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Last updated on Feb 14, 2023

10 Types of Creative Writing (with Examples You’ll Love)

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Savannah Cordova

Savannah is a senior editor with Reedsy and a published writer whose work has appeared on Slate, Kirkus, and BookTrib. Her short fiction has appeared in the Owl Canyon Press anthology, "No Bars and a Dead Battery". 

About Rebecca van Laer

Rebecca van Laer is a writer, editor, and the author of two books, including the novella How to Adjust to the Dark. Her work has been featured in literary magazines such as AGNI, Breadcrumbs, and TriQuarterly.

A lot falls under the term ‘creative writing’: poetry, short fiction, plays, novels, personal essays, and songs, to name just a few. By virtue of the creativity that characterizes it, creative writing is an extremely versatile art. So instead of defining what creative writing is , it may be easier to understand what it does by looking at examples that demonstrate the sheer range of styles and genres under its vast umbrella.

To that end, we’ve collected a non-exhaustive list of works across multiple formats that have inspired the writers here at Reedsy. With 20 different works to explore, we hope they will inspire you, too. 

People have been writing creatively for almost as long as we have been able to hold pens. Just think of long-form epic poems like The Odyssey or, later, the Cantar de Mio Cid — some of the earliest recorded writings of their kind. 

Poetry is also a great place to start if you want to dip your own pen into the inkwell of creative writing. It can be as short or long as you want (you don’t have to write an epic of Homeric proportions), encourages you to build your observation skills, and often speaks from a single point of view . 

Here are a few examples:

“Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.

This classic poem by Romantic poet Percy Shelley (also known as Mary Shelley’s husband) is all about legacy. What do we leave behind? How will we be remembered? The great king Ozymandias built himself a massive statue, proclaiming his might, but the irony is that his statue doesn’t survive the ravages of time. By framing this poem as told to him by a “traveller from an antique land,” Shelley effectively turns this into a story. Along with the careful use of juxtaposition to create irony, this poem accomplishes a lot in just a few lines. 

“Trying to Raise the Dead” by Dorianne Laux

 A direction. An object. My love, it needs a place to rest. Say anything. I’m listening. I’m ready to believe. Even lies, I don’t care.

Poetry is cherished for its ability to evoke strong emotions from the reader using very few words which is exactly what Dorianne Laux does in “ Trying to Raise the Dead .” With vivid imagery that underscores the painful yearning of the narrator, she transports us to a private nighttime scene as the narrator sneaks away from a party to pray to someone they’ve lost. We ache for their loss and how badly they want their lost loved one to acknowledge them in some way. It’s truly a masterclass on how writing can be used to portray emotions. 

If you find yourself inspired to try out some poetry — and maybe even get it published — check out these poetry layouts that can elevate your verse!

Song Lyrics

Poetry’s closely related cousin, song lyrics are another great way to flex your creative writing muscles. You not only have to find the perfect rhyme scheme but also match it to the rhythm of the music. This can be a great challenge for an experienced poet or the musically inclined. 

To see how music can add something extra to your poetry, check out these two examples:

“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen

 You say I took the name in vain I don't even know the name But if I did, well, really, what's it to ya? There's a blaze of light in every word It doesn't matter which you heard The holy or the broken Hallelujah 

Metaphors are commonplace in almost every kind of creative writing, but will often take center stage in shorter works like poetry and songs. At the slightest mention, they invite the listener to bring their emotional or cultural experience to the piece, allowing the writer to express more with fewer words while also giving it a deeper meaning. If a whole song is couched in metaphor, you might even be able to find multiple meanings to it, like in Leonard Cohen’s “ Hallelujah .” While Cohen’s Biblical references create a song that, on the surface, seems like it’s about a struggle with religion, the ambiguity of the lyrics has allowed it to be seen as a song about a complicated romantic relationship. 

“I Will Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie

 ​​If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks Then I'll follow you into the dark

You can think of song lyrics as poetry set to music. They manage to do many of the same things their literary counterparts do — including tugging on your heartstrings. Death Cab for Cutie’s incredibly popular indie rock ballad is about the singer’s deep devotion to his lover. While some might find the song a bit too dark and macabre, its melancholy tune and poignant lyrics remind us that love can endure beyond death.

Plays and Screenplays

From the short form of poetry, we move into the world of drama — also known as the play. This form is as old as the poem, stretching back to the works of ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles, who adapted the myths of their day into dramatic form. The stage play (and the more modern screenplay) gives the words on the page a literal human voice, bringing life to a story and its characters entirely through dialogue. 

Interested to see what that looks like? Take a look at these examples:

All My Sons by Arthur Miller

“I know you're no worse than most men but I thought you were better. I never saw you as a man. I saw you as my father.” 

Arthur Miller acts as a bridge between the classic and the new, creating 20th century tragedies that take place in living rooms and backyard instead of royal courts, so we had to include his breakout hit on this list. Set in the backyard of an all-American family in the summer of 1946, this tragedy manages to communicate family tensions in an unimaginable scale, building up to an intense climax reminiscent of classical drama. 

💡 Read more about Arthur Miller and classical influences in our breakdown of Freytag’s pyramid . 

“Everything is Fine” by Michael Schur ( The Good Place )

“Well, then this system sucks. What...one in a million gets to live in paradise and everyone else is tortured for eternity? Come on! I mean, I wasn't freaking Gandhi, but I was okay. I was a medium person. I should get to spend eternity in a medium place! Like Cincinnati. Everyone who wasn't perfect but wasn't terrible should get to spend eternity in Cincinnati.” 

A screenplay, especially a TV pilot, is like a mini-play, but with the extra job of convincing an audience that they want to watch a hundred more episodes of the show. Blending moral philosophy with comedy, The Good Place is a fun hang-out show set in the afterlife that asks some big questions about what it means to be good. 

It follows Eleanor Shellstrop, an incredibly imperfect woman from Arizona who wakes up in ‘The Good Place’ and realizes that there’s been a cosmic mixup. Determined not to lose her place in paradise, she recruits her “soulmate,” a former ethics professor, to teach her philosophy with the hope that she can learn to be a good person and keep up her charade of being an upstanding citizen. The pilot does a superb job of setting up the stakes, the story, and the characters, while smuggling in deep philosophical ideas.

Personal essays

Our first foray into nonfiction on this list is the personal essay. As its name suggests, these stories are in some way autobiographical — concerned with the author’s life and experiences. But don’t be fooled by the realistic component. These essays can take any shape or form, from comics to diary entries to recipes and anything else you can imagine. Typically zeroing in on a single issue, they allow you to explore your life and prove that the personal can be universal.

Here are a couple of fantastic examples:

“On Selling Your First Novel After 11 Years” by Min Jin Lee (Literary Hub)

There was so much to learn and practice, but I began to see the prose in verse and the verse in prose. Patterns surfaced in poems, stories, and plays. There was music in sentences and paragraphs. I could hear the silences in a sentence. All this schooling was like getting x-ray vision and animal-like hearing. 

This deeply honest personal essay by Pachinko author Min Jin Lee is an account of her eleven-year struggle to publish her first novel . Like all good writing, it is intensely focused on personal emotional details. While grounded in the specifics of the author's personal journey, it embodies an experience that is absolutely universal: that of difficulty and adversity met by eventual success. 

“A Cyclist on the English Landscape” by Roff Smith (New York Times)

These images, though, aren’t meant to be about me. They’re meant to represent a cyclist on the landscape, anybody — you, perhaps. 

Roff Smith’s gorgeous photo essay for the NYT is a testament to the power of creatively combining visuals with text. Here, photographs of Smith atop a bike are far from simply ornamental. They’re integral to the ruminative mood of the essay, as essential as the writing. Though Smith places his work at the crosscurrents of various aesthetic influences (such as the painter Edward Hopper), what stands out the most in this taciturn, thoughtful piece of writing is his use of the second person to address the reader directly. Suddenly, the writer steps out of the body of the essay and makes eye contact with the reader. The reader is now part of the story as a second character, finally entering the picture.

Short Fiction

The short story is the happy medium of fiction writing. These bite-sized narratives can be devoured in a single sitting and still leave you reeling. Sometimes viewed as a stepping stone to novel writing, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Short story writing is an art all its own. The limited length means every word counts and there’s no better way to see that than with these two examples:

“An MFA Story” by Paul Dalla Rosa (Electric Literature)

At Starbucks, I remembered a reading Zhen had given, a reading organized by the program’s faculty. I had not wanted to go but did. In the bar, he read, "I wrote this in a Starbucks in Shanghai. On the bank of the Huangpu." It wasn’t an aside or introduction. It was two lines of the poem. I was in a Starbucks and I wasn’t writing any poems. I wasn’t writing anything. 

This short story is a delightfully metafictional tale about the struggles of being a writer in New York. From paying the bills to facing criticism in a writing workshop and envying more productive writers, Paul Dalla Rosa’s story is a clever satire of the tribulations involved in the writing profession, and all the contradictions embodied by systemic creativity (as famously laid out in Mark McGurl’s The Program Era ). What’s more, this story is an excellent example of something that often happens in creative writing: a writer casting light on the private thoughts or moments of doubt we don’t admit to or openly talk about. 

“Flowering Walrus” by Scott Skinner (Reedsy)

I tell him they’d been there a month at least, and he looks concerned. He has my tongue on a tissue paper and is gripping its sides with his pointer and thumb. My tongue has never spent much time outside of my mouth, and I imagine it as a walrus basking in the rays of the dental light. My walrus is not well. 

A winner of Reedsy’s weekly Prompts writing contest, ‘ Flowering Walrus ’ is a story that balances the trivial and the serious well. In the pauses between its excellent, natural dialogue , the story manages to scatter the fear and sadness of bad medical news, as the protagonist hides his worries from his wife and daughter. Rich in subtext, these silences grow and resonate with the readers.

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Perhaps the thing that first comes to mind when talking about creative writing, novels are a form of fiction that many people know and love but writers sometimes find intimidating. The good news is that novels are nothing but one word put after another, like any other piece of writing, but expanded and put into a flowing narrative. Piece of cake, right?

To get an idea of the format’s breadth of scope, take a look at these two (very different) satirical novels: 

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

I wished I was back in the convenience store where I was valued as a working member of staff and things weren’t as complicated as this. Once we donned our uniforms, we were all equals regardless of gender, age, or nationality — all simply store workers. 

Keiko, a thirty-six-year-old convenience store employee, finds comfort and happiness in the strict, uneventful routine of the shop’s daily operations. A funny, satirical, but simultaneously unnerving examination of the social structures we take for granted, Sayaka Murata’s Convenience Store Woman is deeply original and lingers with the reader long after they’ve put it down.

Erasure by Percival Everett

The hard, gritty truth of the matter is that I hardly ever think about race. Those times when I did think about it a lot I did so because of my guilt for not thinking about it.  

Erasure is a truly accomplished satire of the publishing industry’s tendency to essentialize African American authors and their writing. Everett’s protagonist is a writer whose work doesn’t fit with what publishers expect from him — work that describes the “African American experience” — so he writes a parody novel about life in the ghetto. The publishers go crazy for it and, to the protagonist’s horror, it becomes the next big thing. This sophisticated novel is both ironic and tender, leaving its readers with much food for thought.

Creative Nonfiction

Creative nonfiction is pretty broad: it applies to anything that does not claim to be fictional (although the rise of autofiction has definitely blurred the boundaries between fiction and nonfiction). It encompasses everything from personal essays and memoirs to humor writing, and they range in length from blog posts to full-length books. The defining characteristic of this massive genre is that it takes the world or the author’s experience and turns it into a narrative that a reader can follow along with.

Here, we want to focus on novel-length works that dig deep into their respective topics. While very different, these two examples truly show the breadth and depth of possibility of creative nonfiction:

Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward

Men’s bodies litter my family history. The pain of the women they left behind pulls them from the beyond, makes them appear as ghosts. In death, they transcend the circumstances of this place that I love and hate all at once and become supernatural. 

Writer Jesmyn Ward recounts the deaths of five men from her rural Mississippi community in as many years. In her award-winning memoir , she delves into the lives of the friends and family she lost and tries to find some sense among the tragedy. Working backwards across five years, she questions why this had to happen over and over again, and slowly unveils the long history of racism and poverty that rules rural Black communities. Moving and emotionally raw, Men We Reaped is an indictment of a cruel system and the story of a woman's grief and rage as she tries to navigate it.

Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker

He believed that wine could reshape someone’s life. That’s why he preferred buying bottles to splurging on sweaters. Sweaters were things. Bottles of wine, said Morgan, “are ways that my humanity will be changed.” 

In this work of immersive journalism , Bianca Bosker leaves behind her life as a tech journalist to explore the world of wine. Becoming a “cork dork” takes her everywhere from New York’s most refined restaurants to science labs while she learns what it takes to be a sommelier and a true wine obsessive. This funny and entertaining trip through the past and present of wine-making and tasting is sure to leave you better informed and wishing you, too, could leave your life behind for one devoted to wine. 

Illustrated Narratives (Comics, graphic novels)

Once relegated to the “funny pages”, the past forty years of comics history have proven it to be a serious medium. Comics have transformed from the early days of Jack Kirby’s superheroes into a medium where almost every genre is represented. Humorous one-shots in the Sunday papers stand alongside illustrated memoirs, horror, fantasy, and just about anything else you can imagine. This type of visual storytelling lets the writer and artist get creative with perspective, tone, and so much more. For two very different, though equally entertaining, examples, check these out:

Calvin & Hobbes by Bill Watterson

"Life is like topography, Hobbes. There are summits of happiness and success, flat stretches of boring routine and valleys of frustration and failure." 

This beloved comic strip follows Calvin, a rambunctious six-year-old boy, and his stuffed tiger/imaginary friend, Hobbes. They get into all kinds of hijinks at school and at home, and muse on the world in the way only a six-year-old and an anthropomorphic tiger can. As laugh-out-loud funny as it is, Calvin & Hobbes ’ popularity persists as much for its whimsy as its use of humor to comment on life, childhood, adulthood, and everything in between. 

From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell 

"I shall tell you where we are. We're in the most extreme and utter region of the human mind. A dim, subconscious underworld. A radiant abyss where men meet themselves. Hell, Netley. We're in Hell." 

Comics aren't just the realm of superheroes and one-joke strips, as Alan Moore proves in this serialized graphic novel released between 1989 and 1998. A meticulously researched alternative history of Victorian London’s Ripper killings, this macabre story pulls no punches. Fact and fiction blend into a world where the Royal Family is involved in a dark conspiracy and Freemasons lurk on the sidelines. It’s a surreal mad-cap adventure that’s unsettling in the best way possible. 

Video Games and RPGs

Probably the least expected entry on this list, we thought that video games and RPGs also deserved a mention — and some well-earned recognition for the intricate storytelling that goes into creating them. 

