exploring space’s mysteries
A poem appreciating science’s vast scope
A spiritual poem praising a higher power
A poem grappling with faith or doubt
A poem exploring religion’s contradictions
An anti-war poem using religious imagery
A poem finding divinity in nature
A poem inspired by a mythological creature
A poem modernizing a mythological tale
A poem drawing parallels to a mythic archetype
A poem exploring the role of myths in culture
A poem humanizing a god or hero
A poem wishing magic was real
A poem using magic as a metaphor
A poem seeing the magical in the mundane
A poem exploring ideas of spells, potions, etc.
A poem appreciating the magic of nature
A poem reminiscing about a travel destination
A poem about getting lost in a new place
A poem celebrating the excitement of travel
A poem appreciating the journey, not just the destination
A poem reflecting on what you learn through travel

Imagination

A poem celebrating the power of imagination
A poem reminiscing about an imaginary childhood friend
A poem exploring ideas of fantasy and escapism
A poem appreciating the imagination of children
A poem urging creative thinking and imagination
A poem reflecting on a meaningful dream
A poem exploring surreal dream imagery
A poem about wishes, hopes and dreams
A poem about nightmares or recurring dreams
A poem finding meaning or messages in dreams
A poem marveling at the vastness of space
A poem imagining alien life forms
A poem appreciating the beauty of stars and planets
A poem exploring feelings of insignificance compared to space
A poem using space exploration as a metaphor
A poem praising the magnificence of the ocean
A poem reflecting on the soothing sound of waves
A poem exploring ocean depths
A poem appreciating the freedom of sailing
A poem warning about ocean pollution
An ode to a beloved pet
A poem from an animal’s perspective
A poem about adopting a rescue pet
A poem exploring the bonds between humans and animals
A poem reflecting on losing a pet
An ode to a favorite childhood meal
A poem appreciating the simple pleasure of food
A poem exploring food memories and associations
A poem satirizing overconsumption
A poem urging awareness of hunger issues
A poem celebrating an athlete’s dedication
A poem exploring the parallels between sports and life
A poem appreciating the excitement of sports fandom
A poem reflecting on a meaningful sporting event
A poem satirizing hyper-competitiveness in sports
A poem on the value of learning
A poem appreciating an influential teacher
A poem exploring the atmosphere of school
A poem reflecting on the college experience
A poem critiquing the education system
A poem about the craft of poetry
A poem celebrating poetic language
A poem appreciating the wisdom and beauty of poems
A poem urging everyone to try writing poetry
A meta-poem about writing this poem

Understanding Poetry

Setting the tone.

When you begin your journey into poetry writing, it’s essential to set the tone of your poem. The tone plays a crucial role in conveying your message and emotions. To create a specific atmosphere in your poem, consider using elements like color and smell, which can enhance the reader’s experience.

Colors can evoke strong emotions in your writing. For example, red might represent love or anger, while blue can convey calmness or sadness.

Including descriptions of different smells can also help to stimulate the reader’s senses and create a more immersive experience. Be confident in your choices and use your knowledge of these elements to make your poetry engaging and clear.

Using Metaphors

Metaphors are powerful tools in poetry as they allow you to express complex emotions and ideas in an imaginative way. By using metaphors, you can create imagery that resonates with your readers, elevating your poetry to new heights.

A well-crafted metaphor can give depth to your writing, making it more engaging and thought-provoking.

In your pursuit of understanding poetry, don’t be afraid to experiment with different metaphors and analogies. Trust your ability to find unique and captivating ways to convey your emotions and observations.

Remember, poetry is a personal expression, and while it might not always be crystal clear to every reader, your goal is to make a connection with those who resonate with your words.

Tapping into Emotions

When writing poetry, one of the most powerful tools at your disposal is tapping into emotions. By allowing yourself to feel and explore various emotions, you can create poems that resonate with your readers.

In this section, we will briefly discuss four key emotional themes – love, fear, sadness, and joy – and how you can interweave them into your poetry.

Exploring Love

Love, in all its forms, is a universal emotion that can fuel the most emotive poetry. Whether you’re writing about romantic love, the love between friends or family members, or even self-love, you have the opportunity to tap into a deep well of emotions.

When exploring love, think about your own experiences as well as the emotional experiences of others. Dive into the intricacies of relationships and how love can elicit emotions such as happiness, jealousy, and even sadness.

Dealing with Fear

Fear is an emotion that everyone experiences at one time or another. Whether it’s the fear of death, the unknown, or even failure, tapping into this emotion can create powerful poems that your readers can relate to.

When writing about fear, consider how it can manifest itself in different situations and how it can impact your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. By delving into this primal emotion, you can create poetry that captivates your audience and encourages them to confront their own fears.

Unravelling Sadness

Sadness, while often seen as a negative emotion, can serve as a source of inspiration and growth for your poetry. It can be brought upon by events such as experiencing loneliness, loss, or disappointment.

When unravelling sadness in your poems, consider the deeper emotions that come with it, such as regret, longing, and even hope. Challenge yourself to dig deep and capture the raw emotions that sadness evokes, allowing your readers to connect with your words on a profound level.

Finding Joy

Lastly, joy is an emotion that can bring vibrancy and light to your poetry. This emotion can sprout from countless sources, such as success, friendship, or the beauty found in everyday life.

When writing about joy, think about the moments that make your heart leap and the feelings that accompany them. Incorporate these moments into your poetry and show your readers the transformative power joy can have on our lives.

By tapping into this emotion, your poems can become a celebration of the human experience, inviting your audience to embrace the happiness that exists around them.

Expressing Personal Experiences

Drawing from dreams.

Dreams can be a treasure trove of inspiration for your poetry. They often contain vivid emotions, unusual events, and striking imagery. You can use your dream experiences to create surprising and engaging poems that transport your readers to another world.

To begin, keep a journal of your dreams and make it a habit to write them down as soon as you wake up. This practice can enhance your creativity and lend a touch of surrealism to your poetry.

