Month: December 2017

Brr!!! It’s a cold time of year! The sun sparkles off the ice-covered branches, the deck makes loud cracking noises, and I can breathe big clouds into the cold air. Write a poem about the cold. Begin with the line, “You know it’s cold when…” and think of all the things that make you know it’s cold. I hope you’re wrapped up in a blanket!!

Set the timer for 7 minutes.

Start writing!

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

*Kelly Bennett and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge at least 630 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!

This challenge is from Kelly’s blog. Be sure to check it out.

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” Does that line ring a bell? It’s little Zuzu enlightening her parents, George and Mary Bailey, in It’s a Wonderful Life (one of my favorite holiday pics). This time of year zillions of angels must get wings because Bells are Ringing! (another one of my favorites). In the spirit of the season, let’s get ringing!

Poetry Challenge #15
Ring My Bell!

Bells come in many shapes and sizes, with so many different uses, and sounds!
Begin by listing as many bells as come to mind. Here are a few to get you started: Sleigh bells, steeple bells, harness bells, doorbells, elf shoe bells, cow bells, Santa’s bells . . .
Next, list the different sounds those bells make. List real words and make up your own words by using letters to recreate sounds—after all this is your bell. Does it bong? Ring-a-ling? Clink?

Now, follow Zuzu’s lead and imagine what magical thing might happen each time your bell rings?

Write a poem about it. Be sure to include those sounds. Make your poem really ring!

Set the timer for 7 minutes.

Start writing!

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

*Kelly Bennett and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge at least 630 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!

Remember First!

Do you remember the first of something in your life? Maybe you remember the first time you rode a bike, the first time you visited someone by yourself, or the first time you went somewhere by yourself. Maybe you have early memories of reading or writing or hiking. Who did these things with you? Where were you? What did you like? What feelings do you remember?

Make a list of anything you remember about some first event. The more things you write down, the more you’ll remember. Add detail and play with the words and order to make the best poem you can. Try to repeat sounds for effect.

Set the timer for 7 minutes.

Start writing!

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

*Kelly Bennett and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge at least 630 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!

Smell That Smell . . .

Take a moment to recall a smell. Now write a poem describing it—without comparing it to another smell.

I agree, this challenge stinks…

Set the timer for 7 minutes.

Start writing!

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

*Kelly Bennett and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge at least 630 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!