Essentially gamified adventure stories, without attention to plot, characters, and a narrative arc, these games would lose a lot of their charm, so let’s look at two examples where the creative writing really shines through: 

80 Days by inkle studios

"It was a triumph of invention over nature, and will almost certainly disappear into the dust once more in the next fifty years." 

Named Time Magazine ’s game of the year in 2014, this narrative adventure is based on Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. The player is cast as the novel’s narrator, Passpartout, and tasked with circumnavigating the globe in service of their employer, Phileas Fogg. Set in an alternate steampunk Victorian era, the game uses its globe-trotting to comment on the colonialist fantasies inherent in the original novel and its time period. On a storytelling level, the choose-your-own-adventure style means no two players’ journeys will be the same. This innovative approach to a classic novel shows the potential of video games as a storytelling medium, truly making the player part of the story. 

What Remains of Edith Finch by Giant Sparrow

"If we lived forever, maybe we'd have time to understand things. But as it is, I think the best we can do is try to open our eyes, and appreciate how strange and brief all of this is." 

This video game casts the player as 17-year-old Edith Finch. Returning to her family’s home on an island in the Pacific northwest, Edith explores the vast house and tries to figure out why she’s the only one of her family left alive. The story of each family member is revealed as you make your way through the house, slowly unpacking the tragic fate of the Finches. Eerie and immersive, this first-person exploration game uses the medium to tell a series of truly unique tales. 

Fun and breezy on the surface, humor is often recognized as one of the trickiest forms of creative writing. After all, while you can see the artistic value in a piece of prose that you don’t necessarily enjoy, if a joke isn’t funny, you could say that it’s objectively failed.

With that said, it’s far from an impossible task, and many have succeeded in bringing smiles to their readers’ faces through their writing. Here are two examples:

‘How You Hope Your Extended Family Will React When You Explain Your Job to Them’ by Mike Lacher (McSweeney’s Internet Tendency)

“Is it true you don’t have desks?” your grandmother will ask. You will nod again and crack open a can of Country Time Lemonade. “My stars,” she will say, “it must be so wonderful to not have a traditional office and instead share a bistro-esque coworking space.” 

Satire and parody make up a whole subgenre of creative writing, and websites like McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and The Onion consistently hit the mark with their parodies of magazine publishing and news media. This particular example finds humor in the divide between traditional family expectations and contemporary, ‘trendy’ work cultures. Playing on the inherent silliness of today’s tech-forward middle-class jobs, this witty piece imagines a scenario where the writer’s family fully understands what they do — and are enthralled to hear more. “‘Now is it true,’ your uncle will whisper, ‘that you’ve got a potential investment from one of the founders of I Can Haz Cheezburger?’”

‘Not a Foodie’ by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell (Electric Literature)

I’m not a foodie, I never have been, and I know, in my heart, I never will be. 

Highlighting what she sees as an unbearable social obsession with food , in this comic Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell takes a hilarious stand against the importance of food. From the writer’s courageous thesis (“I think there are more exciting things to talk about, and focus on in life, than what’s for dinner”) to the amusing appearance of family members and the narrator’s partner, ‘Not a Foodie’ demonstrates that even a seemingly mundane pet peeve can be approached creatively — and even reveal something profound about life.

We hope this list inspires you with your own writing. If there’s one thing you take away from this post, let it be that there is no limit to what you can write about or how you can write about it. 

In the next part of this guide, we'll drill down into the fascinating world of creative nonfiction.

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101 Poetry Prompts & Ideas for Writing Poems

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

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These poetry prompts are designed to help you keep a creative writing practice. If you’re staring at a blank page and the words aren’t flowing, the creative writing prompts for poems can be a great way to get started!

New for 2023! Due to popular demand, I created a printable, ad-free version of these poetry prompts you can download to use at home or even in the classroom! Get them at our Etsy Shop .

Even if poetry isn’t your thing, you could always use these things to inspire other writing projects. Essays, journal entries, short stories, and flash fiction are just a few examples of ways this list can be used.

You may even find this list of creative poetry writing prompts helpful as an exercise to build your skills in descriptive writing and using metaphors!

Let’s get onto the list, shall we?

Here are 101 Poetry Prompts for Creative Writing

Most of these creative writing ideas are simple and open-ended. This allows you total creative freedom to write from these poetry prompts in your own unique style, tone, and voice.

If one poetry idea doesn’t appeal to you, challenge yourself to find parallels between the prompt and things that you do enjoy writing about!

1.The Untouchable : Something that will always be out of reach

2. 7 Days, 7 Lines : Write a poem where each line/sentence is about each day of last week

3. Grandma’s Kitchen : Focus on a single memory, or describe what you might imagine the typical grandmother’s kitchen to be like

4. Taste the Rainbow : What does your favorite color taste like?

5. Misfits: How it feels when you don’t belong in a group of others.

6. Stranger Conversations : Start the first line of your poem with a word or phrase from a recent passing conversation between you and someone you don’t know.

7. On the Field : Write from the perspective of a sports ball {Baseball, Soccer, Football, Basketball, Lacrosse, etc.} – think about what the sports ball might feel, see, hear, think, and experience with this poetry idea!

8. Street Signs: Take note of the words on signs and street names you pass while driving, walking, or riding the bus. Write a poem starting with one of these words you notice.

9. Cold water: What feelings do you associate with cold water? Maybe it’s a refreshing cold glass of water on a hot day, or maybe you imagine the feelings associated with being plunged into the icy river in the winter.

10. Ghostwriter: Imagine an invisible ghost picks up a pen and starts writing to you.

11. Lessons From Math Class: Write about a math concept, such as “you cannot divide by zero” or never-ending irrational numbers.

12. Instagram Wall: Open up either your own Instagram account or one of a friend/celebrity and write poetry based on the first picture you see.

13. Radio: Tune in to a radio station you don’t normally listen to, and write a poem inspired by the the first song or message you hear.

14. How To : Write a poem on how to do something mundane most people take for granted, such as how to tie your shoes, how to turn on a lamp, how to pour a cup of coffee.

15. Under 25 Words : Challenge yourself to write a poem that is no more than 25 words long.

16. Out of Order: Write about your feelings when there is an out of order sign on a vending machine.

17. Home Planet: Imagine you are from another planet, stuck on earth and longing for home.

18. Uncertainty : Think about a time in your life when you couldn’t make a decision, and write based on this.

19. Complete : Be inspired by a project or task be completed – whether it’s crossing something off the never-ending to-do list, or a project you have worked on for a long time.

20. Compare and Contrast Personality : What are some key differences and similarities between two people you know?

21. Goodbyes : Write about a time in your life you said goodbye to someone – this could be as simple as ending a mundane phone conversation, or harder goodbyes to close friends, family members, or former partners.

22. Imagine Weather Indoors : Perhaps a thunderstorm in the attic? A tornado in the kitchen?

23. Would You Rather? Write about something you don’t want to do, and what you would rather do instead.

24. Sound of Silence : Take some inspiration from the classic Simon & Garfunkel song and describe what silence sounds like.

25. Numbness : What’s it like to feel nothing at all?

26. Fabric Textures : Use different fiber textures, such as wool, silk, and cotton as a poetry writing prompt.

27. Anticipation : Write about the feelings you experience or things you notice while waiting for something.

28. Poison: Describe something toxic and its effects on a person.

29. Circus Performers: Write your poetry inspired by a circus performer – a trapeze artist, the clowns, the ringmaster, the animal trainers, etc.

30. Riding on the Bus : Write a poem based on a time you’ve traveled by bus – whether a school bus, around town, or a long distance trip to visit a certain destination.

31. Time Freeze : Imagine wherever you are right now that the clock stops and all the people in the world are frozen in place. What are they doing?

32. The Spice of Life : Choose a spice from your kitchen cabinet, and relate its flavor to an event that has happened recently in your daily life.

33. Parallel Universe : Imagine you, but in a completely different life based on making a different decision that impacted everything else.

34. Mad Scientist : Create a piece based on a science experiment going terribly, terribly wrong.

35. People You Have Known : Make each line about different people you have met but lost contact with over the years. These could be old friends, passed on family, etc.

36. Last Words : Use the last sentence from the nearest book as the inspiration for the first line of your poem.

37. Fix This : Think about something you own that is broken, and write about possible ways to fix it. Duct tape? A hammer and nails?

38. Suspicion : Pretend you are a detective and you have to narrow down the suspects.

39. Political News : Many famous poets found inspiration from the current politics in their time. Open up a newspaper or news website, and create inspired by the first news article you find.

40. The Letter D : Make a list of 5 words that start with all with the same letter, and then use these items throughout the lines of your verse. {This can be any letter, but for example sake: Daisy, Dishes, Desk, Darkness, Doubt}

41. Quite the Collection : Go to a museum, or look at museum galleries online. Draw your inspiration from collections of objects and artifacts from your favorite display. Examples: Pre-historic days, Egyptians, Art Galleries, etc.

42. Standing in Line : Think of a time you had to stand in line for something. Maybe you were waiting in a check-out line at the store, or you had to stand in line to enter a concert or event.

43. Junk Mail Prose: Take some inspiration from your latest junk mail. Maybe it’s a grocery store flyer announcing a sale on grapes, or an offer for a credit card.

44. Recipe : Write your poem in the form of a recipe. This can be for something tangible, such as a cake, or it can be a more abstract concept such as love or happiness. List ingredients and directions for mixing and tips for cooking up your concept to perfection.

45. Do you like sweaters? Some people love their coziness, others find them scratchy and too hot. Use your feelings about sweaters in a poem.

46. After Party : What is it like after all party guests go home?

47. Overgrown : Use  Little Shop of Horrors  for inspiration, or let your imagination run wild on what might happen if a plant or flower came to life or started spreading rapidly to take over the world.

48. Interference: Write a poem that is about someone or something coming in between you and your goals.

49. On Shaky Ground: Use an earthquake reference or metaphor in your poem.

50. Trust Issues : Can you trust someone you have doubted in the past?

51. Locked in a Jar: Imagine you are a tiny person, who has been captured and put into a jar for display or science.

52. Weirder Than Fiction: Think of the most unbelievable moment in your life, and write a poem about the experience.

53. Fast Food: Write a poem about fast food restaurants and experiences.

54. Unemployed: Write a poem about quitting or being fired from a job you depended on.

55. Boxes: What kinds of family secrets or stories might be hiding in that untouched box in the attic?

56. No One Understands : Write about what it feels like when no one understands or agrees with your opinion.

57. Criminal Minds : Write a poem from the perspective of a high-profile criminal who is always on the run from law enforcement.

58. Marathon Runner : Write a poem about what training you might be doing to accomplish a difficult challenge in your life.

59. Trapped : Write about an experience that made you feel trapped.

60. Passing the Church : Write a poem about noticing something interesting while passing by a church near your home.

61. Backseat Driver: Write about what it’s like to be doing something in your life and constantly being criticized while trying to move ahead.

62. Luster: Create a descriptive poem about something that has a soft glow or sheen to it.

63. Clipboard: Write a poem about someone who is all business like and set in their ways of following a system.

64. Doctor: Write a poem about receiving advice from a doctor.

65. First Car : Write an ode to your first car

66. Life Didn’t Go As a Planned : Write about a recent or memorable experience when nothing went according to plan.

67. Architect : Imagine you are hired to design a building for a humanitarian cause you are passionate about.

68. The Crazy Cat Hoarder : Write about someone who owns far too many cats.

69. Queen : Write a poem from the perspective of a queen.

70. Movie Character : Think of a recent movie you watched, and create a poem about one character specifically, or an interaction between two characters that was memorable.

71. Potential Energy : Write about an experience where you had a lot of potential for success, but failed.

72. Moonlight : Write about an experience in the moonlight.

73. Perfection : Write about trying to always keep everything perfect.

74. You Are Wrong : Write a poem where you tell someone they are wrong and why.

75. Sarcasm : Write a poem using sarcasm as a form of illustrating your point.

76. Don’t Cry : Write a poem about how not to cry when it’s hard to hold back the tears.

77. Listen Up: Write a poem telling someone they are better than they think they are.

78. Flipside : Find the good in something terrible.

79. Maybe They Had a Reason : Write a poem about someone doing something you don’t understand, and try to explain what reasons they might have had.

80. How to Drive : Write a poem that explains how to drive to a teenager.

81. Up & Down the Steps: Write a poem that includes the motion of going up or down a staircase

82. Basket Case: Has there ever been a time when you thought you might lose your mind? Jot your feelings and thoughts down in verse form.

83. Lucky Guess:  Many times in our life we have to make a good guess for what is the best decision. Use this poetry idea to write about feelings related to guessing something right – or wrong.

84. Dear Reader:  What audience enjoys reading the type of poetry you like to write? Craft a note to your potential audience that addresses their biggest fears, hopes, and dreams.

85. All or Nothing : Share your thoughts on absolutist thinking: when one’s beliefs are so set in stone there are no exceptions.

86. Ladders in the Sky : Imagine there are ladders that take you up to the clouds. What could be up there? What feelings do you have about climbing the ladders, or is their a mystery as to how they got there in the first place?

87. Always On My Mind: Compose a poem about what it’s like to always be thinking about someone or something.

88. Paranoia : What would it be like if you felt like someone was watching you but no one believed you?

89. Liar, Liar: How would you react to someone who lied to you?

90. Secret Word: What’s the magic word to unlock someone’s access to something?

91. For What It’s Worth: Use a valuable object in your home as inspiration as a poetry prompt idea.

92. Coming Home to Secrets: Imagine a person who puts on a good act to cover up a secret they deal with at home.

93. Productivity: Talk about your greatest struggles with time management and organization.

94. Defying Gravity: Use words that relate to being weightless and floating.

95. Signs of the Times : How has a place you are familiar with changed over the past 10 years?

96. Sleepless Nights : What ideas and feelings keep you up at night? What’s it like when you have to wake up in the morning on a night you can’t sleep?

97. You Can’t Fire Me, I Quit : Use one of the worst job related memories you can think of as a creative writing prompt.

98. By George : You can choose any name, but think of 3-5 notable figures or celebrities who share a common first name, and combine their personalities and physical characteristics into one piece of poetry. For example: George Washington, George Clooney, George Harrison.

99. Shelter : Write a poem about a time you were thankful for shelter from a storm.

100. Cafeteria : Create a poem inspired by the people who might be eating lunch in a cafeteria at school or at a hospital.

101. Dusty Musical Instruments : Base your poem around the plight of a musician who hasn’t picked up the guitar or touched a piano in years.

Love these prompts? The printable, ad-free version of these poetry prompts can be used offline or in the classroom! Get them at our Etsy Shop .

There are unlimited possibilities for ways you can use these poem ideas to write poetry. Using a list like this can greatly help you with getting into the habit of writing daily – even when you don’t feel inspired to write.

While not every poem you write will be an award-winning masterpiece, using these poem starters as a regular exercise can help you better your craft as a writer.

I hope you enjoy these poetry prompts – and if you write anything you’d like to share inspired by these creative poetry writing prompts, let us know in the comments below – we love to see how others use writing ideas to create their own work!