Memory and Nostalgia

Poems about personal experiences often draw from memories and nostalgia. Writing about past events can help you process emotions, preserve important memories, and share your unique perspective with others.

When creating a poem based on memory, try to focus on specific moments and details. This can make your work more relatable and engaging to readers. Don’t shy away from exploring painful or regretful experiences, as they can elicit strong emotions and foster personal growth.

Writing about Relationships

Exploring relationships through poetry can be a powerful way of processing and expressing the complex emotions involved in connections with friends, family members, and romantic partners. From love, friendship, and admiration to loss, betrayal, and heartbreak, your experiences with others offer a rich well of inspiration for your poetry.

Remember to approach sensitive topics with empathy and respect, especially when writing about real people. This will help maintain authenticity while avoiding unnecessary negativity.

Reflecting on Growth and Change

One of the most rewarding aspects of writing poetry is the opportunity to reflect on your personal growth and change . By examining the transformation in your life, you can tap into themes of resilience, adaptability, and self-discovery.

Consider using metaphorical language to convey the process of growth and change, as it can help to illustrate abstract concepts in a more tangible way. Writing about your journey in the second person point of view may also invite readers to share in your experiences and find their own meaning in your work.

Connecting with Nature

Experiencing seasons.

As you explore the world of poetry, one captivating theme to consider is the ever-changing beauty of nature and its seasons. Each season has its unique qualities, from the awakening of spring to the crisp air of autumn. Writing about the seasons can be an opportunity to express your connection with the Earth and its natural cycles.

Close your eyes and picture the multitude of colors the leaves take on in the fall, or the first signs of blossoming flowers in the spring. The contrast of the sweltering summer sun against the icy chill of winter can also inspire emotions and memories that may translate well into poetry. In your writing, be sure to convey the distinct atmospheres and feelings each season brings.

Don’t hesitate to explore the intimate connections between nature’s transformations and your own personal growth.

Captivating Landscapes

Another way to connect with nature when writing poetry is by focusing on the diverse landscapes that make up our planet. Consider the vastness of the ocean, with its waves crashing onto the shore and the mysterious depths that remain unexplored. You can also find inspiration in the tranquil beauty of a forest or the striking grandeur of a mountain range.

When writing about landscapes, remember to depict the sky and weather as part of the scenery. This will help create a vivid picture for the reader, immersing them in the landscape, and evoking the emotions you wish to convey. Whether it be a calm, clear day or a stormy night, the sky plays a significant role in setting the tone and atmosphere of your poem.

As you craft your poetry, draw from your personal experiences and memories, as well as your imagination, to bring these scenes to life. The beauty of the natural world lays endless inspiration at your fingertips, allowing you to create meaningful and captivating poems that resonate with readers.

Using Writing Techniques

Incorporating rhyme and rhythm.

Rhyme and rhythm are essential components of many poems. They create a musical quality that can make your writing more engaging. When brainstorming poem ideas, try experimenting with different rhyme schemes and rhythmic patterns to elevate your work.

For example, during National Poetry Month, you might challenge yourself to write a new poem each day that follows a specific rhyme scheme or meter.

Rhythm can be achieved by varying the syllable count in each line or by using a particular stressed-unstressed pattern in your words. Remember the key is to be confident and maintain a clear tone in your writing.

Trying Out Poetic Structures

There are numerous poetic structures you can explore when seeking inspiration for your poetry. Here are a few to consider:

Acrostic: An acrostic poem is where the first letter of each line spells out a word or message when read vertically. This poetic form can be a creative way to convey your theme or introduce a hidden meaning.
Limerick: A limerick is a humorous, short verse comprising five lines with a strict AABBA rhyme scheme. The first, second, and fifth lines have a longer length, while the third and fourth lines are shorter. Limericks are perfect for showcasing your wit and playfulness.
Haiku: Haiku is a traditional Japanese poetic form consisting of three lines. The first and third lines have five syllables, while the second line has seven syllables. This structure challenges you to precisely convey your emotions and thoughts within its constraints. Haiku is often inspired by nature, but feel free to explore other themes.

Incorporating these writing techniques and structures in your poetry can help you discover new ways to express your thoughts and ideas. Remember to use resources like poetry prompts to further stimulate your creativity and experiment with different styles during National Poetry Month. Your poems will undoubtedly evolve as you gain confidence and become more knowledgeable about the art of writing poetry.

Incorporating Real Experiences

Turning travel into poetry.

Travel can be a powerful source of inspiration for your poetry. Whether you’re leaving home for a new adventure or simply exploring your surroundings, traveling offers a unique opportunity to capture the beauty and complexity of different places, cultures, and experiences.

When writing about your travels, pay attention to the sounds, sights, and emotions you encounter along the way. For example, you could write about the melody of a street musician, the bustling atmosphere of a marketplace, or the serenity of a hidden garden. Let these experiences enrich your poetry and invite readers to journey with you through your words.

Cultivating Inspiration from Food and Objects

Food and objects may seem like mundane subjects, but both can inspire meaningful and creative poetry. When writing about food, focus on the rich sensory experiences it evokes. Describe the aroma, taste, and texture of your favorite meal, or explore the cultural significance and memories associated with a childhood dish.

Similarly, everyday objects can serve as muses for your poetry. Consider the emotional connection you have with a cherished possession or the nostalgia tied to a certain item. Delve into the history and symbolism of an object, such as a piece of jewelry, a book, or even a musical instrument. By examining these seemingly ordinary items, you can unveil deeper layers of meaning and evoke strong emotions in your readers.

Remember to maintain a confident, knowledgeable, and neutral tone in your writing. By doing so, you’ll create a clear and engaging experience for your audience. So, let your travels and everyday experiences inspire your poetry, and enjoy the creative journey.

Using Prompts and Themes

Using quotes and news articles.

