So you wake up one morning, very eager to pick up your pen and put down ink. You pictured yourself, the night before, writing a poem rich with all the ingredients a beautiful, emotional poem would have. And then, the hard truth hits: you have no idea where to start or what to write about.
Or you’ve been sitting behind a laptop for over a week, wondering how you would complete your poetry book’s manuscript with no inspiration.
Enter, poetry writing prompts!
The Power of Poetry Prompts
Let’s face it: the blank page can be terrifying. But writing prompts are always there to save the day! Writing prompts act like a catalyst, sparking creativity and helping you break free from writer’s block. Even if you are an experienced poet, you would need poetry prompts on certain days to give you that much-needed nudge to get you writing.
Why Do You Need Poetry Prompts?
Imagine trying to bake a cake without a recipe. Sure, you might end up with something edible, but will it be as delicious as it could be? Poetry writing prompts are the recipes for your poetic masterpieces. They offer structure, inspiration, and a starting point, which can be especially helpful when your muse decides to take an impromptu vacation. In essence, you do need a list of prompts to kick out that unwanted writer’s block and get you scribbling non-stop.
Unleashing Creativity with Prompts
One of the greatest benefits of using poetry writing prompts is that they encourage you to think outside the box. They push you to explore new themes, experiment with different forms, and dive into uncharted territories of your imagination. You might find yourself writing about a weird conversation between the moon and the sun or penning a heartfelt ode to your morning coffee. The possibilities are endless, and each prompt is a new adventure waiting to happen.
Writer’s Block Is Never Your Fault
It isn’t your fault you find it hard to write poems sometimes. Every poet goes through that frustrating season of what I call blank brain syndrome. During such a time, it feels like no matter how hard you try to get your mind rattling some ideas, it keeps giving back dead silence. But don’t worry, it’s just a phase all creative minds experience. Just keep pushing through and the words will eventually flow again.
Ready? Let’s Go!
Let’s begin! Here are 10 poetry writing prompts you should definitely try out.
1. Write about how we often hide our true selves from others because we don’t want them to see us as vulnerable, weak or imperfect—and how that vulnerability is actually a strength!
2. Write a poem where every line starts with “I wish.”
3. Write a poem about how much time has passed since a last heartbreak.
4. Write a poem about what it means to be human.
5. Write a poem about self love, in the form of a conversation with yourself, convincing yourself that you are worth loving.
6. Write a poem about feeling lonely in the midst of large crowds of people.
7. Write a poem about adulthood, comparing the fantasies, during childhood, of adulthood, and how different it is today.
9. Write a poem based on a scene of a woman sitting on the floor and crying in the dark.
8. Write a poem about a moment when you walked passed someone you once loved who never loved you back.
10. Write a love poem from the perspective of nature
Final Thoughts
So the next time you’re staring at a blank page, feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of possibilities, remember that poetry writing prompts are your trusty sidekicks. They’re here to rescue you from the clutches of writer’s block and help you craft something truly magical. Now, grab your pen, pick a prompt, and let the words flow! You now how 10 sources of inspiration you can compose your poems with. I hope these prompts help you enjoy inking!