And of course, don’t forget to get the ad-free poetry prompt cards printable version if you’d like to use these prompts offline, in the classroom or with your small group!

Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

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How to Write a Poem: In 7 Practical Steps with Examples

Learn how to write a poem through seven easy to follow steps that will guide you through writing completed poem. Ignite a passion for poetry!

This article is a practical guide for writing a poem, and the purpose is to help you  write a poem!  By completing the seven steps below, you will create the first draft of a simple poem. You can go on to refine your poetry in any way you like. The important thing is that you’ve got a poem under your belt. 

At the bottom of the post, I’ll provide more resources on writing poetry. I encourage you to explore different forms and structures and continue writing poetry on your own. Hopefully, writing a poem will spark, in you, a passion for creative writing and language. 

Let’s get started with writing a poem in seven simple steps: 

• Brainstorm & Free-write
• Develop a theme
• Create an extended metaphor
• Add figurative language
• Plan your structure
• Write your first draft
• Read, re-read & edit

Now we’ll go into each step in-depth. And, if your feeling up to it, you can plan and write your poem as we go.

Step 1: Brainstorm and Free-write 

Find what you want to write about 

Before you begin writing, you need to choose a subject to write about. For our purposes, you’ll want to select a specific topic. Later, you’ll be drawing a comparison between this subject and something else. 

When choosing a subject, you’ll want to write about something you feel passionately about. Your topic can be something you love, like a person, place, or thing. A subject can also be something you struggle with . Don’t get bogged down by all the options; pick something. Poets have written about topics like: 

And of course…  cats   

 Once you have your subject in mind, you’re going to begin freewriting about that subject. Let’s say you picked your pet iguana as your subject. Get out a sheet of paper or open a word processor. Start writing everything that comes to mind about that subject. You could write about your iguana’s name, the color of their skin, the texture of their scales, how they make you feel, a metaphor that comes to mind. Nothing is off-limits. 

Write anything that comes to mind about your subject. Keep writing until you’ve entirely exhausted everything you have to say about the subject. Or, set a timer for several minutes and write until it goes off. Don’t worry about things like spelling, grammar, form, or structure. For now, you want to get all your thoughts down on paper. 

ACTION STEPS: 

• Grab a scratch paper, or open a word processor 
• Pick a subject- something you’re passionate about
• Write everything that comes to mind about your topic without editing or structuring your writing 
• Make sure this free-writing is uninterrupted
• Optional-  set a timer and write continuously for 5 or 10 minutes about your subject 

Step 2: Develop a Theme 

What lesson do you want to teach? 

Poetry often has a theme or a message the poet would like to convey to the reader. Developing a theme will give your writing purpose and focus your effort. Look back at your freewriting and see if a theme, or lesson, has developed naturally, one that you can refine. 

Maybe, in writing about your iguana, you noticed that you talked about your love for animals and the need to preserve the environment. Or, perhaps you talk about how to care for a reptile pet. Your theme does not need to be groundbreaking. A theme only needs to be a message that you would like to convey. 

Now, what is your theme? Finish the following statement: 

The lesson I want to teach my readers about  (your subject)  is ______

Ex. I want to teach my readers that spring days are lovely and best enjoyed with loving companions or family. 

• Read over the product of your free-writing exercise.  
• Brainstorm a lesson you would like to teach readers about your subject. 
• Decide on one thing that is essential for your reader to know about your topic.
• Finish the sentence stem above. 

Step 3: Create an (extended) Metaphor 

Compare your subject to another, unlike thing. 

To write this poem, you will compare your subject to something it, seemingly, has nothing in common with. When you directly compare two, unlike things, you’re using a form of figurative language called a metaphor. But, we’re going to take this metaphor and extend it over one or two stanzas- Stanzas are like paragraphs, a block of text in a poem- Doing this will create an extended metaphor. 

Using a metaphor will reinforce your theme by making your poem memorable for your reader. Keep that in mind when you’re choosing the thing you’d like to compare your subject to. Suppose your topic is pet iguanas, and your theme is that they make fantastic pets. In that case, you’ll want to compare iguanas to something positive. Maybe you compare them to sunshine or a calm lake. This metaphor does the work or conveying your poem’s central message. 

• Identify something that is, seemingly, unlike your subject that you’ll use to compare.
• On a piece of paper, make two lists or a Venn diagram. 
• Write down all the ways that you’re subject and the thing you’ll compare it to are alike. 
• Also, write down all the ways they are unalike.
• Try and make both lists as comprehensive as possible.  

Step 4: Add more Figurative Language 

Make your writing sound poetic. 

Figurative language is a blanket term that describes several techniques used to impart meaning through words. Figurative language is usually colorful and evocative. We’ve talked about one form of figurative language already- metaphor and extended metaphor. But, here are a few others you can choose from.

This list is, by no means, a comprehensive one. There are many other forms of figurative language for you to research. I’ll link a resource at the bottom of this page. 

Five types of figurative language:

• Ex. Frank was as giddy as a schoolgirl to find a twenty-dollar bill in his pocket. 
• Frank’s car engine whined with exhaustion as he drove up the hill.  
• Frank was so hungry he could eat an entire horse. 
• Nearing the age of eighty-five, Frank felt as old as Methuselah.  
• Frank fretted as he frantically searched his forlorn apartment for a missing Ficus tree. 

There are many other types of figurative language, but those are a few common ones. Pick two of the five I’ve listed to include in your poem. Use more if you like, but you only need two for your current poem.   

• Choose two of the types of figurative language listed above 
• Brainstorm ways they can fit into a poem 
• Create example sentences for the two forms of figurative language you chose

Step 5: Plan your Structure 

How do you want your poem to sound and look? 

If you want to start quickly, then you can choose to write a free-verse poem. Free verse poems are poems that have no rhyme scheme, meter, or structure. In a free verse poem, you’re free to write unrestricted. If you’d like to explore free verse poetry, you can read my article on how to write a prose poem, which is a type of free verse poem. 

Read more about prose poetry here.  

However, some people enjoy the support of structure and rules. So, let’s talk about a few of the tools you can use to add a form to your poem. 

Tools to create poetic structure:

Rhyme Scheme – rhyme scheme refers to the pattern of rhymes used in a poem. The sound at the end of each line determines the rhyme scheme. Writers label words with letters to signify rhyming terms, and this is how rhyme schemes are defined. 

If you had a four-line poem that followed an ABAB scheme, then lines 1 and 3 would rhyme, and lines 2 and 4 would rhyme. Here’s an example of an ABAB rhyme scheme from an excerpt of Robert Frost’s poem,  Neither Out Far Nor In Deep: 

‘The people along the sand (A)

All turn and look one way. (B) 

They turn their back on the land. (A) 

They look at the sea all day. (B) 

Check out the Rhyme Zone.com if you need help coming up with a rhyme!

Read more about the ins and outs of rhyme scheme here.

Meter – a little more advanced than rhyme scheme, meter deals with a poem’s rhythm expressed through stressed and unstressed syllables. Meter can get pretty complicated ,

Check out this article if you’d like to learn more about it.

Stanza – a stanza is a group of lines placed together as a single unit in a poem. A stanza is to a poem what a paragraph is to prose writing. Stanzas don’t have to be the same number of lines throughout a poem, either. They can vary as paragraphs do. 

Line Breaks – these are the breaks between stanzas in a poem. They help to create rhythm and set stanzas apart from one another. 

• Decide if you want to write a structured poem or use free verse
• Brainstorm rhyming words that could fit into a simple scheme 
• Plan out your stanzas and line breaks (small stanzas help emphasize important lines in your poem) 

Step 6: Write Your Poem 

Combine your figurative language, extended metaphor, and structure.

Poetry is always unique to the writer. And, when it comes to poetry, the “rules” are flexible. In 1965 a young poet named Aram Saroyan wrote a poem called  lighght.  It goes like this- 

That’s it. Saroyan was paid $750 for his poem. You may or may not believe that’s poetry, but a lot of people accept it as just that. My point is, write the poem that comes to you. I won’t give you a strict set of guidelines to follow when creating your poetry. But, here are a few things to consider that might help guide you:

• Compare your subject to something else by creating an extended metaphor 
• Try to relate a theme or a simple lesson for your reader
• Use at least two of the figurative language techniques from above 
• Create a meter or rhyme scheme (if you’re up to it) 
• Write at least two stanzas and use a line break 

Still, need some help? Here are two well-known poems that are classic examples of an extended metaphor. Read over them, determine what two, unlike things, are being compared, and for what purpose? What theme is the poet trying to convey? What techniques can you steal? (it’s the sincerest form of flattery) 

“Hope” is a thing with feathers  by Emily Dickenson.

“The Rose that Grew From Concrete”  by Tupac Shakur. 

• Write the first draft of your poem.
• Don’t stress. Just get the poem on paper. 

Step 7: Read, Re-read, Edit 

Read your poem, and edit for clarity and focus .

When you’re finished, read over your poem. Do this out loud to get a feel for the poem’s rhythm. Have a friend or peer read your poem, edit for grammar and spelling. You can also stretch grammar rules, but do it with a purpose. 

You can also ask your editor what they think the theme is to determine if you’ve communicated it well enough. 

Now you can rewrite your poem. And, remember, all writing is rewriting. This editing process will longer than it did to write your first draft. 

• Re-read your poem out loud. 
• Find a trusted friend to read over your poem.
• Be open to critique, new ideas, and unique perspectives. 
• Edit for mistakes or style.

Use this image on your blog, Google classroom, or Canvas page by right-clicking for the embed code. Look for this </> symbol to embed the image on your page.

Continued reading on Poetry

A Poetry Handbook

“With passion, wit, and good common sense, the celebrated poet Mary Oliver tells of the basic ways a poem is built—meter and rhyme, form and diction, sound and sense. She talks of iambs and trochees, couplets and sonnets, and how  and why  this should matter to anyone writing or reading poetry.”

Masterclass.com- Poetry 101: What is Meter?

Poetry Foundation- You Call That Poetry?!

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What Is Creative Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 20 Examples)

Creative writing begins with a blank page and the courage to fill it with the stories only you can tell.

I face this intimidating blank page daily–and I have for the better part of 20+ years.

In this guide, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of creative writing with tons of examples.

What Is Creative Writing (Long Description)?

Creative Writing is the art of using words to express ideas and emotions in imaginative ways. It encompasses various forms including novels, poetry, and plays, focusing on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes.

Table of Contents

Let’s expand on that definition a bit.

Creative writing is an art form that transcends traditional literature boundaries.

It includes professional, journalistic, academic, and technical writing. This type of writing emphasizes narrative craft, character development, and literary tropes. It also explores poetry and poetics traditions.

In essence, creative writing lets you express ideas and emotions uniquely and imaginatively.

It’s about the freedom to invent worlds, characters, and stories. These creations evoke a spectrum of emotions in readers.

Creative writing covers fiction, poetry, and everything in between.

It allows writers to express inner thoughts and feelings. Often, it reflects human experiences through a fabricated lens.

Types of Creative Writing

There are many types of creative writing that we need to explain.

Some of the most common types:

• Short stories
• Screenplays
• Flash fiction
• Creative Nonfiction

Short Stories (The Brief Escape)

Short stories are like narrative treasures.

They are compact but impactful, telling a full story within a limited word count. These tales often focus on a single character or a crucial moment.

Short stories are known for their brevity.

They deliver emotion and insight in a concise yet powerful package. This format is ideal for exploring diverse genres, themes, and characters. It leaves a lasting impression on readers.

Example: Emma discovers an old photo of her smiling grandmother. It’s a rarity. Through flashbacks, Emma learns about her grandmother’s wartime love story. She comes to understand her grandmother’s resilience and the value of joy.

Novels (The Long Journey)

Novels are extensive explorations of character, plot, and setting.

They span thousands of words, giving writers the space to create entire worlds. Novels can weave complex stories across various themes and timelines.

The length of a novel allows for deep narrative and character development.

Readers get an immersive experience.

Example: Across the Divide tells of two siblings separated in childhood. They grow up in different cultures. Their reunion highlights the strength of family bonds, despite distance and differences.

Poetry (The Soul’s Language)

Poetry expresses ideas and emotions through rhythm, sound, and word beauty.

It distills emotions and thoughts into verses. Poetry often uses metaphors, similes, and figurative language to reach the reader’s heart and mind.

Poetry ranges from structured forms, like sonnets, to free verse.

The latter breaks away from traditional formats for more expressive thought.

Example: Whispers of Dawn is a poem collection capturing morning’s quiet moments. “First Light” personifies dawn as a painter. It brings colors of hope and renewal to the world.

Plays (The Dramatic Dialogue)

Plays are meant for performance. They bring characters and conflicts to life through dialogue and action.

This format uniquely explores human relationships and societal issues.

Playwrights face the challenge of conveying setting, emotion, and plot through dialogue and directions.

Example: Echoes of Tomorrow is set in a dystopian future. Memories can be bought and sold. It follows siblings on a quest to retrieve their stolen memories. They learn the cost of living in a world where the past has a price.

Screenplays (Cinema’s Blueprint)

Screenplays outline narratives for films and TV shows.

They require an understanding of visual storytelling, pacing, and dialogue. Screenplays must fit film production constraints.

Example: The Last Light is a screenplay for a sci-fi film. Humanity’s survivors on a dying Earth seek a new planet. The story focuses on spacecraft Argo’s crew as they face mission challenges and internal dynamics.

Memoirs (The Personal Journey)

Memoirs provide insight into an author’s life, focusing on personal experiences and emotional journeys.

They differ from autobiographies by concentrating on specific themes or events.

Memoirs invite readers into the author’s world.

They share lessons learned and hardships overcome.

Example: Under the Mango Tree is a memoir by Maria Gomez. It shares her childhood memories in rural Colombia. The mango tree in their yard symbolizes home, growth, and nostalgia. Maria reflects on her journey to a new life in America.

Flash Fiction (The Quick Twist)

Flash fiction tells stories in under 1,000 words.

It’s about crafting compelling narratives concisely. Each word in flash fiction must count, often leading to a twist.

This format captures life’s vivid moments, delivering quick, impactful insights.

Example: The Last Message features an astronaut’s final Earth message as her spacecraft drifts away. In 500 words, it explores isolation, hope, and the desire to connect against all odds.

Creative Nonfiction (The Factual Tale)

Creative nonfiction combines factual accuracy with creative storytelling.

This genre covers real events, people, and places with a twist. It uses descriptive language and narrative arcs to make true stories engaging.

Creative nonfiction includes biographies, essays, and travelogues.

Example: Echoes of Everest follows the author’s Mount Everest climb. It mixes factual details with personal reflections and the history of past climbers. The narrative captures the climb’s beauty and challenges, offering an immersive experience.

Fantasy (The World Beyond)

Fantasy transports readers to magical and mythical worlds.

It explores themes like good vs. evil and heroism in unreal settings. Fantasy requires careful world-building to create believable yet fantastic realms.