Utilizing quotes from famous personalities or snippets from news articles can be an effective way to inspire your poetry writing. It allows you to tap into emotions, experiences, and social issues that others have already explored. Pay attention to impactful lines from songs, books, or speeches, as well as thought-provoking news stories, and let their words be a springboard for your creativity.

Tapping into the Unusual

Embrace the unusual, such as time travel or unique aspects of nature when seeking inspiration for your poem ideas. Look for topics that are out of the ordinary and challenge yourself to weave them into a poetic narrative. This approach will not only stretch your creativity but also open doors for imaginative scenarios and descriptions. For example, you could write a poem about traveling to the future or delve into the enigmatic relationship between music and memories.

Reflecting through Spirituality

Incorporating spirituality into your poetry can provide a deeper meaning and connection to your work. Reflect on your own spiritual beliefs or explore others’ perspectives on the topic. You can also use spirituality to examine the nuances of human emotions and experiences. By connecting your poetry to the spiritual world, you’ll create an intriguing and thought-provoking piece.

Honoring Life’s Milestones

When you’re crafting a poem to honor life’s milestones, it’s essential to capture the emotions and sentiments surrounding these significant events. Poems can serve as a way to commemorate and celebrate these occasions and help invoke powerful memories.

For instance, when it comes to weddings , your poem can focus on the union of two souls, the love they share, and the significance of embarking on this new journey together. Consider incorporating themes of unity, commitment, and partnership, as well as the joy and excitement of entering this new phase. A wedding poem might include lines about love’s strength, the beauty of the couple’s bond, and well-wishes for their future.

On the other hand, if you want to write a poem about growing old , emphasize the wisdom, memories, and experiences that come with aging. You can also touch upon the beauty in the journey of life, reflecting not only on one’s accomplishments but also on the lessons learned along the way. It’s essential to approach this topic with sensitivity, respect, and admiration for the person being celebrated.

Keep your tone confident, knowledgeable, and neutral while maintaining clarity in your language. When celebrating life’s milestones through poetry, remember that you’re capturing a snapshot of a specific moment in time. Whether you’re writing for someone else or yourself, your words should resonate with sincerity and emotion.

Remember, the key to an impactful poem lies in its authenticity and ability to move the reader. So, as you write, draw inspiration from your own experiences and emotions, or those of the person you’re writing for. By doing so, you’ll create a piece that will leave a lasting impression and serve as a beautiful testament to the milestone being honored.

Creative Writing Techniques

Using personification.

Personification is a powerful tool in poetry, allowing you to give human-like qualities to inanimate objects or abstract concepts. This technique can enhance your poems by adding depth and emotion. Try to experiment with personification in your poetry by selecting a concept or object and attributing it human characteristics. For instance, you could write about how the wind whispers secrets through the trees or how the sun smiles down on the earth.

Writing Haikus and Limericks

Haikus and limericks are both short, structured forms of poetry that can provide an enjoyable challenge for poets of all levels. Haiku poems, inspired by Japanese tradition, comprise three lines with a syllable structure of 5-7-5. These poems often capture a moment in nature or an emotion. Limericks, on the other hand, are humorous five-line poems with an AABBA rhyme scheme. Experimenting with these structures can improve your poetry writing skills and offer creative writing ideas for your future works.

Creating a Descriptive Poem

Descriptive poems utilize vivid imagery and sensory details to transport the reader to a particular place, time, or experience. To create a descriptive poem, choose a specific setting or experience you want to bring to life through your words. Use all of your senses to craft a vivid picture for the reader, employing not only visual details but also sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile sensations. As you develop your descriptive poetry, you’ll find your ability to convey emotions and create vivid images in your reader’s mind enriches your overall poetry writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common themes in poetry.

In poetry, there are several common themes that poets often explore, such as love, death, nature, time, and friendship. These themes help to convey universal human experiences, emotions, and ideas that are relatable to a wide range of readers.

How can I find inspiration for writing a poem?

Finding inspiration for writing a poem can come from various sources, such as personal experiences, emotions, memories, or ideas. Observing the world around you and immersing yourself in nature can also inspire your writing. Reflect on the feelings and thoughts you have while falling asleep, as these moments can often lead to unique and imaginative ideas.

What are some examples of different poem structures?

Different poem structures include free verse, sonnets, haikus, and acrostics, among others. Experimenting with various formats allows you to hone your craft and discover the style that best suits your voice. To practice, challenge yourself to write a sonnet a day to help empty your head and generate new ideas.

What are some tips for writing a poem about life?

When writing a poem about life, think about the specific aspects you want to explore and convey. You can focus on personal experiences, emotions, or observations of the world around you. Consider including sensory details and vivid imagery to help readers immerse themselves in your poem. Studying great poems about life can also serve as inspiration.

Can you suggest some poetry prompts for beginners?

For beginners looking to start writing poetry, it’s helpful to start with prompts such as writing a poem about a cherished friendship, exploring the transition between seasons, or describing a unique experience in your life. These prompts can serve as a starting point and inspire your creativity.

How do I incorporate emotion, such as sadness, into a poem?

To incorporate emotions like sadness into a poem, draw upon your own experiences and feelings. You can also use sensory details, imagery, and metaphors to evoke specific emotions and create a vivid picture for the reader. Reading poems that explore emotions can provide insight into how other poets successfully express emotions in their work.

Jump to navigation Skip to content

Search form

P&W on Facebook
P&W on Twitter
P&W on Instagram

Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we’ve published in the Grants & Awards section of Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in the Writing Contests database, the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

Find a home for your poems, stories, essays, and reviews by researching the publications vetted by our editorial staff. In the Literary Magazines database you’ll find editorial policies, submission guidelines, contact information—everything you need to know before submitting your work to the publications that share your vision for your work.

Whether you’re pursuing the publication of your first book or your fifth, use the Small Presses database to research potential publishers, including submission guidelines, tips from the editors, contact information, and more.