Example: The Crystal of Azmar tells of a young girl destined to save her world from darkness. She learns she’s the last sorceress in a forgotten lineage. Her journey involves mastering powers, forming alliances, and uncovering ancient kingdom myths.

Science Fiction (The Future Imagined)

Science fiction delves into futuristic and scientific themes.

It questions the impact of advancements on society and individuals.

Science fiction ranges from speculative to hard sci-fi, focusing on plausible futures.

Example: When the Stars Whisper is set in a future where humanity communicates with distant galaxies. It centers on a scientist who finds an alien message. This discovery prompts a deep look at humanity’s universe role and interstellar communication.

Watch this great video that explores the question, “What is creative writing?” and “How to get started?”:

What Are the 5 Cs of Creative Writing?

The 5 Cs of creative writing are fundamental pillars.

They guide writers to produce compelling and impactful work. These principles—Clarity, Coherence, Conciseness, Creativity, and Consistency—help craft stories that engage and entertain.

They also resonate deeply with readers. Let’s explore each of these critical components.

Clarity makes your writing understandable and accessible.

It involves choosing the right words and constructing clear sentences. Your narrative should be easy to follow.

In creative writing, clarity means conveying complex ideas in a digestible and enjoyable way.

Coherence ensures your writing flows logically.

It’s crucial for maintaining the reader’s interest. Characters should develop believably, and plots should progress logically. This makes the narrative feel cohesive.

Conciseness

Conciseness is about expressing ideas succinctly.

It’s being economical with words and avoiding redundancy. This principle helps maintain pace and tension, engaging readers throughout the story.

Creativity is the heart of creative writing.

It allows writers to invent new worlds and create memorable characters. Creativity involves originality and imagination. It’s seeing the world in unique ways and sharing that vision.

Consistency

Consistency maintains a uniform tone, style, and voice.

It means being faithful to the world you’ve created. Characters should act true to their development. This builds trust with readers, making your story immersive and believable.

Is Creative Writing Easy?

Creative writing is both rewarding and challenging.

Crafting stories from your imagination involves more than just words on a page. It requires discipline and a deep understanding of language and narrative structure.

Exploring complex characters and themes is also key.

Refining and revising your work is crucial for developing your voice.

The ease of creative writing varies. Some find the freedom of expression liberating.

Others struggle with writer’s block or plot development challenges. However, practice and feedback make creative writing more fulfilling.

What Does a Creative Writer Do?

A creative writer weaves narratives that entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

Writers explore both the world they create and the emotions they wish to evoke. Their tasks are diverse, involving more than just writing.

Creative writers develop ideas, research, and plan their stories.

They create characters and outline plots with attention to detail. Drafting and revising their work is a significant part of their process. They strive for the 5 Cs of compelling writing.

Writers engage with the literary community, seeking feedback and participating in workshops.

They may navigate the publishing world with agents and editors.

Creative writers are storytellers, craftsmen, and artists. They bring narratives to life, enriching our lives and expanding our imaginations.

How to Get Started With Creative Writing?

Embarking on a creative writing journey can feel like standing at the edge of a vast and mysterious forest.

The path is not always clear, but the adventure is calling.

Here’s how to take your first steps into the world of creative writing:

• Find a time of day when your mind is most alert and creative.
• Create a comfortable writing space free from distractions.
• Use prompts to spark your imagination. They can be as simple as a word, a phrase, or an image.
• Try writing for 15-20 minutes on a prompt without editing yourself. Let the ideas flow freely.
• Reading is fuel for your writing. Explore various genres and styles.
• Pay attention to how your favorite authors construct their sentences, develop characters, and build their worlds.
• Don’t pressure yourself to write a novel right away. Begin with short stories or poems.
• Small projects can help you hone your skills and boost your confidence.
• Look for writing groups in your area or online. These communities offer support, feedback, and motivation.
• Participating in workshops or classes can also provide valuable insights into your writing.
• Understand that your first draft is just the beginning. Revising your work is where the real magic happens.
• Be open to feedback and willing to rework your pieces.
• Carry a notebook or digital recorder to jot down ideas, observations, and snippets of conversations.
• These notes can be gold mines for future writing projects.

Final Thoughts: What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is an invitation to explore the unknown, to give voice to the silenced, and to celebrate the human spirit in all its forms.

Check out these creative writing tools (that I highly recommend):

Read This Next:

• What Is a Prompt in Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 200 Examples)
• What Is A Personal Account In Writing? (47 Examples)
• How To Write A Fantasy Short Story (Ultimate Guide + Examples)
• How To Write A Fantasy Romance Novel [21 Tips + Examples)

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! 

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• Fulfilled all program requirements AND completed a minimum of 120 credits for a single major or 165 for a dual major
• Completed a minimum of 60 institutional credits for a single major or 105 institutional credits for a dual major
• Fulfilled all financial obligations to the college

Transfer Credits

Online undergraduate-level course, creative writing: poetry.

Authored by Pat Pattison

Course Code: OLART-215

starts September 23--> Next semester starts September 23

3-credit tuition, non-credit tuition.

Creative Writing: Poetry is a course for writers—songwriters, poets, and anyone who wants to write more effectively. The course—authored by Pat Pattison, who developed the curriculum for the only songwriting major in the country at Berklee—will give you specific tools to help you craft and control your writing. You will be taken through a step-by-step process, each step handing you another tool to give what you say more power. You'll learn how to enhance your ideas through arranging lines into odd or even numbered line groups and creating either a feeling of tension or resolution with the composition itself, independent of the poem's meaning. You'll learn placement, timing, focus, and especially how to use rhythm in language expressively.

• Write clearly and strongly
• Precisely control form and composition
• Counter-point lines against phrases to create musical effects
• Use language rhythms to create tension and resolution
• Understand the relationship between poetry and music
• Deeply understand prosody, the fundamental principle underlying not only poetry, but art in general

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Lesson 1: Prose vs. Poetry

• Prose: Phrase Lengths
• Sentence Construction: Simple Sentences
• Compound Sentences
• Sentence Types
• Lines with Multiple Phrases
• Units of Composition

Lesson 2: Managing End-Stops 

• Creating Subordinate Clauses
• Stable and Unstable Groupings
• "Days" by Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Instability
• Student Poetry Examples
• Switching Line Order

Lesson 3: Managing Caesuras 

• Frontal, Medial, and Terminal Caesuras
• Creating Tension
• Emerson's Handling of Caesuras
• Creating Motion

Lesson 4: Managing Enjambment

• Moving from Light to Heavy
• Other Movement
• Managing Enjambment

Lesson 5: Writing in Iambic Pentameter

• Stressed and Unstressed Syllables
• Iambic Pentameter
• Blending Languages
• Why Pentameter?
• English Poetry
• Groove and Variation
• "Distractions" by Emma Joy Hanley
• "The Woman with Fire Engine Nails" by Caroline Harvey
• Learning your Craft

Lesson 6: Substituting in Iambic Pentameter

• Substituting in Iambic Pentameter
• Themes and Variations
• Creating Emotion
• "After Long Silence" by William Butler Yeats
• Substitutions in "After Long Silence"
• Going Against Expectations

Lesson 7: Writing in Blank Verse 

• Writing in Blank Verse
• "Birches" by Robert Frost
• "Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
• Compositional Tools
• "Spring" by Elisa Lomazzo
• "Christmas Cheer" by Ian Henchy

Lesson 8: Blank Verse Again 

• More on Blank Verse
• Blank Verse and Substitutions
• "A Wake" by Ryan Toll
• "Still" by Rachel Borovik

Lesson 9: Using Rhyme

• Using Rhyme
• Sound in Poetry
• Rhyme Schemes
• Perfect Rhyme
• Consonance Rhyme
• More on Consonance Rhyme
• Rhyme Schemes Revisited
• "Ode to the West Wind" by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Lesson 10: English (or Shakespearean) Sonnet

• English or Shakespearean Sonnet
• "When I Have Fears" by John Keats

Lesson 11: English (or Shakespearean) Sonnet Continued

• Modern Sonnets
• "Putting in the Seed" by Robert Frost
• "Baby Running Barefoot" by D. H. Lawrence

Lesson 12: Italian (or Pertrarchian) Sonnet        

• The Italian (or Petrarchian) Sonnet
• The First Eight Lines
• "In Memoriam"
• The Italian Sonnet Road Map
• "Mezzo Cammin" 
• "Grief"
• "Design"
• The ccdeed sestet
• e. e. cummings
• e. e. cummings Variation

Requirements

Prerequisites and course-specific requirements .

Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills All students enrolled in this course must know English well enough to:

• Easily understand recorded videos and written class lessons
• Participate successfully in written and oral class discussions
• Read, write, and study without being hindered by language problems
• Possess intermediate or advanced grammar skills related to punctuation and verb conjugation Though the course uses a rudimentary musical vocabulary, no musical training is required.

Textbook(s)

• No textbooks required

Student Deals After enrolling, be sure to check out our Student Deals page for various offers on software, hardware, and more. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

General Course Requirements

Below are the minimum requirements to access the course environment and participate in Live Classes. Please make sure to also check the Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements section above, and ensure your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for all software needed for your course. 

• macOS Big Sur 11.0 or later
• Windows 10 or later
• Latest version of Google Chrome
• Zoom meeting software
• Speakers or headphones
• External or internal microphone
• Broadband Internet connection

Instructors

Pat Pattison is a professor at Berklee College of Music, where he teaches lyric writing and poetry. In addition to his four books, Songwriting Without Boundaries  (Penguin/Random House), Writing Better Lyrics, 2nd Edition (Penguin/Random House), The Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure (Hal Leonard), and The Essential Guide to Rhyming (Hal Leonard), Pat has developed several online courses for Berklee Online. He has written more than 50 articles for various blogs and magazines, including American Songwriter , and has chapters in both The Poetics of American Song Lyrics (University Press of Mississippi) and The Handbook on Creative Writing (Edinburgh University Press).

Eric Leva is a songwriter, singer, producer, and classically trained pianist from Massachusetts. Leva has studied at the New England Conservatory of Music and Berklee College of Music. Following his studies, Leva spent time in New York City to hone his craft and develop his writing. A songwriting award from the ASCAP Foundation eventually sparked a move to Los Angeles to pursue more collaborations. His recent releases include Kesha, DNCE, Wes Period, and Rozzi.

Sarah Anne Stinnett is a multi-disciplinary artist and educator. Since 2017 she has served as Teaching Assistant for Harvard Extension and Harvard Summer Schools in the subjects of speech, communication, and social media. At Lesley University she is Teaching Assistant for Musical Theater Writing and instructs curriculum in collaboration, voice, and performance. Her core tenets in teaching are as in life: employ unparalleled curiosity, to do is to discover, and a life of learning and imagination is impelled by the study of the masters before.

What's Next?

When taken for credit, Creative Writing: Poetry can be applied towards the completion of these related programs:

Related Certificate Programs

• General Music Studies Professional Certificate
• General Music Studies Advanced Professional Certificate

Related Degree Majors

• Bachelor's Degree in Music Production
• Bachelor's Degree in Music Business
• Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition for Film, TV, and Games
• Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Music Production and Sound Design
• Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Music Studies (Create Your Own Major)
• Bachelor's Degree in Songwriting
• Bachelor's Degree in Guitar Performance
• (Pre-Degree) Undeclared Option
• Bachelor's Degree in Songwriting and Producing Music

Related Music Career Roles

Employers look for skills learned in this course, when hiring for the following music career roles:

Music Journalist

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9 Types Of Poems To Spark Your Creativity

Poetry styles to fit your style

On January 20, 2021, 22-year-old youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman inspired the country and made history when she read her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden. Gorman’s free verse poem touched on themes of unity, hope, and progress; it encouraged Americans to continue working toward a “union with purpose.” (If you don’t know what “free verse” means, don’t worry—we will cover that on the next slide.)

Gorman is the youngest known inaugural poet, and her moving reading of “The Hill We Climb” ignited a newfound interest in poetry, often considered an obscure form of writing. To many, poetry can seem daunting because it’s so different from prose. But there is no wrong way to read a poem . If you find a poem that you connect with, even if you’re not sure what it is “supposed to” mean, you’re reading it right!

To help demystify poetry a bit, and in celebration of National Poetry Month, we are going to break down some of the different kinds or forms of poetry. Along the way, we are going to show you some classic examples of these poems and give you some guidance on how you can write poetry yourself—any day of the year.

Listening to Gorman’s performance of her poem is just one way to garner curiosity in poetry. Learn some fantastic ways to get your child (and yourself) excited about poetry!

If you watched Amanda Gorman’s performance, you may have noticed that it sounded very similar to typical speech patterns. That isn’t so surprising for free verse poems, or “verse that does not follow a fixed metrical pattern.” In other words, it doesn’t have to follow any of the strict rules about syllables , rhyme , or cadence that we will see in other forms. But, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t use any of these elements. It just means that the writer can choose which of them they want to use. Basically, every free verse poem uses its own unique structure.

Free verse is a popular and common form of poetry. In addition to “The Hill We Climb,” other famous free verse poems include “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot and “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath. Perhaps the most famous American free verse poem, though, is “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman (1892), which begins:

I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.

I loafe and invite my soul, I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass.

My tongue, every atom of my blood, form’d from this soil, this air, Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same, I, now thirty-seven years old in perfect health begin, Hoping to cease not till death.

Creeds and schools in abeyance, Retiring back a while sufficed at what they are, but never forgotten, I harbor for good or bad, I permit to speak at every hazard, Nature without check with original energy.

As you can see from this excerpt, the lines here don’t rhyme, and there isn’t a pattern in the length of the lines or how many lines there are to a stanza (group of lines). Try reading it aloud (or listen to dulcet -toned Nate DiMeo read it to you here ) and see how much it sounds like a conversation the narrator is having with himself.

slam poetry

Another poetry form that does not follow strict rules is slam poetry . Slam poetry is free-form poetry designed to be performed aloud. The name comes from poetry competitions known as “poetry slams.” In this way, slam poetry is a kind of performance art . In fact, Amanda Gorman’s recitation of “The Hill We Climb” had a lot of slam poetry elements, including hand gestures to punctuate and emphasize important moments in the text.

Slam poetry gets its inspiration from the beat poets and French-speaking Négritude poets who wanted their work to protest the conventional, European forms of poetry. Throughout its history, slam poetry has been associated with forms of activism and giving voice to those who have been historically marginalized.

Slam poetry is designed to be watched and listened to, not read. One classic example is “Falling in Like,” by Big Poppa E. You can read a short excerpt of this poem about young love below, but we recommend you watch him perform it here instead.

you make me feel… goofy.

goofy like i blush when someone mentions your name.

goofy like i have a bzillion things i wanna tell you when you’re not around, but face-to-face i just stare at my toe making circles on the ground, like i’m all thumbs and no place to put them, like i just wanna write you a note that says:

do you like me? ? yes ? no ? maybe

You probably noticed that this poem doesn’t use proper spelling, capitalization, or punctuation, and even has some unusual elements like checkboxes. That’s the thing about slam poetry —you can be as creative as you want with it. If you’re worried that you won’t be able to follow the rules of the other forms (or simply don’t want to), slam poetry is a great place to start writing. The only limit is your imagination!