Research more than one hundred agents who represent poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers, plus details about the kinds of books they’re interested in representing, their clients, and the best way to contact them.

Every week a new publishing professional shares advice, anecdotes, insights, and new ways of thinking about writing and the business of books.

Stay informed with reports from the world of writing contests, including news of extended deadlines, recent winners of notable awards, new contest announcements, interviews with winners, and more.

Find publishers ready to read your work now with our Open Reading Periods page, a continually updated resource listing all the literary magazines and small presses currently open for submissions.

Since our founding in 1970, Poets & Writers has served as an information clearinghouse of all matters related to writing. While the range of inquiries has been broad, common themes have emerged over time. Our Top Topics for Writers addresses the most popular and pressing issues, including literary agents, copyright, MFA programs, and self-publishing.

Our series of subject-based handbooks (PDF format; $4.99 each) provide information and advice from authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers. Now available: The Poets & Writers Guide to Publicity and Promotion, The Poets & Writers Guide to the Book Deal, The Poets & Writers Guide to Literary Agents, The Poets & Writers Guide to MFA Programs, and The Poets & Writers Guide to Writing Contests.

Find a home for your work by consulting our searchable databases of writing contests, literary magazines, small presses, literary agents, and more.

Poets & Writers lists readings, workshops, and other literary events held in cities across the country. Whether you are an author on book tour or the curator of a reading series, the Literary Events Calendar can help you find your audience.

Get the Word Out is a new publicity incubator for debut fiction writers and poets.

Research newspapers, magazines, websites, and other publications that consistently publish book reviews using the Review Outlets database, which includes information about publishing schedules, submission guidelines, fees, and more.

Well over ten thousand poets and writers maintain listings in this essential resource for writers interested in connecting with their peers, as well as editors, agents, and reading series coordinators looking for authors. Apply today to join the growing community of writers who stay in touch and informed using the Poets & Writers Directory.

Let the world know about your work by posting your events on our literary events calendar, apply to be included in our directory of writers, and more.

Find a writers group to join or create your own with Poets & Writers Groups. Everything you need to connect, communicate, and collaborate with other poets and writers—all in one place.

Find information about more than two hundred full- and low-residency programs in creative writing in our MFA Programs database, which includes details about deadlines, funding, class size, core faculty, and more. Also included is information about more than fifty MA and PhD programs.

Whether you are looking to meet up with fellow writers, agents, and editors, or trying to find the perfect environment to fuel your writing practice, the Conferences & Residencies is the essential resource for information about well over three hundred writing conferences, writers residencies, and literary festivals around the world.

Discover historical sites, independent bookstores, literary archives, writing centers, and writers spaces in cities across the country using the Literary Places database—the best starting point for any literary journey, whether it’s for research or inspiration.

Search for jobs in education, publishing, the arts, and more within our free, frequently updated job listings for writers and poets.

Establish new connections and enjoy the company of your peers using our searchable databases of MFA programs and writers retreats, apply to be included in our directory of writers, and more.

Each year the Readings & Workshops program provides support to hundreds of writers participating in literary readings and conducting writing workshops. Learn more about this program, our special events, projects, and supporters, and how to contact us.

The Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award introduces emerging writers to the New York City literary community, providing them with a network for professional advancement.

Find information about how Poets & Writers provides support to hundreds of writers participating in literary readings and conducting writing workshops.

Bring the literary world to your door—at half the newsstand price. Available in print and digital editions, Poets & Writers Magazine is a must-have for writers who are serious about their craft.

View the contents and read select essays, articles, interviews, and profiles from the current issue of the award-winning Poets & Writers Magazine .

Read three decades of essays, articles, interviews, profiles, and other select content from Poets & Writers Magazine .

View the covers and contents of every issue of Poets & Writers Magazine , from the current edition all the way back to the first black-and-white issue in 1987.

In our weekly series of craft essays, some of the best and brightest minds in contemporary literature explore their craft in compact form, articulating their thoughts about creative obsessions and curiosities in a working notebook of lessons about the art of writing.

The Time Is Now offers weekly writing prompts in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction to help you stay committed to your writing practice throughout the year. Sign up to get The Time Is Now, as well as a weekly book recommendation for guidance and inspiration, delivered to your inbox.

Every week a new author shares books, art, music, writing prompts, films—anything and everything—that has inspired and shaped the creative process.

Watch videos, listen to audio clips, and view slideshows related to articles and features published in Poets & Writers Magazine .

Ads in Poets & Writers Magazine and on pw.org are the best ways to reach a readership of serious poets and literary prose writers. Our audience trusts our editorial content and looks to it, and to relevant advertising, for information and guidance.

Start, renew, or give a subscription to Poets & Writers Magazine ; change your address; check your account; pay your bill; report a missed issue; contact us.

Peruse paid listings of writing contests, conferences, workshops, editing services, calls for submissions, and more.

Poets & Writers is pleased to provide free subscriptions to Poets & Writers Magazine to award-winning young writers and to high school creative writing teachers for use in their classrooms.

Read select articles from the award-winning magazine and consult the most comprehensive listing of literary grants and awards, deadlines, and prizewinners available in print.

Subscribe Now

Writing Prompts for Beginners

Printable Version
Log in to Send
Log in to Save

Poetry Prompts

Fiction prompts, creative nonfiction prompts.

How to write a story
How to write a novel
How to write poetry
How to write a script
How to write a memoir
How to write a mystery
Creative journaling
Publishing advice
Story starters
Poetry prompts
For teachers

Poem Starters and Creative Writing Ideas

Here are lots of poem starters that you can use for your own poetry writing. (If you're looking for story starters instead, click here) . At the bottom of the page, you'll find links to more pages with 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

seashells, stones, and jewel, representing poem starters, poetry ideas

Poem starters- the five senses

54. Write about the taste of: an egg, an orange, medicine, cinnamon 55. Write about the smell of: burning food, melting snow, the ocean, your grandparents' home, the inside of a bus, pavement after the rain 56. Write about the sound of: a radio changing channels, a dog howling, a football or baseball game, your parents talking in another room 57. 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 58. Write about the feeling of: grass under bare feet, a really bad kiss, the head rush when you stand up too fast, sore muscles, falling asleep in the back seat of a moving car.