Want to know more about slam poetry ? Visit our article on getting a close look at the full experience of slam poetry .

In a lot of ways, slam poetry is the modern incarnation of the ode . Originally, an ode was “a poem intended to be sung.” Today, an ode is “a lyric poem typically of elaborate or irregular metrical form and expressive of exalted or enthusiastic emotion.” A lyric poem is a poem that expresses personal feelings or emotion. (The name comes from the instrument the lyre , which was played to accompany these poems in their original form.)

Perhaps the most famous example of an ode is “Ode on a Grecian Urn” by John Keats (1819). In the poem, the narrator describes the images on an ancient Greek urn , which he uses as a way to express his feelings about art in general.

A more accessible ode might be “Ode on Solitude” by Alexander Pope (1700), in which the narrator talks about his desire to live the simple life, alone:

Happy the man, whose wish and care A few paternal acres bound, Content to breathe his native air, In his own ground.

Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread, Whose flocks supply him with attire, Whose trees in summer yield him shade, In winter fire.

This ode happens to use a specific rhyming pattern and meter, but there are no requirements that your ode has to. In ancient Greek literature, odes were seven stanzas of five lines of 10 syllables. As you can see from our example from Pope here, that form is no longer a requirement. However, if you want to try writing your own ode , you might want to start with the ancient Greek format, because other ode structures can become quite complicated.

We just talked about types of poetry that don’t necessarily have any specific requirements when it comes to rhyme, meter, or anything else. So, let’s pause for a moment and ask ourselves, “Why do some forms of poetry follow strict rules? Why not just write in whatever way we choose, like in free verse or slam poetry ?”

Well, some poets actually find that the rules of certain forms of poetry inspire creativity. In a sense, having a structure gives you a place to start—staring at a blank page can be daunting for any writer! So ironically, having rules can give you more freedom to express yourself.

One classic form that has specific rules is the sonnet . A sonnet is a poem of 14 lines usually written in iambic pentameter . Iambic pentameter is a line of 10 syllables, with every other syllable stressed. (An iamb is an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, like “mo tion ” or “I ate .”)

The most famous sonnets are those written by Shakespeare , like the one that begins “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.”

One of our favorite sonnets is “Nuns Fret Not At Their Convent’s Narrow Room” by William Wordsworth. What is wonderful about this poem is that it explains how the strict rules of the sonnet give the narrator “ solace ” (comfort).

Nuns fret not at their convent’s narrow room; And hermits are contented with their cells; And students with their pensive citadels; Maids at the wheel, the weaver at his loom, Sit blithe and happy; bees that soar for bloom, High as the highest Peak of Furness-fells, Will murmur by the hour in foxglove bells: In truth the prison, unto which we doom Ourselves, no prison is: and hence for me, In sundry moods, ’twas pastime to be bound Within the Sonnet’s scanty plot of ground; Pleased if some Souls (for such there needs must be) Who have felt the weight of too much liberty, Should find brief solace there, as I have found.

Another classic form of poetry is the ballad . Similar to the ode , ballads were originally designed to be sung. A ballad is “a simple narrative poem of folk origin, composed in short stanzas and adapted for singing.” Usually, ballads tell a story or recount a series of events. They are often considered one of the easiest kinds of “formal” poetry to write.

A classic ballad is typically written in four-line stanzas (a quatrain ) that follow some kind of rhyming pattern, although the specific pattern can depend on the poem. Generally, though, ballads use the rhyme scheme ABCB, meaning the second and final lines of each stanza rhyme, and the first and third lines of the stanza do not rhyme. Ballads also generally use iambic tetrameter, meaning a line of eight syllables, alternating with iambic trimeter, a line of six syllables.

“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Coleridge (1834) is one of the best-known ballads . It doesn’t follow the classic ballad form exactly, but you can get a sense of what ballads are all about from this excerpt:

It is an ancient Mariner, And he stoppeth one of three. ‘By thy long grey beard and glittering eye, Now wherefore stopp’st thou me?

The Bridegroom’s doors are opened wide, And I am next of kin; The guests are met, the feast is set: May’st hear the merry din.’

As you might have noticed, the lines alternate between eight syllables and six syllables, so it is a little different from a classic ballad . But you could certainly imagine these lines being put to music, right?

An enthralling speech can be pure poetry as well, especially if it uses poetic devices. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is a prime example—find out why!

Villanelle isn’t just the name of the elusive hitwoman in the TV crime drama Killing Eve . It’s also a poetic form. A villanelle is a fancy ballad that follows these rules:

• Five stanzas of three lines each, followed by a single stanza of four lines.
• The stanzas of three lines each use an ABA rhyme (the first and last line rhyme).
• The final stanza uses an ABAA rhyme.
• The first line of the poem is repeated at the end of the second and fourth stanzas.
• The third line of the poem is repeated at the end of the third and fifth stanzas.

Likely the most famous villanelle of all time is “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas (1951). You can get a sense of the rhyme scheme and the repeated lines from this excerpt here:

Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that good night.

As you can see from this example, the first line, “Do not go gentle into that good night,” is repeated at the end of the second stanza.

Villanelles are a little more challenging to write than a typical ballad. If the rhyme schemes and repetition seem like altogether too many rules for you, you may be more interested in…

The haiku form comes from Japanese poetic traditions. It’s closely associated with the 17th-century poet Matsuo Bash?. These short poems have a simple structure: the first and last line have five syllables, and the second line has seven syllables. Traditionally, these poems were “often on the subject of nature or one of the seasons,” but you can write a haiku about anything!

The most famous Bash? haiku is:

an ancient pond a frog jumps in the splash of water

Lovely, right? As you might have noticed, these lines don’t have any kind of rhyme scheme; there is just a simple syllable pattern. (The 5-7-5 pattern is there in the original Japanese.)

If you’re a total novice to writing poetry, haiku is a great place to start. Another relatively simple form of poetry to write is…

Limericks are funny, often raunchy, poems that follow the following form:

• Five lines that follow the AABBA rhyming pattern (the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme, and the third and fourth lines rhyme).
• The third and fourth lines are typically shorter than the other lines.
• On the third and fourth lines, the rhythm is two short syllables followed by a long one ( anapest ).
• On the other lines, the rhythm is short syllable, long syllable, short syllable ( amphibrach ).

All those notes about rhythm might seem daunting, but don’t worry about them too much. The most important thing is to stick to the AABBA rhyming pattern. Additionally, limericks often begin:

There was a [something] from [somewhere]…

One classic limerick that spawned countless (sometimes dirty) imitations was written by Dayton Voorhees (1902):

There once was a man from Nantucket Who kept all his cash in a bucket. But his daughter, named Nan, Ran away with a man And as for the bucket, Nantucket.

If you’re really feeling stuck with your limerick, you can take inspiration from this one—like many poets before you—and start with the same first line.

blackout poetry

If you’re not interested in, or feel daunted by, the practice of writing poetry, you might find the contemporary and innovative form of blackout poetry (also known as found poetry ) more appealing. It’s one of the most accessible forms of poetry out there.

All you need to start is a piece of paper with writing on it—a newspaper, a recipe, a page from a book—and a black marker. Then, as the creator of blackout poetry, Austin Kleon, puts it, “cross out words, leaving behind the ones you like.”

The result is a poem consisting of words that stand out on the page in contrast to the black of the marker. It’s striking, both poetically and visually. Blackout poetry is especially appealing because people of all ages can easily try their hand at it, like in this example:

Blackout Poetry continued… Ss poems are starting to take shape and we’re discovering that this is harder than it looks! If you have an old book at home, we highly recommend you try blackout poetry too! ?? @AllenbyPS_TDSB pic.twitter.com/1WvLDyg38N — Mme.Bedder (@MmeBedder) March 17, 2021

As we’ve seen, poetry can take many forms—it’s just a matter of what you’re looking for. Whether you feel inspired to write poetry yourself, or merely take the time to read a few poems every now again, don’t worry about getting it “right.” Just try to stay curious, be gentle with yourself, and remain open to multiple meanings. After all, as American poet Mary Oliver once wrote, “a poem on the page speaks to the listening mind.”

Ways To Say

Synonym of the day

100 Poetry Prompts

by Melissa Donovan | Jan 24, 2023 | Poetry Prompts | 10 comments

100 poetry prompts to motivate and inspire you.

My first love in writing was poetry. In my early teens, writing poetry was a creative and cathartic way to explore my ideas and vent my emotions. Writing poetry was accessible — all I needed was some paper and a pen. It didn’t even require a huge investment of time. I scrawled words onto the page as fast as they flew through my mind, often writing a poem in just a few minutes. It was an exhilarating and satisfying way to express myself.

In time, I learned that poetry had many benefits beyond personal expression. I found myself searching for the perfect meaning, rhyme, and meter in my word choices. I counted out syllables and contemplated line breaks. I experimented with form and structure.

It wasn’t just about dumping my thoughts and emotions onto paper anymore. Writing poetry got me thinking about language. It made me aware of writing as a craft, not just as a form of self-expression or communication.

To this day, I find that there are some aspects of writing that are best learned through the study and practice of poetry, and poetry prompts can spark an idea that inspires a poem.

After all, the blank page can be intimidating. If we establish some constraints (such as writing a particular form of poetry) or put some guidelines in place (writing about a particular topic), the blank page often becomes less overwhelming.

Whether you’re writing poetry to improve your skills, as a form of self-expression, or just because you find it enjoyable, here are one hundred poetry prompts to inspire you:

• Write a poem about colors without ever naming any colors in the poem.
• Write a poem that tells a story.
• Use the following words in a poem: under, thrust, harbor, wind, prance, fall.
• Write a poem about the following image: an empty stadium with litter strewn about and one sneaker on the stadium stairs.
• Write three haiku .
• Write a poem about your first friend.
• Write a poem that could be the lyrics to a song.
• Use the following words in a poem: fire, spice, burn, chill, tangled.
• Write a poem about the following image: an elderly couple lying in lawn chairs, looking at the stars from their backyard.
• Write a poem in iambic pentameter (each line is five metrical feet, each foot consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable: da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM).
• Write a poem about a wild animal.
• Write a poem that contains dialogue.
• Use the following words in a poem: waves, cliffs, dance, pound, rise.
• Write a poem about the following image: a person kneeling at the edge of a lake, peering into the water.
• Write a sonnet .
• Write a poem about garbage (waste).
• Write a poem that has a perfect rhyme at the end of each line.
• Use the following words in a poem: dirt, squirm, fingers, sprout, shine.
• Write a poem about the following image: an old, dilapidated barn with a caved-in roof and rotting walls.
• Write a sestina .
• Write a poem about the cosmos.
• Write a poem that contains a surprising twist.
• Use the following words in a poem: feet, bees, violet, moss, clunk.
• Write a poem about the following image: a person (or animal) looking out a fogged-up window on a snowy day.
• Write a blackout poem (start with a page of printed text and selectively black-out words; the remaining, unredacted text is the poem).
• Write a poem about your country, city, or state.
• Write a poem that contains no adverbs or adjectives.
• Use the following words in a poem: hunger, curl, click, drill, run.
• Write a poem about the following image: a ladder leaning against the side of a massive tree.
• Write an ode (a tribute to someone or something).
• Write a poem about your greatest accomplishment, personal or professional.
• Write a poem that does not contain any rhymes.
• Use the following words in a poem: cotton, float, foam, fizz, glam.
• Write a poem about the following image: a bag of groceries sitting on the ground in a parking lot.
• Write a palindrome poem .
• Write a poem about your deepest fear, or write about courage.
• Write a poem that contains six numbers but not the number six.
• Use the following words in a poem: bow, shoulder, sprawl, whisper, brush.
• Write a poem about the following image: a table piled with delicious food.
• Write a tanka (five lines, with the following syllabic pattern: 5-7-5-7-7).
• Write a poem about dancing.
• Write a poem that engages each of the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
• Use the following words in a poem: spin, calculate, lie, march, retreat.
• Write a poem about the following image: a phoenix rising from the ashes.
• Write a rondel .
• Write a poem about your future.
• Write a poem that uses an ABABB rhyme scheme.
• Use the following words in a poem: hail, port, send, kneel, salute.
• Write a poem about the following image: a mountain range seen from a great distance.
• Write an acrostic poem (the first letters of each line spell out a word).
• Write a poem about the weather.
• Write a poem that contains internal rhymes but no end rhymes.
• Use the following words in a poem: meet, time, basket, neon, puddle.
• Write a poem about the following image: a wild baby animal crouching in the brush, watching its mother from a distance.
• Write a concrete (shape) poem (a poem that forms a shape on the page, which can be simple, abstract, or complex).
• Write a poem about a momentous, life-changing event.
• Write a poem that has exactly one hundred words.
• Use the following words in a poem: book, carpet, stick, hide, wander.
• Write a poem about the following image: an assembly line in a factory that produces home-assistant robots.
• Write a poem that has at least four instances of repetition.
• Write a poem about entertainment.
• Write a poem that contains a running metaphor.
• Use the following words in a poem: satellite, bunker, can, water, dig.
• Write a poem about the following image: unusual footprints on a trail in the forest.
• Write a ghazal .
• Write a poem about childhood.
• Write a poem that explores the concept of duality.
• Use the following words in a poem: motherboard, lava, smolder, flow, sear.
• Write a poem about the following image: gum, mirror, pen, speak, fan.
• Write a list poem (for example, a poem that is also a grocery list).
• Write a poem about the most thrilling experience you’ve ever had.
• Write a poem that is set in a particular time and place.
• Use the following words in a poem: lavender, horn, gold, hooves, trot.
• Write a poem about the following image: a notebook that is partially burnt.
• Write a prose poem (a poem written in paragraphs rather than in verse).
• Write a poem about lacking something essential.
• Write a poem that is abstract or open to interpretation.
• Use the following words in a poem: barn, skyscraper, bicycle, climb, stack.
• Write a poem about the following image: a crew of workers eating lunch.
• Write a poem of three stanzas, each with three lines, and include the number “three” somewhere in the poem.
• Write a poem about a journey.
• Write a poem that includes onomatopoeia (words that sound like what they mean — for example, hiss ).
• Use the following words in a poem: drink, desire, switch, swell, relish.
• Write a poem about the following image: a polar bear on a tropical island.
• Write a rondelet .
• Write a poem about an ordinary day.
• Write a poem that includes at least three instances of alliteration, including one each of assonance and consonance.
• Use the following words in a poem: buckle, bend, kick, pot, shift.
• Write a poem about the following image: an empty raft floating down a river.
• Write a limerick (five lines with rhyme scheme AABBA and a naughty attitude).
• Write a poem about building something.
• Write a poem that contains a pun.
• Use the following words in a poem: squeeze, type, mission, gate, blast.
• Write a poem about the following image: a bird soaring through sky.
• Write a cinquain (five lines, with two syllables in the first line, four in the second, six in the third, eight in the fourth, and two syllables in the final line).
• Write a poem about gaining something you’ve never had before.
• Write a poem that is optimistic and hopeful.
• Use the following words in a poem: airplane, jungle, needle, hike, signal.
• Write a poem about the following image: a child exiting the library with a stack of books.
• Write a magic 9 poem (nine lines with rhyme scheme ABACADABA).