Poem starters- three elements

Write a poem that contains all three of the elements in any of the lists below:

59. a dessert, a memory, and someone in your family 60. dancing, a pitch-black room, and the smell of lilacs 61. a balloon, smoke, and a keyhole 62. a secret box, an ice cube tray, and a velvet ribbon 63. 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 .

Terms - Returns & Cancellations - Affiliate Disclosure - Privacy Policy

Career Center

NCTE Publications on Poetry

NCTE 04.01.24 Poetry

Whether you’re looking to celebrate poetry during April (National Poetry Month) or throughout the year, NCTE has plenty of resources to help you get started.

Teach Living Poets

The #TeachLivingPoets approach, which has grown out of the vibrant movement and community founded by high school teacher Melissa Alter Smith and been codeveloped with poet and scholar Lindsay Illich, offers rich opportunities for students to improve critical reading and writing, opportunities for self-expression and social-emotional learning, and, perhaps the most desirable outcome, the opportunity to fall in love with language and discover (or renew) their love of reading. The many poems included in Teach Living Poets are representative of the diverse poets writing today.

Lightning Paths: 75 Poetry Writing Exercises

From synesthetic poems to questioning poems to the ghazal, Lightning Paths: 75 Poetry Writing Exercises by Kyle Vaughn has something fun or fascinating for every student and teacher as they explore the possibilities of poetry writing. The exercises teach and utilize technique while also focusing on and inspiring the intuitive and imaginative qualities of poetry.

Each poem type includes an introduction explaining the exercise’s goal, detailed instructions, and a student example. The 75 activities are divided into three sections: exercises that focus on different types of imagery and ways to generate fresh imagery; exercises born out of unusual prompts and ideas that engage a writer’s experiences in the real world; and exercises related to what form might look like or how it might function.

Empowering Students’ Knowledge of Vocabulary: Learning How Language Works, Grades 3–5

Mary Jo Fresch and David L. Harrison present definitions and playful examples (in poetry and prose) to teach antonyms, synonyms, acronyms (and many more “nyms”), similes, metaphors, idioms, shades of meaning, and word origins. Practical lessons and activities for each category will engage students in joyful practice. A final chapter offers insights into language choices by eight well-known children’s poets and authors, including two former US Young People’s Poets Laureate—Kenn Nesbitt and Margarita Engle—and world-renowned Jane Yolen.

360 Degrees of Text: Using Poetry to Teach Close Reading and Powerful Writing

Whether we call it “critical literacy” or just “making meaning,” being able to read and analyze with precision and judgment empowers all students, not just in their academic courses but in everyday situations that require thoughtful evaluation and response. Through Eileen Murphy Buckley’s 360-degree approach to teaching critical literacy, students investigate texts through a full spectrum of learning modalities, harnessing the excitement of performance, imitation, creative writing, and argument/debate activities to become more powerful thinkers, readers, and writers.

Poetry of Place: Helping Students Write Their Worlds

Through his extensive work with students in grade school through high school, poet-in-residence Terry Hermsen has learned how to foster a love of poetry by taking the learning out of the classroom and into students’ real lives. With numerous lessons and activities, Hermsen demonstrates how even the most mundane, everyday items—from “stuff” to food to photographs—can spark the imagination of student poets.

Filled with student examples, this book illustrates that poetry doesn’t have to be boring. It can help students develop interpretive and creative thinking skills while helping them better understand the world around them, wherever they may live.

Wordplaygrounds: Reading, Writing, and Performing Poetry in the English Classroom

The activities in this book can constitute an entire course in poetry writing or work as individual lessons, depending on the teacher’s classroom goals. Early lessons start out with simple lists and wordplay; later lessons involve more complicated forms and subjects. Throughout the book, however, the emphasis is on fun and making sure that every student succeeds. In all, John S. O’Connor provides an impressive number of poetry models—more than 30 professional models and more than 80 models from students in his own classroom.

Studying Poetry: Activities, Resources, and Texts

In Studying Poetry, Brian Moon uses text-based activities to help students approach poetry—not in the conventional Romantic way as a mystical, heightened mode of expression, but as a form of “discourse” that can be vitally relevant to their daily lives. Activities are tied to more than 75 reprinted poems—including sonnets, limericks, haiku, free verse, and other forms—ranging from the fourteenth century to the present day and representing the likes of Shakespeare, Donne, Christina Rossetti, Frost, Plath, Levertov, Jamaican-born Jean “Binta” Breeze, and many others. Activities move from the experience approach, including poetry performance, into exploration of poetry as discourse. Step-by-step guidelines for writing about poetry are accompanied by annotated examples of student writing and sample teacher comments.

Teaching Poetry in High School

Albert Somers offers teachers a vast compendium of resources for teaching poetry in a highly accessible format:

over 40 complete poems
a discussion of assessment issues
poetry across the curriculum
poetry on the internet

A comprehensive resource for teachers, this book presents practical ideas and myriad ways for teachers and students to discover the joys of poetry.

Getting the Knack: 20 Poetry Writing Exercises

Stephen Dunning and William Stafford, both widely known poets and educators, offer this delightful manual of exercises for beginning poets. The 20 exercises, each covering different types or phases of poetry writing, as well as the authors’ humor and nonacademic style, will appeal to experienced and novice poets of all ages.

Teaching Poetry Experiences for Readers and Writers QRG

Written and curated by some of the leading authors and voices in literacy education, quick-reference guides (QRGs) are engaging and easy-access tri-fold publications that offer brief, research-based definitions, strategies, tips, activities, and more to address many of the core topics in English and language arts classrooms.

This QRG by Maria Walther features teaching contexts for poetry experiences, reasons poetry is perfect for all children, ways to use poetry to strengthen fluency, steps for designing a poetry experience for readers, if/then for strategically selecting poems, poetic conventions, places to find poetry recommendations, and poetry anthology and picture book resources.

How are you recognizing National Poetry Month?

It is the policy of NCTE in all publications, including the Literacy & NCTE blog, to provide a forum for the open discussion of ideas concerning the content and the teaching of English and the language arts. Publicity accorded to any particular point of view does not imply endorsement by the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, the staff, or the membership at large, except in announcements of policy, where such endorsement is clearly specified.

Writers' Workshop

Creative writing for undergraduate students.

Undergraduate Creative Writing

The University of Iowa ranks among the top universities in the U.S. for undergraduate writing across the curriculum.

The Undergraduate Creative Writing Major

The English Department houses the undergraduate major in English and Creative Writing, with a growing faculty that has counted multiple Writers' Workshop alumni among its ranks. The Magid Center for Writing, established in 2011 with the support of a generous donor, offers undergraduates the opportunity to integrate writing into other disciplines and bring a love for the written word to projects like student literary magazines and hosting workshops at local schools.

The Writers' Workshop offers a range of classes for both majors an non-majors taught by a diverse group of graduate students and recent graduates, all terrific up-and-coming writers in their own right. We host undergraduate events in the Frank Conroy Reading Room and organize a reading series that brings some of today's most distinguished writers to campus.

Writers' Workshop Undergraduate Courses

Introductory writing classes courses.

CW:1800 Creative Writing Studio Workshop

CW:2100 Creative Writing

CW:2870 Fiction Writing

CW:2875 Poetry Writing

Introductory classes are designed to give students the experience of thinking as writers. Students will engage with writing exercise and with published literary works, then try their hand at longer pieces of writing. These classes are open to writers of all levels and serve as an introduction to one or more genres and forms.

Special Topics in Creative Writing

CW:2600 Special Topic Workshops

CW:3002 Writing and Reading Young Adult Fiction

CW:3003 Writing and Reading Science Fiction

CW:3004 Writing and Reading Fantasy Fiction

CW:3107 Creative Writing for the Health Professions

CW:3400 Working Writers in Conversation

CW:4751 Creative Writing for the Musician

Topic-specific creative writing classes introduce and develop foundational writing skills in a more specific context or genre. Students can expect to do writing exercise and produce longer creative works, while getting a lens into a more specific branch of writing.

Writing Form and Formats

CW:3215 Creative Writing and Popular Culture

CW:3218 Creative Writing for New Media

CW:4745 The Sentence: Strategies for Writing

CW:4760 The Art of Revision: Writing for Clarity

These creative writing classes approach writing from the point of view of form, whether focusing on the meaty parts of sentences, zeroing in on areas for improvement, or thinking about media and audiences. Students can expect to produce and revise work through the additional lens of technical skill and media format.

Undergraduate Writers' Workshop in Fiction and Poetry

CW:4870 Undergraduate Writers' Workshop: Fiction

CW:4875 Undergraduate Writers' Workshop: Poetry

Undergraduate Writers' Workshops in Fiction and Poetry are smaller classes for writers with some experience. Students are admitted on the merit of their manuscripts and the class strives to create as much as possible the experience of a graduate-level workshop. Students can expect to receive feedback from the instructor and to read and engage deeply with both published work and the work of their peers.

Create your academic path

Learn more about the English and Creative Writing major academic requirements and possible course plans

Majors Course Catalog

The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.

Upcoming Events

Aizuri Quartet

Mission Creek Festival Presents | Lit Walk 2024 at Willow & Stock + Revival

Mission creek festival | critical hits: writers playing video games with carmen maria machado, larissa pham, and j robert lennon.

Craft the perfect creative writing prompt from Microsoft Designer's AI images

march 22, 2024

by Monica Jayasinghe

Hello, fellow educators! I recently discovered an exciting way to create engaging writing prompts for my students using AI and Microsoft Designer . The results were amazing, and I can't wait to share this fun and innovative approach with you!

Describing the Vision:

To get started, head over to Microsoft Designer . We'll use the power of AI to generate an image that will serve as the foundation for our writing prompt.

We'll use Image Creator , where you can describe the image you want to create. The goal is to generate an image that will capture your students' imagination and inspire them to write.

For this example, I entered the prompt, A spacecraft landing near a house, futuristic, mysterious.

The results of the prompt "A spacecraft landing near a house, futuristic, mysterious."

Choose the image you want to work with

Once you select Generate , Microsoft Designer will provide you with a variety of AI-generated images. Since we're creating a writing prompt, look for an image that has space for adding instructions and is easy to read.

You'll be amazed by the number of options available! When you find an image you like, click on it and select Edit image .

Customize the image

After selecting your preferred image, it's time to customize it.

Click on Resize in the top panel and adjust the dimensions to match a PowerPoint slide. This will ensure that the image fits perfectly when you're ready to present it to your students. You can also align the image anywhere on the page to create the perfect composition.
In the box labeled AI tools , you'll see additional customization options. Consider playing with the filters to update the mood and color scheme of your image.

Add instructions and text

To make the writing prompt clear and easy to read, click on the existing text and customize it. To add a heading, click on Text in the left panel. The right panel will populate with even more ideas you can use.

Designer's text suggestions for the image

In this example, I changed the color to white and added a story starter.

The spaceship image with the words "A visitor arrives"

Engage your students

The possibilities for using AI-generated images as writing prompts are endless! Here are a few options:

Get inspired by the artwork

The most obvious way to use these images is as direct inspiration for student writing. Generate a bold, fantastical, emotional, or silly image and have students write a story about what's happening in the image.

Try this prompt: A whimsical classroom under the sea. The teacher is a wise old octopus. The classroom is decorated with shell desks and seaweed streamers .