Did These Poetry Prompts Inspire You?

Which of these poetry prompts inspired you? Were you moved to write a poem? How often do you write poetry? Do you regularly use poetry prompts? What’s your favorite thing about writing poetry?

Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below, and keep writing poetry.

10 Comments

I love these poetry prompts! They’re really inspiring and I’m looking forward to trying out a few of them.

Thanks! I’m glad you love them!

Thanks for this. It’s just what I need. In December I decided to write a poem a day for a year. So far I’ve managed it;some long, some short (haiku, limericks, or just a short 4 line poem). I now have almost 60 poems! My idea is to publish them in 2 books January to June, and July to December so people can read a poem a day. I’ve written poetry since my teens, like you, but sadly, most have been lost. I wrote some more, and just before Christmas, they were released as a book. It made a change from novels.

What an exciting project: a poem a day. I like it!

that was a great thought out prompt list thank you for your time and yes inspired and made notes as i went along

You’re welcome! Thanks for commenting.

I stumbled across these poetry prompts today and am really excited to use some of them to create my own poems. Thank you so much for sharing.

I’m glad these prompts inspired you! Good luck!

I want to try each one of these. YAY!! Love this list, gonna go and journal now. Thank a bunch….

You’re welcome! Have fun!

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Great poetry can be any length: long poems can sprawl across pages like interstate highways, but short poems can be just as moving and powerful. Short form poetry, which includes forms like micropoetry, pack lots of meaning in a small amount of space.

The best short poems make each word carry tremendous weight, and this article is all about how to write a short poem powerfully.

How do poets condense so much meaning in such a small space? Let’s take a deeper look at short form poetry, including some famous short poems and strategies for how to write a short poem.

Qualities of Short Poems

Micropoetry, famous short poems, how to write a short poem in 6 easy steps, features of short poems.

There’s no commonly accepted definition for what makes short poetry short. In fact, it’s not even a genre of poetry. Unlike long poetry—which comprises epic and narrative poems , as well as much of Modernist poetry—short poems don’t have specific conventions ascribed to them.

In other words, if you ask different poets what counts as a short poem, you’ll get many different answers.

For the purposes of this article, we’ll define short form poetry as anything 9 lines and under, OR any poem that uses 60 words or less. This definition is somewhat arbitrary, but poetry that is over 9 lines and/or 60 words tends to use both abstract and concrete images to explore an idea. As we discuss later, short poetry should focus on the concrete.

We define short form poetry as anything 9 lines and under, or any poem that uses 60 words or less.

The sonnet , for example, is a 14-line poem that often grapples with love , and though sonnets are by no means “long,” they often have abstract qualities not found in short poems.

Short poems are, well, short. But the best short poems share certain qualities that make them potent pieces of literature.

Short form poetry should have all or most of the following features:

• Concision: In addition to omitting needless words , every word should do a lot of work in the poem. Small words, like articles and conjunctions and adverbs, should be sparse and only used to connect concrete nouns and verbs.
• Concreteness: Short poems should present clear, concrete images. Often, these concrete images will work as symbols, representing abstract ideas in juxtaposition with each other.
• Ephemerality: Often, short poems will represent fleeting moments of emotion—feelings that occur in a concrete moment of time. Short form poetry presents slices of life: moments of emotions crystalized into language.
• Simplicity: A short poem should be easy to understand. The language should be accessible, and the ideas should be clear to the reader, even if they’re abstract and open-ended.

Short form poetry presents slices of life: moments of emotions crystalized into language.

Common literary devices in short poetry are metaphor, symbolism, and juxtaposition.

Types of Short Form Poetry

Many examples of short poems are free verse , meaning they don’t follow a specific form, style, length, or rhyme scheme. Additionally, there are a few forms of poetry that are always short. These include:

You can explore some of these forms at our article What is Form in Poetry? 10 Poetic Forms to Try .

One contemporary type of short form poetry is the micropoem. Micropoetry (sometimes stylized as micro poetry) is a distinctly 21st century invention, and its prominence has risen alongside the world of text messaging and microblogging.

A micropoem is a poem that fits within the confines of modern messaging tools. Examples of micropoetry include poems that fit inside tweets, captchas, or SMS messages. Many micropoems are also haikus or monostiches .

A micropoem is a poem that fits within the confines of modern messaging tools.

You’ll find micropoetry most frequently on sites like Twitter, such as these uplifting pieces . There are also certain literary journals dedicated to the publication of micropoetry, many of which are listed here at Poets & Writers .

Before we discuss how to write a short poem, let’s look at some famous short poems in action.

For each example, we’ll examine how it fits within the 4 main qualities of short form poetry, as well as the poem’s use of literary devices.

Dreams By Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.

Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was a prominent Jazz Poet and member of the Harlem Renaissance . His poetry embodied black life and was written specifically for a black audience, transcribing his daily experiences in brief, emotive language.

An important feature of Jazz Poetry is its serendipity: the Jazz Poem is not planned for, it simply emerges, following the improvisations of the writer like a jazz musician experiments with instruments. Many works of Jazz Poetry, including much of Hughes’ work, counts as short form poetry.

In “Dreams,” Hughes presents two simple metaphors. Life without dreams is both “a broken-winged bird” and “a barren field / frozen with snow.” Each image is equally haunting: a bird without flight has no meaningful life to live, and a barren field cannot support life even after the seasons change.

In many ways, this poem is a warning: once a life loses its dreams, it is near-impossible to retrieve those dreams. The images in this poem are paradoxical, forcing the reader to consider if a life without dreams is life at all.

• Concision: The poem is 8 lines and 33 words. Within this, the poem offers two stark images, each of which presents a similar metaphor, and each metaphor building a sense of irony and caution.
• Concreteness: The poem’s central images are a flightless bird and a frozen, barren field. Each image invoked is haunting and absolute. One cannot help but consider a winter of the soul.
• Ephemerality: The poem’s brevity highlights the fleeting nature of dreams, and the imperative to hold them as tight as possible.
• Simplicity: The language of the poem is clear and accessible. It is structured so that an image and metaphor are presented in two sets of four lines, and when juxtaposed, those images reinforce each other.
• Literary Devices: “Dreams” makes powerful use of metaphor, juxtaposition, and paradox.

Old Pond By Matsuo Bashō

An old silent pond… A frog jumps into the pond, splash! Silence again.

“Old Pond” is a beautiful, striking poem—but much of that beauty is lost in translation. The haiku , like many short poems, is near-impossible to translate meaningfully, so some background is necessary here.

Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694) was a prominent poet of Japan’s Edo period and is considered a master of the haiku form. Haiku were used to summarize a longer passage of prose, often acting as prologue to larger works.

Additionally, the haiku tradition often involves reminiscences about nature, juxtaposing two images before linking them in some surprising way. Bashō’s haiku combine Japanese symbolism with his own experiences travelling through the wilderness.

Although it’s not apparent in the poem’s word choice, “Old Pond” is actually about the changing of the seasons. In Japanese poetry, frogs symbolize the springtime; here, a frog (Spring) jumps (suddenly arrives) into an old silent pond (Winter). In other words, the frog is breaking the ice over an immobile pond, and the “splash!” is both a literal and symbolic celebration. Winter is truly over; the world rejoices.

The “silence again” leaves the haiku open-ended. Different translations of the haiku don’t include this part, and it may have been written to adapt the poem to 5/7/5 syllables in English. Nonetheless, “silence again” might suggest the dead quiet of the coming summertime, or else the quickness with which seasons change before the long quiet of Winter.

• Concision: The poem is 3 lines and 17 syllables, which is common of most haiku (though variations exist in translation and among different poetry schools).
• Concreteness: The poem provides a simple concrete image: a frog splashing in water.
• Ephemerality: “Old Pond” focuses on a brief moment in time, using this moment to signify the passing of seasons.
• Simplicity: Bashō’s haiku is written and translated in accessible language, using a clear image to represent a global idea.
• Literary Devices: In keeping with the haiku tradition, “Old Pond” makes use of symbolism to tell a story.

Triad By Adelaide Crapsey

These be Three silent things: The falling snow… the hour Before the dawn… the mouth of one Just dead.

Adelaide Crapsey (1878-1914) is widely heralded as the inventor of the modern cinquain . This form—like the poem “Triad” above—is composed of 5 lines. The first and fifth line have 2 syllables; the second line has 4 syllables, the third 6, and the fourth 8.

Following this 2/4/6/8/2 format, “Triad” juxtaposes three images which, though seemingly unalike, are each united in their quietude.

The “falling snow” and “the hour / Before the dawn” are both natural images, each hushed in their own way. This makes the image of “the mouth of one / Just dead” all the more surprising. Perhaps by juxtaposing images of nature, the cinquain suggests that there’s still a moment of life in the dead mouth, though it remains forever silenced.

• Concision: “Triad” is 5 lines, 22 syllables, and 19 words. Three images are cleverly juxtaposed in this limited space.
• Concreteness: The poem presents three images, each concrete and unique in their own way.
• Ephemerality: Each image in “Triad” is a brief moment in time. The central image of a dead person’s mouth reinforces this sense of ephemerality: it has just happened and yet suggests something fleeting.
• Simplicity: The cinquain’s language is accessible and its images are cleanly juxtaposed.
• Literary Devices: “Triad” makes use of juxtaposition to suggest likeness between three different images.

My Heart Leaps Up By William Wordsworth

My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky: So was it when my life began; So is it now I am a man; So be it when I shall grow old, Or let me die! The Child is father of the Man; And I could wish my days to be Bound each to each by natural piety.

William Wordsworth (1770-1850) was a prominent poet of the English Romantics. As a poetic movement, Romanticism rejected Enlightenment ideals, praised the beauty of the natural world, and sought to embody “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.”

[Poetry is] the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings. —William Wordsworth

“My Heart Leaps Up” achieves these 3 goals. The central image of the poem is a rainbow, but the poem itself focuses on the speaker’s emotions in that moment of recognizing the rainbow. In praising the rainbow’s beauty, the speaker hopes never to lose that child-like awe of nature—going so far as to say that “The Child is father of the Man”, or that adults learn how to love the world through children.

• Concision: “My Heart Leaps Up” is 9 lines and 61 words. It just borders our definition of short form poetry; even at this length, the poem starts to deal with abstract concepts like “natural piety.” Nonetheless, Wordsworth walks us through a philosophy of life—appreciating nature’s beauty—using simply the image of a rainbow.
• Concreteness: In addition to the main image of a rainbow, the poem offers us the line “The Child is father of the Man.” It seems as though Wordsworth is imploring the reader to picture the rainbow for themselves: imagine a rainbow so radiant and mysterious that it invokes a child’s sense of awe.
• Ephemerality: In the moment of observing this rainbow, the speaker’s “heart leaps up,” meaning this poem examines merely a heartbeat. This keeps with Wordsworth’s definition of poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.”
• Simplicity: “My Heart Leaps Up” uses accessible language, which isn’t always true of Romantic-Era poetry. Additionally, it only focuses on one core image, keeping it clear in the reader’s mind.
• Literary Devices: Wordsworth uses personification to describe his heart’s reaction to the rainbow. Additionally, the rainbow is juxtaposed with the image of a child being father to man.

We Real Cool By Gwendolyn Brooks

The Pool Players. Seven at the Golden Shovel.

We real cool. We Left school. We

Lurk late. We Strike straight. We

Sing sin. We Thin gin. We

Jazz June. We Die soon.

Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) was a prolific poet of the 20th century, transcribing inner city life into 20 collections of poetry. Written in 1959, “We Real Cool” is one of the the most famous short poems of Jazz Poetry, and the poem inspired Terrance Hayes’ invention of The Golden Shovel form.

As suggested by the poem’s subtitle, “We Real Cool” is about seven boys playing pool at a bar called The Golden Shovel. The poem explains why the boys think they’re “real cool”—they leave school, stay up late, get in fights, drink, etc. Through this, the final line comes as a surprise: “We / Die soon” is unexpected coming from the speaker, given the poem’s boastful nature. This final, climactic line shows us the poet’s tone towards these truant boys, underscoring the poem’s themes of youth and rebellion.

Perhaps most intriguing about the poem is that most lines end with “we.” The conventional advice given to poets is to end each line on concrete nouns and verbs. So, why end 7 lines with a pronoun? In interviews , Brooks has said that the “we” should be read softly, perhaps suggesting the boys’ lack of identity outside of their debauchery. “We” also connects each line, suggesting that the boys’ revelry is goaded on by each other.

• Concision: “We Real Cool” is 8 lines and 32 words long (including the subtitle). Despite this brevity, it covers themes of youth and rebellion.
• Concreteness: In addition to the subtitle, which sets the scene of the poem, “We Real Cool” includes images of late nights, fist fights, gin, and leaving school.
• Ephemerality: The poem doesn’t linger on any specific image. This is to emulate the speed at which these boys live life, flitting from one pleasure to another, as well as the speed with which they seem to careen towards death.
• Simplicity: The language of the poem is clear and accessible, as well as lyrical and compelling. The only phrase which may be confusing is “Jazz June.” Some readers have interpreted “Jazz” in a sexual way, though Brooks included this line simply to set the scene (Jazz music in June).
• Literary Devices: “We Real Cool” makes use of juxtaposition, symbolism, and epistrophe, which is the use of the same word or phrase at the end of a line. Several lines of the poem are allusions to the Seven Deadly Sins.

[you fit into me] By Margaret Atwood

you fit into me like a hook into an eye

a fish hook an open eye

Margaret Atwood (1939- ) is a prolific poet and author. Best known for her novel The Handmaid’s Tale , Atwood has also published numerous collections of poetry.

[you fit into me] was written in 1971. (The title is in brackets because it is also the poem’s first line.) The first stanza describes a simple image: a hook in an eye. This is a sewing reference: hooks and eyes are small metal devices that discreetly fasten ripped or undone clothes. In other words, the first stanza suggests that “you” and “me” fit each other perfectly.

The second stanza alters this image entirely. A fish hook in an open eye presents an uncomfortable and disquieting image: something trapped, sharp, painful.

This poem exposes Atwood’s mastery of short form poetry. She presents two very different images that use very similar language, suggesting that “you” and “me” have a seemingly perfect relationship, but it’s actually agonizing for the speaker, the “eye.” Additionally, the “open eye” suggests that the speaker is fully aware of this agony, watching herself be punctured by the hook, but is trapped beneath the surface of their perfect-sounding relationship.