The results of the prompt " https://designer.microsoft.com/image-creator?p=A+whimsical+classroom+%5Bin%2Funder%5D+%5Bthe+sea%5D.+The+teacher+is+a+wise+old+%5Boctopus%5D.+The+classroom+is+decorated+with+%5Bshell%5D+desks+and+%5Bseaweed+streamers%5D.+&referrer=PromptTemplate Edit Edit Remove Remove A whimsical classroom under the sea. The teacher is a wise old octopus. The classroom is decorated with shell desks and seaweed streamers."

Bring stories to life

Another great idea is to take an excerpt from a story you're reading in class and use the AI to generate an image that matches that specific part of the story. This will spark engaging discussions among your students and bring the story to life in a whole new way.

Bring units to life

Why stop at a story? You can also generate images that fit the theme of a unit you're working on, whether you're exploring weather patterns or reliving life on the Oregon Trail.

Consider setting aside some time each day or week for students to free write or journal. Kick off the writing session with an AI-generated image, then throw on some light classical music and let them write. Mix up the kind of images you show them, from lush landscapes to abstract pop art, and see what it inspires.

Try this prompt: An abstract painting in vivid colors

The results of the prompt "An abstract painting in vivid colors"

You can even include animated options. After you generate your image in Microsoft Designer, select the image and Create Design . In the right-hand panel that appears, you'll see several design options. Usually, one or more of these options will be animated. Select the animated option and add it to your PowerPoint!

Accessing your AI-generated images

One of the best features of Microsoft Designer is that all the images you create using AI are saved in the My Media section. This means you'll never lose your creations and can easily access them whenever you need them.

This feature enables educators to curate a collection of visuals for various writing themes, be it aliens, dragons, or any other imaginative scenario.

Wrapping up

Microsoft Designer is a game-changer for educators looking to inspire their students' creativity. The AI-generated images, customization options, and easy access to your creations make this a powerful tool for any classroom.

Head over to designer.microsoft.com today and start creating unforgettable writing prompts!

Prose vs. poetry: what’s the difference?

Both prose and poetry are forms of writing; however, many people don’t fully understand the differences between the two. Learn the difference between prose versus poetry to expand your knowledge of common writing styles.

Have you ever read a beautifully written, heartfelt passage, but weren’t sure if it was considered a poem or prose? People often use the terms ‘prose’ and ‘poetry’ interchangeably, even though they’re two different forms of writing.

What is prose?

Prose is writing that doesn’t follow any meters or rhyming schemes. In fact, everyday writing is considered prose! Books, short stories, essays, and any sort of writing that doesn’t follow a specific structure is considered prose.

Get the most out of your documents with Word

Elevate your writing and collaborate with others - anywhere, anytime

Types of prose

There are a few different types of prose: Fictional prose, nonfictional prose, heroic prose, and prose poetry.

Fictional prose

Prose fiction is when an author tells a story that isn’t based on true events. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a great example of fictional prose.

Nonfictional prose

Non-fictional prose is when an author writes about real events. For example, newspapers or memoirs are examples of non-fiction prose. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi is a memoir that is considered non-fiction prose.

Heroic prose

Heroic prose is a story that is passed down orally, but it can also be written down. This form of prose isn’t as common as fictional prose, nonfictional prose, or prose poetry. Heroic prose includes parables, myths, and fables. The Odyssey by Homer is an example of heroic prose.

Prose poetry

Prose poetry is a form of writing that uses literary devices such as imagery, symbols, or alliteration. Prose poetry can be both fiction and non-fiction, and it is characterized by its poetic qualities expressed in prose form, but not necessarily by the absence of line breaks or rhyming scheme .

Here’s a sample of prose poetry from Amy Lowell’s Bath:

“The day is fresh-washed and fair, and there is a smell of tulips and narcissus in the air. The sunshine pours in at the bath-room window and bores through the water in the bath-tub in lathes and planes of greenish-white. It cleaves the water into flaws like a jewel, and cracks it to bright light.” You may have notice that Lowell does incorporate a rhyme in her poem—both white and light rhyme—but the poem itself doesn’t follow a specific rhyming scheme.

What is poetry?

There are many different forms of poetry out there, but in general, poetry focuses on rhythm. Poems also incorporate structure, patterns, and rhyming schemes. Some popular forms of poetry include:

Lyric poetry

Here is an example from a famous poem titled I’m nobody! Who are you? by Emily Dickinson:

“How dreary to be somebody! How public like a frog To tell one’s name the livelong day To an admiring bog!”

The fundamental differences between poetry and prose

Prose is a straightforward form of writing that follows natural flow of language and doesn’t use line breaks. Poetry, on the other hand, often uses structure such as rhyme, rhythm, and intentional line breaks. While not all poems have to rhyme , it’s a signature of the form and many do.

If you’re interested in learning more about poetry, see how you can write a narrative poem or use punctuation in poetry .

Get started with Microsoft 365

It’s the Office you know, plus the tools to help you work better together, so you can get more done—anytime, anywhere.

Topics in this article

What is independent publishing?

Avoid the hassle of shopping your book around to publishing houses. Publish your book independently and understand the benefits it provides for your as an author.

What are literary tropes?

Engage your audience with literary tropes. Learn about different types of literary tropes, like metaphors and oxymorons, to elevate your writing.

What are genre tropes?

Your favorite genres are filled with unifying tropes that can define them or are meant to be subverted.

What is literary fiction?

Define literary fiction and learn what sets it apart from genre fiction.

Everything you need to achieve more in less time

Get powerful productivity and security apps with Microsoft 365

Explore Other Categories

9 Minecraft Language Arts Activities for Kids

Do video games and language arts go together? They do when you try these Minecraft language arts activities!

Using Minecraft for Language Arts

Minecraft is a video game where players navigate a virtual world.

You can travel the world through Minecraft (it has every major biome).

You can build your own homes, cities, and landmarks.

The players can interact with one another.

You can develop your own character and make up backstories for the non-playing characters (NPCs) you meet.

Try some of these Minecraft language arts activities to get your students writing!

This article contains affiliate links to things that you might like.

9 Minecraft Language Arts Activities

Many of these Minecraft language arts activities work well as writing prompts.

Creative Writing Challenges

Prompt students to create stories inspired by in-game scenes.

Navigate the various biomes to create imaginative settings.

Build specific places within Minecraft to house the action of the story. Consider making a sunken ship, a castle, a farm, or an underground fortress.

Poetry Composition

Minecraft is an excellent prompt for stories but can also prompt poems.

Write a story poem about the action in your Minecraft world. (This can be as basic as “The Three Little Kittens” or as complicated as a scene from The Odyssey !)

You can also write a poem based on a theme within the game: survival, exploration, creativity, beauty of nature, etc.

The poems don’t have to rhyme. Here is an example:

The intrepid explorer persists

Beneath the blocks of dirt.

What treasures lie below?

Tiny rivers of copper,

Fistfulls of diamonds,

And the rarest of rare-

Glittering, green emeralds

Character Development Exercises

Create your own character. Go beyond just choosing your skin.

Think about who your character is. What is their name? Where are they from? Why are they in this place?

What do they want or need? What obstacles do they encounter? How will they overcome those obstacles?

Journaling in Minecraft Worlds

Keep a digital journal of adventures, thoughts, and reflections as you play the game.

You can use a simple word processing program to journal free-form.

Or you can respond to prompts for the day.

For example, “What are three adjectives that describe your location? Use them in a sentence.”

Here are some other ideas:

“What problem is your character experiencing?” or “What is your character doing?”

“Consider what your character might feel as they navigate this situation.”

“What might they say to other characters in the game?”

Descriptive Writing Practice

Minecraft has a variety of biomes and settings. You can find even more using Minecraft Education ( like this one set in Florence ).

Describe in-game landscapes, structures, and environments using vivid language.

Prompt students to use language that evokes the five senses.

What does the place look like? What sounds do you hear? Is it the city or the country?

What aromas do you smell?

Look around. What textures do you notice?

Narrative Building

Because your player can interact with their environment, other players, and NPCs (non-playing characters), you can construct a plot line.

Outline a sequential story from your gameplay and turn it into a story.

Dialogue Creation

Writing dialogues between characters or NPCs encountered in Minecraft.

You can write this as traditional dialogue (using quotation marks), or you can write it in play format.

You can even write a play for others to perform in Minecraft!

Letter Writing Campaigns

Practice friendly letter writing and pen letters from your player to others.

(This is not in-game messaging but actual letter writing.)

You can write to in-game characters (only those you know and trust in real life) or pen pals who also play the game.

Minecraft Storytelling Podcasts

Practice the skill of composition without writing something down!

Record audio narratives of in-game experiences to practice telling a story in sequence, using descriptive language, and crafting dialogue.

Try using the perspective of your player. For example, “I am walking through the orchard of cherry trees when I spot…”

Minecraft Language Arts Activities

Minecraft provides the necessary spark of creativity that will get your kids writing.

Use Minecraft to develop language arts skills with these nine language arts activities.

creative writing poetry topics

IMAGES

VIDEO

COMMENTS

101 Poetry Prompts & Ideas for Writing Poems

Here are 101 Poetry Prompts for Creative Writing

Similar Posts

300 Fun Writing Prompts for Kids: Story Starters, Journal Prompts & Ideas

7 Creative Writing Exercises For Writers

108 Romance Writing Prompts & Love Story Ideas

42 Fantasy Writing Prompts & Plot Ideas

365 Creative Writing Prompts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Related Topics

132 Best Poetry Prompts and Ideas to Spark Creativity

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Ideas for poems about different types of emotions

Ideas for poems about love

Ideas for poems about life in general

Ideas for poems about death

Ideas for poems about philosophy

Ideas for poems about everyday things

Ideas for poems about time

Ideas for poems about different forms of art

Ideas for poems about historical events

Ideas for poems about religion and spirituality

Ideas for poems about family life

Ideas for poems about nature and travelling

Ideas for poems with supernatural elements

Related Posts

Join 5000+ Technical Writers

BEST POETRY WRITING PROMPTS

Showing 24 prompts reset

Choose a title from our Book Title Generator. Write a poem inspired by that title.

Introducing Prompted , a new magazine written by you!

Write a poem about loss.

Write a poem about growing old.

Write a poem about your favorite part of nature.

Write a poem based on your favorite childhood memory.

Look around you. Write a poem based on what you see.

Contest #244 LIVE

Prize money

Recent winners 🏆

Leaderboard 🥇

The best poetry writing prompts

Explore more writing prompt ideas:

200 Poetry Prompts for your Next Poem

Form Specific Poetry Prompts

General Poetry Prompts

By Onyemechi Nwakonam

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

127 Creative And Fun Poetry Writing Prompts

127 Creative and Fun Poetry Writing Prompts

Are you ready to use these poetry writing prompts?

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

22 Poetry Prompts to Help You Write Your Next Great Poem

1. Choose one of your five senses. Write a poem that focuses on your chosen sense.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

4 Reasons You Should Write Eco-Poetry

5 Spring Activities to Help With Writer’s Block

Writing Tips: Love Poems

tell your stories, love your life

Related Posts

Share this:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from BRYN DONOVAN

A Selection of Poetry Prompts from 1200 Creative Writing Prompts

25 Poetry Prompts from 1200 Creative Writing Prompts

15 Comments

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Recent Posts

Pin It on Pinterest

130+ Poetry Writing Prompts

Over 130 Poetry Writing Prompts

Related Posts

A list of 50 inspirational topics for writing a poem

50 Poem Topics And Ideas To Help You Write Your Next Poem

2. Childhood memories

3. A significant event

5. Happiness

6. Friendship

7. Overcoming adversity

8. Gratitude