Atwood has a knack for word play and gutting imagery, which she shows us in this concise example of short poetry.

• Concision: [you fit in me] is 4 lines, 2 stanzas, and 16 words long. It presents two contrasting images, each with similar word choice. This poem is micropoetry length, though the micropoetry genre is a 21st century invention.
• Concreteness: Both images are expressed clearly to the reader. Though the reader may not be familiar with the sewing terminology in the first stanza, the second stanza’s imagery is uncomfortable and painful.
• Ephemerality: This poem’s brevity highlights the painful intensity of the speaker’s relationship, and the soundless pain of a hook fitting in an eye.
• Simplicity: The word choice in [you fit in me] is clear and accessible, with each image using similar words but presenting starkly different images.
• Literary Devices: Despite its brevity, this poem is heavy with symbolism. “Hook” represents “you” and “eye” represents “me.” The juxtaposition of these two images further describes the speaker’s intense feelings.

Did you find yourself inspired by these famous short poems? Want to write short form poetry or micropoetry yourself? Follow these 6 steps.

1. Consider Short Poetry Forms

You may decide to write your short poems in free verse, but first do some research on poetry forms. You might decide you like the challenge of the haiku, the cinquain, or the triolet, and having a form to work with can help you think critically about your word choice .

2. Start with a Moment of Emotion

In most of our examples of short poems, the speaker considers a simple moment in time: the sight of a rainbow, a frog leaping in a pond, the mouth of someone who just died, etc.

Follow this example. Think of a brief moment you’ve observed that led to some powerful emotions. Observe the image in your mind and consider your feelings: what thoughts, ideas, or sentiments bubble to the surface?

For more on this writing process, you may be interested in our article Writing for Mindfulness , or our article on how to start a poem . 

3. Describe That Moment with Concrete Imagery

Start writing down your observations in that moment. What do you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel?

You don’t need to describe the moment itself—you can also embody your emotions in concrete language. When Langston Hughes describes life without dreams as “a barren field / Frozen with snow”, he’s probably not observing that field directly, but experiencing and transcribing his emotions through imagery.

Some short form poetry has only one central image, but many pieces juxtapose multiple images together. Jot down the sensations you experience—without trying to be “poetic” or sophisticated—and let the poem take shape of its own accord.

4. Experiment with the Placement of Those Images

Juxtaposition is a powerful tool in the hands of poets, especially writers of short poems. Play around with the images you’ve written down, paying attention to how each image interacts with the other.

Juxtaposition is a powerful tool in the hands of poets.

You may find that different juxtapositions result in different stories and emotions; observe this, consider each placement thoroughly, and let the poem decide what’s best. Eschew the impulse to control the poem’s meaning, and allow the poem to sweep you off your feet. You’ll know how to place these images based on how they resonate in your heart.

5. Look for Literary Devices

The best short poems use imagery to build metaphors and symbols. Does your poem’s imagery represent something deeper or more abstract? Can you insert “like” or “as” to make similes? Can you insert “is,” “was,” “are,” “were” or other being verbs to make metaphors?

The best short poems use imagery to build metaphors and symbols.

Don’t try to force literary devices into the poem, but use them to highlight meanings that are already taking shape.

6. Cut or Add Words Where Necessary

Lastly, consider the poem’s sound. Does it flow from line to line? Does its musicality capture the rhythm of your emotions? You may have to add, cut, or edit words to make this happen. Continue to experiment with word choice, play with sounds relentlessly, and consider the weight of each word.

Chipping and refining the poem like this will feel like cutting a diamond with another diamond: using words to sharpen other words, the poem’s final form emerges.

For additional advice on how to write a short poem, check out our article How to Write a Poem, Step-by-Step .

Write Brilliant Short Poems at Writers.com

Whether you’re writing short form poetry or long form epics, the courses at Writers.com are designed to polish and enhance your writing. Take a look at our upcoming poetry courses , and join our Facebook group for our one-of-a-kind writing community.

Sean Glatch

13 comments.

This information was very appreciated! It has been far too much time passed since I first learned about short forms of poetry in school. Hopefully I can experiment with these different writing styles and push that block out of my way!

thanks for the tips they are real handy

slowly and sadly we laid him down in the field of his fame, fresh and gory And we carved not a line and we raised not a stone But we left him a.one in his glory

who wrote this?

Hoping someone remembers this quote ! Thanks

That’s “The Burial Of Sir John Moore At Corunna” by Charles Wolfe. 🙂

So, the poems with 2 stanzas be called short poems?

Good question! “Short” relates more with the number of lines, not the number of stanzas. A two stanza poem might be short, but if both stanzas had 12 lines, for example, then it would not be a short poem (as based on our somewhat-arbitrary definition).

I love that we real cool. I’ll try writing my own version of it.

https://grand-little-things.com/submission-information/

Site to publish short poems.

I appreciate your helpful articles on poetry. I would like to print them out and keep them all together. Is there a way to get PDF copies? I wish they were compiled in a book 🙂

I’m so glad you find these articles helpful! You can save a PDF by Typing “CTRL+P” (on a mac: “command+P”)—this will pull up the “print” page, where you can save the article as a PDF onto your computer.

Happy writing!

Thanks so much!

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15+ Expressive Poems about Creativity

(15 to start, 60+ to explore).

Poems about creativity explore the boundless realm of artistic expression, celebrating the power of imagination and the transformative nature of the creative process. These poetic works delve into the depths of inspiration, the pursuit of originality, and the inherent human desire to manifest ideas into tangible form.

Two famous examples of poems about creativity include ‘ Ode to a Nightingale ‘ by John Keats , which delves into the poet’s longing for artistic escape and the ability of poetry to transcend reality, and ‘ The Waste Land ‘ by T.S. Eliot , which weaves together various literary and cultural references to explore the fragmented nature of modern creativity.

Ars Poetica

The ‘Ars Poetica’ is a 476-line didactic epistolary poem by the Roman poet Horace. This humorous, engaging verse teaches the wannabe poet how to write good stories and develop meaningful art.

Either follow tradition, or invent consistently. If you happen to portray Achilles, honoured, Pen him as energetic, irascible, ruthless, Fierce, above the law, never downing weapons.

The Thought-Fox

By ted hughes.

Ted Hughes’ ‘The Thought-Fox’ explores a poet’s creative process, using a fox’s movements as a metaphor for the writer’s inspiration.

I imagine this midnight moment's forest: Something else is alive Beside the clock's loneliness And this blank page where my fingers move.

Csontváry’s Flowers

By jean bleakney.

‘Csontváry’s Flowers’ is a fascinating insight into one extraordinary artist’s view of the work of another.

The thin ribbon of sky, and thinner still, blued hints of the easterly Carpathians then down into the whole arboretum of blue-greens and greens closing in around the valley town of Selmecbánya

Retreating Light

By louise glück.

In ‘Retreating Light’, the speaker empowers humans with the tools and experiences to craft their own stories, finding fulfillment in their newfound independence.

You were always very young children, always waiting for a story. And I'd been through it all too many times; I was tired of telling stories.

How to Eat a Poem

By eve merriam.

‘How to Eat a Poem’ by Eve Merriam uses eating fruit as a metaphor for reading poetry to encourage readers to enjoy poetry.

Don't be polite. Bite in. Pick it up with your fingers and lick the juice that may run down your chin.

Jabberwocky

By lewis carroll.

A nonsense poem filled with wordplay, ‘Jabberwocky’ by Lewis Carroll tells the story of the hero’s quest to slay the Jabberwock.

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe.

by Meena Alexander

‘Muse’ by Meena Alexander is a poem about the poet’s muse or source of inspiration. The poet recalls meeting and being positively influenced by a girl in her youth. 

I was young when you came to me. Each thing rings its turn, you sang in my ear, a slip of a thing

Pictor Ignotus

By robert browning.

‘Pictor Ignotus’ is a poem about an artist who chooses obscurity over fame, painting religious works in solitude rather than seeking public acclaim.

I could have painted pictures like that youth’s Ye praise so. How my soul springs up! No bar Stayed me–ah, thought which saddens while it soothes! –Never did fate forbid me, star by star,

To John Keats, Poet, at Spring Time

By countee cullen.

‘To John Keats, Poet, at Spring Time’ by Countee Cullen is a poem about spring and poetry. It is addressed to John Keats and spends its lines praising spring and the deceased poet’s influence.

I cannot hold my peace, John Keats; There never was a spring like this; It is an echo, that repeats My last year's song and next year's bliss.

When I have Fears that I may Cease to Be

By john keats.

Keats’ ‘When I Have Fears that I May Cease to Be’ contemplates existential fears concerning mortality and how they thwart aspirations.

When I have fears that I may cease to be   Before my pen has glean’d my teeming brain, Before high piled books, in charact’ry,    Hold like rich garners the full-ripen’d grain; 

Explore more poems about Creativity

Self-portrait in a convex mirror, by john ashbery.

‘Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror’ by John Ashbery manifests art’s struggle to capture the multifaceted self.

As Parmigianino did it, the right hand Bigger than the head, thrust at the viewer And swerving easily away, as though to protect What it advertises. A few leaded panes, old beams,  

From My Life: A name trimmed with colored ribbons

By lyn hejinian.

‘A name trimmed with colored ribbons’ by Lyn Hejinian is a Language Poem that requires the listener to use their imagination and creativity to reconstruct and interpret the poet’s childhood fantasies.

A name trimmed      They are seated in the shadows with colored              husking corn, shelling peas. Houses ribbons                          of wood set in the ground. I try to

The Famous Writer

By daniel galef.

‘The Famous Writer’ by Daniel Galef is a compelling poem about the effects of fame. The speaker is aware that fame is destructive but wants to experience it for himself. 

by William Blake

‘The Tyger’ is a well-known poem by William Blake. It explores the dark and destructive side of God and his creation.

Tyger Tyger, burning bright, In the forests of the night; What immortal hand or eye, Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

by Sujata Bhatt

‘The Writer’ explores and illustrates the inherent challenges of bringing a story out of your imagination onto the physical page.

The best story of course, is the one you can't write, you won't write, It's something that can only live

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21 Top Examples of Creative Writing

By Rofida Khairalla

Let’s be practical: anyone can be a writer.

Sure, practicing the skill and perfecting the art takes a certain modicum of natural interest in the profession.

But the thing that so many people can often overlook is that being a “writer” isn’t defined by how much you write.

So many times we can get hung up on trying to write a bestselling novel or groundbreaking book that we can forget that there are so many other types of writing out there.

Take a step back for a moment and think about it this way:

Whether you have a blog, a social media page, or spend all day texting that special someone, there’s probably an inner literary genius inside you waiting to burst out on the page.

Maybe you don’t have the time or the patience to write a novel, and that’s okay. There are plenty of different types of writing out there and you can most likely find one category, or several, that allow you to get your thoughts on paper in a way that works for you.

If you’re curious to know more, or are just interested in trying out a new writing genre, we’ve made it easier for you by compiling a list of the top 21 examples of creative writing.

1. Novel Writing

A novel is probably the most popular example of creative writing out there. When you think “creative writing” an image of Stephen King typing madly at his computer is probably the first thing that pops into your head. And that’s okay. Given that novels have been a popular form of entertainment for centuries, it’s not surprising.  Typically what distinguishes a novel from other forms of writing is that novels are usually works of fiction that are longer in length and follow a set of characters and plot structure.

2. Short Stories

When it comes to examples of imaginative writing, not unlike its longer counterpart, the novel, short stories also follow a set plot and typically feature one character or a selection of characters. However, the thing to keep in mind about short stories is that they typically resolve in fewer than 50 pages.

3. Flash Fiction

If you’re up for a real challenge, try your hand at some flash fiction . This type is similar to a short story or novel in the sense that it follows some form of a plot. However, flash fiction usually resolves within a few hundred words or less. There are a few kinds of flash fiction that exist: the six word story, the 50 word story, and the hundred word story. Additionally, flash fiction also has another faction known as sudden fiction, which usually tells a full story in about 750 words.

As an example of imaginative writing, the incredible thing about poetry is that there are so many kinds. From narrative to lyrical and even language poetry there’s so many different ways you can express yourself through a poem. You might be especially interested in pursuing poetry if you enjoy word play or experimenting with the musicality behind words.

Although rap is somewhat of a subcategory of poetry, it’s one of the few forms of poetry that can often get over looked in academic classes. However, it’s probably one of the more contemporary types of poetry available while still sticking to many of the classical rules (or tools) of poetry, including rhyme. Also, it’s one of the areas where the best writers are really produced. The reason for that is because rap forces writers to think on their feet in a way that many other genres don’t.

Playwriting is another great writing style to experiment with, especially if you enjoy the idea of seeing your work come to life. Typically, playwriting involves developing a script that both clearly sets the setting, plot, and characters while also minimizing the amount of description used. One of the key elements of a play is that it’s a collaboration of minds, even though they often don’t work together at the same time. Yet the final product, the performance, is always the end result of work done by the playwright as well as the director, actors and even set designers.

7. Scripts (T.V./Movies)

Like traditional plays, movie or T.V. scripts are often the result of collaboration between a team of people including the cast and crew. However, the big difference is that when you’re writing a T.V. or movie script , you’re often working together with the director and the actors as part of the production team.

Not a fiction writer? No problem! You probably have a unique story worth sharing: it’s called your life. Here’s the deal when it comes to memoirs: the biggest thing to remember is that not everything in your life is considered readership-worthy. In fact, most things probably aren’t. But, most likely, there is a unique angle or perspective that you can take when examining your life.

For example, if you have a really distinctive family history and you’re looking into exploring it, that could be a great subject for a memoir. Maybe you have a really interesting job that exposes you to lots of different people and events on a regular basis; you could write a book about your experiences in that field. The key to writing a good memoir is knowing what angle to take on any subject.

9. Non-Fiction Narratives

Of course, a memoir is just a subsection of a category known as the non-fiction narrative. But not all non-fiction narratives are memoirs. Take for example author Tim Hernandez, who wrote the book Mañana means Heaven . Hernandez writes in a style that is inherently descriptive and interesting, despite the fact that the book’s narrative is mostly based on research and interviews.

10. Songs/Lyrics

Another sector of poetry, songs and lyrics are also a great place where you can express your thoughts and emotions not only through words, but also through music. Whether you’re writing a love ballad or a hymn, there are lots of reasons to enjoy working in this genre. While a lot of this genre is relatively unrestrictive in terms of what you can create, it’s a really good idea to get familiar with the basics of song writing. Especially in an era where so much of the music we hear is impacted by technology, the more you know about the art of song writing, the freer you will be to experiment.

11. Speeches

Speech writing is another great way to express yourself and also reach a wider audience. The thing about speeches is that they are both a form of oral and written text, so the key to writing a really good speech is to take into consideration your phrasing, word choice and syntax. More importantly, the way a speech is delivered can really make or break its success. Practice strong enunciation, confident body language and invoking a clear voice.

12. Greeting Cards

You might hear a lot about greeting cards when people talk about how to make easy money as a writer. But the truth is, being a greeting card writer is anything but easy. You have to be able to keep the greeting card expressions short, catchy and, in a lot of cases, funny. However, if you’ve got the chops to try your hand at a few greeting cards, practice writing limericks and other forms of short poetry. More importantly, read lots of greeting cards to get an idea of how the best writers go about creating the really fun cards that you enjoy purchasing.

It used to be that blogs were the place where teenagers could go to express their teenage angst. But nowadays, blogs are also a great place to be if you’re a writer. There are an unlimited amount of topics you can successfully blog on that will garner attention from audiences. You can use your blog as a forum to share your writing or even reflect on current events, the stock market—really anything! The possibilities are endless, but the key is finding a subject and sticking to it. For example, if you decide to start a blog dedicated to rock music, stick to rock music. Avoid long tangents about politics or other unrelated subjects.

14. Feature Journalism

Feature Journalism is a great place to start if you want to get your feet wet if you’re interested in reporting. Why? Because there are a lot more creative aspects to feature journalism compared to news journalism. Feature stories typically allow you more flexibility with the kinds of details you put into the article, as well as more room for creativity in your lede.

15. Column Writing

If you like the idea of journalism but feel you could never be a journalist in light of your strong opinions, column writing is another avenue you can take. The thing about columns is that they’re typically based in ideas and opinions rather than fact. Yet, because columnists are considered experts in their respective fields, their opinion tends to hold more sway with readers.

As part of the non-fiction narrative family, the personal essay, or even the academic essay, has plenty of elements that are creative. Whether you’re writing about personal experiences or a science project, there are lots of opportunities you have to be creative and hook your reader. Even the most mundane reports have the opportunity to become interesting if you know how to present your topic. As with a lot of non-fiction writing, the secret to writing a good essay is all about your framing. When you begin writing, think about explaining the issue in the most engaging way possible. Just because your writing should cut to the chase doesn’t mean that it should be bland, boring or bogged down in technical jargon. Use anecdotes, clear and concise language, and even humor to express your findings.

17. Twitter Stories

With only 140 characters, how can you tell a story? Well, when you use Twitter, that’s exactly what you’re doing. However, a new phenomenon that’s currently taking over the site is a type of flash fiction called Twitterature, where writers tell a full story or write a poem in 140 characters or less.

18. Comic Strips

If you have a knack for writing and drawing, then you might be especially interested in working on a comic strip. Comic strips are harder project to tackle because they require a lot of preplanning before you start writing. Before you begin drafting you need to know the plot and have a strong outline for how the graphics will look.

19. Collaboration

This is typically a writing exercise that writers do with other writers to expand on their creativity. Essentially the way the exercise works is that one writer will start a story and another will finish it. You might be especially familiar with this kind of work if you’ve ever read the work of an author that was completed AFTER their death. However, collaboration is just another way you can bounce ideas off another person. You can also collaborate with other writers for world building , character development and even general brainstorming.

20. Novella

An example of creative writing, a novella is essentially the love child of a short story and a novel. Although the novella does feature a plot, the plot is typically less complicated compared to that of a novel. Usually novellas are about 50 pages.

21. Genre Writing

Another type of writing that fiction writers can do is genre writing. If you think of popular writers like Stephen King, Nora Roberts and James Patterson, then you’re probably familiar with genre writing. Essentially, genre writing is when a writer explores different stories in one particular genre, like romance, fantasy, or mystery. There’s a huge market out there for genre fiction, which makes it definitely worth pursuing if you a have preference for a particular kind of literature.

The important thing to keep in mind as a writer is that experimentation is never a bad idea. If you’re genuinely curious about one or more items on this list, give it a go! Some of the best literary works were created by accident.

What did you think of our list of 21 creative writing examples? Do you have experience in any of these types of creative writing? Do you know of any other creative writing examples? Please tell us more in the comments box below!

21 Top Examples of Creative Writing is an article from Writing Tips Oasis . Copyright © 2014-2017 Writing Tips Oasis All Rights Reserved

As a graduate from the University of Arizona in English and Creative Writing, Rofida Khairalla’s love for classical literature and post-modern fiction extends beyond the realm of books. She has provided her services independently as a freelance writer, and wrote on the news desk for the student-run newspaper, The Daily Wildcat. As an aspiring children’s book author, she’s refined her craft amongst the grand saguaros of the Southwest, and enjoys playing with her German Shepherd on the slopes of Mount Lemmon.

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Creative Poems

Poems On Creativity

Creativity comes in a variety of forms. Many people think of writing and artwork as the main ways to show creativity, but there are many others. Creating something is a powerful form of self-expression, and it can impact other people. The inspiration to create can be found anywhere. It can be found in the beauty of nature, the relationships that surround us, or the hurt that is within us. When we allow the creative side of our brain to take over, we never know the beauty that will come from it.

25 Creative Poems and Poems about Writing

1 - 20 of 25

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1. The Listeners

Famous Poem

• By Walter De La Mare

‘Is there anybody there?’ said the Traveller, Knocking on the moonlit door; And his horse in the silence champed the grasses Of the forest’s ferny floor:

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• Shares 1551
• Fav orited 8
• Rating 4.18

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2. The Bells

• By Edgar Allan Poe

I. Hear the sledges with the bells— Silver bells!

• Shares 1128
• Fav orited 10
• Rating 4.12

3. Tapestry

• By Lesley Elaine Greenwood
• Published by Family Friend Poems March 2013 with permission of the Author.

Analysis of Form and Technique

If I could take a brush and paint the mountains and the moors, I would splash the hillsides yellow and cover them in gorse. I'd take the finest needle and the darkest thread of green And sew a line of bracken along the landscape. In-between

• Shares 6345
• Fav orited 13
• Rating 4.41

4. What Is Poetry?

• By Alora M. Knight
• Published by Family Friend Poems May 2018 with permission of the Author.

There is more to poetry Than rhythm and rhyme. It's a window to our souls, Undiminished by time.

• Fav orited 44
• Rating 4.34

Beautiful poem! Sometimes I question myself and if I have any business writing poems. Somehow I can see so much talent and beauty in other people's creation but fail to see the beauty in...

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5. Like The Wind

• By Douglas J. Olson
• Published by Family Friend Poems December 2020 with permission of the Author.

Inspiration comes and goes. Sometimes it ebbs, sometimes it flows. There is no rhyme or rhythm here. Sometimes it's far, sometimes it's near.

• Fav orited 11
• Rating 4.59

6. Someday I'll Be Okay!

• By Britaney L. Adams
• Published by Family Friend Poems August 2018 with permission of the Author.

This ink, it runs. This paper is stained Tears run free as I'm stuck in a daze.

• Shares 2805
• Fav orited 59
• Rating 4.55

7. Blank Paper

• By Kym Nunn
• Published by Family Friend Poems March 2014 with permission of the Author.

A piece of colored paper, with no dialogue or animation, can strike a drawer's or writer's utter fascination.

• Rating 4.50

Life is full of regrets. Well lets say I was born to face all these horrible things and make all these mistakes but even today the question is why don't we get caution signs so we can know...

8. A Tapestry Of Memories

• By John P. Read
• Published by Family Friend Poems September 17, 2022 with permission of the Author.

A poem's but a whisper That lingers on the breeze. A few unspoken words Appear like falling leaves.

• Rating 4.48

9. Among The Stars

• By Ann D. Stevenson
• Published by Family Friend Poems September 2020 with permission of the Author.

I see your star, it's shining bright amongst the others of the night, a sight so blessed, as by my eye your soul now rests in symmetry.

• Fav orited 17
• Rating 4.47

That's a real compliment from you, who writes so well, thank you. Best wishes, Ann

10. To An Old House

• By Rick W. Cotton

What have you seen in your hundred years? If asked, what would you say, Of the dozen families that lived in your walls, Of the hundreds of children at play?

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Thank you! So very glad you enjoyed it. As a former realtor, I have walked in many an old house, and always enjoy stopping to listen to the silent stories the houses tell.....they are quite...

11. My Life, The Artwork

• By Binie Harlig
• Published by Family Friend Poems May 2016 with permission of the Author.

Life is a work of art, something you paint or write with your heart, taking care to make every part a symphony of colors or words

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• Fav orited 37
• Rating 4.43

With the symbolic figures in the poem, I have learned that you need to mold life in the way you need it to be in order to live it right.

12. The Writer

• By Bridie S. McPherson
• Published by Family Friend Poems June 19, 2023 with permission of the Author.

She never liked to read, Because she was always in her own head. So she wrote of all the things she knew, And made her own stories instead.

• Fav orited 1
• Rating 4.42

13. Natural

• By Eugene Grinman
• Published by Family Friend Poems September 2018 with permission of the Author.

It just comes naturally to me, I confess. Writing a verse is like taking my next breath.

• Fav orited 30

14. Sitting Here Pen In Hand, Brain In Neutral!

• By Paul L. Kennedy
• Published by Family Friend Poems January 2020 with permission of the Author.

I want to write a poem, but I don't know where to start. Should it be an ode to love and come straight from the heart? Or should it wax lyrical of sky and moon and stars,

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15. Why Can't I Write?

• Published by Family Friend Poems December 8, 2023 with permission of the Author.

Lately, I have really struggled to write, I think of an idea, but I think "no, not tonight." I try and I try, but I can't seem to find my rhyme, I don't have the motivation, and I don't have the time.

• Rating 4.33

I'm sure a lot of us can relate to this poem. We all have moments when the words just won't flow. Well done putting it into a poem. Best wishes, Ann

16. I'm A Beautiful Ugly Book

• By James Ng'uni
• Published by Family Friend Poems March 29, 2024 with permission of the Author.

In a world of books, I am one of a kind, My cover worn and tattered, but my story intertwined. Through countless hands, I've been passed along, A tale of adventure, love, and song.

personifying it as a unique and storied individual in a world of books. It reflects on the enduring magic and treasures found within the worn pages, urging readers to gently explore its...

17. The Old Fella Out At Buck Creek

• By Gordon B. Melton
• Published by Family Friend Poems April 2008 with permission of the Author.

There is an old fella out at Buck Creek He's a little hard of hearing, so be loud when you speak He's lived many years and has seen many things He's as good as an angel but without the wings

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• Rating 4.25

18. Creativity

• Published by Family Friend Poems November 2008 with permission of the Author.

I have no name Until you name me. I have no form Until you shape me.

• Rating 4.24

19. A Place Like This

• By Milo Shumpert
• Published by Family Friend Poems July 2007 with permission of the Author.

It is an early morning I need an island in the sea, Away from you, away from me, Beyond the waves, beyond the wind,

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I love the personal longing for that special place. John

20. What Motivates You?

• By Jordan A Murphy

Though my passion for poetry may be stronger than steel, It symbolizes a vulnerable extension of me I don't usually reveal. Read with care while you dissect every rhyme. My existence is dependent on every poetic line.

• Fav orited 20
• Rating 4.23

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Popular articles in CREATIVE WRITING

Harvest – a..., god’s alphabet..., unashamed blob, stressed how to reverse..., millicent the millipede, poem examples of creative writing.

Listed below are poems which are my examples of creative writing. There is nothing complex about creative writing but in order to be imaginative we often need some kind of stimulation or idea to get us started. As with anything else, the more we do this, and the more we share ideas, the more natural and fast flowing these ideas will come to be. (Have you ever looked at cars from the front and noticed that some headlights look like angry eyes, and others like little puppy-dog eyes….or is that just me?! Since I noticed, I can’t help but see it all the more!) Anyway, often my poems begin with a silly moment, or conversation which is extended by my childish thoughts, and I always find that the moments come from observing people and things around me. I love to write about aliens, for example, as the poem can go in any direction and be as silly and imaginative as the rhyming leads it to be. Sometimes I will begin with an idea for a punchline and work my way towards it (generally the FUNNY POEMS will begin this way) and other times I will be surprised at the progression of the story as it develops by following the lead of the rhyming (generally these become my SILLY POEMS). If you would like ideas for teaching creative writing to children and to stimulate ideas for them look at the TEACHERS PAGE, CREATIVE WRITING on the menu bar above. If you would like to just enjoy my own examples of creative writing poems they are listed below in alphabetical order, although they will also be duplicated into other specific poem categories mentioned above so that they can be found by other means.

Aliens; Look Who’s Green!

by angela on May 3, 2016

Aliens: Look Who’s Green!

The refrain of this rhyming, alien story poem is a great example of assonance.  the poem, as a whole is a story poem but the refrain is written in the style of a list poem..

Last night I saw a UFO descending from the sky. It landed in my garden, but I’d no idea why. The spaceship doors were opened wide, and to my great surprise A stream of aliens came out before my very eyes. [click to continue…]

God’s Alphabet Behaviour Challenge

by angela on May 2, 2016

Christian Poetry

This is one of my christian poems, which i wrote as an alphabet poem, with the challenge to use every letter of the alphabet in order as a key word in the way god asks us to behave..

A is for ALWAYS be honest and true So people can B : BELIEVE in you. C is for COURAGE to stand firm and fight, D for DETERMINED to D O what is right. E for EQUALITY : always aim To treat the world EQUALLY ; always the same, Having the FAITH to seek God’s FACE And live your life by GOD’S GOOD GRACE . [click to continue…]

An Ode to My Childhood Teddy Bear

by angela on April 7, 2016

Creative Writing

Anyone who has ever had a favourite soft toy or a comfort blanket etc will relate to the attachment written about in this list poem..

Oh teddy, you’re so brilliant. I love you, you’re so fine. You only have one eye left, but I’m so glad that you’re mine.

Oh teddy, you’re so cuddly, I love you, you’re so fine Your stuffing is all coming out But I’m still glad you’re mine.

Oh teddy, you’re so fluffy I love you, you’re so fine. Your tummy’s nearly threadbare but That’s how I know you’re mine.

Oh teddy, you’re so soothing I love you, you’re so fine. I wish your lullabies still played…. But never mind; you’re mine!

Oh teddy you’re so unique I love you, you’re so fine. You know so many secrets and Of course, they are all mine!

My teddy’s irreplaceable I love him, he’s so fine I bet you love your teddy too As much as I love mine.

The Virtues of Baked Beans

by angela on April 2, 2016

Silly Poems

This is simply a silly food poem which uses the expectation of the potential rhyming word to cause the amusement, leaving the author guilt free and the reader to blame for their own mischievous mindset!

I know that baked beans are good for your heart But I do not eat them as they make me far t……….oo excitable. [click to continue…]

The Worlds Outside My Window

by angela on March 31, 2016

This children’s poem lists lots of different worlds which each infer something  about themselves simply by their title and spark off a child’s imagination.  I used the poem with an assembly of 5 to 7 year olds and asked them to choose a place and use the title to imagine more about it and describe it in detail, making a fabulous descriptive exercise.

I went into a primary school just the other day. I found that all the children had such a lot to say. They talked of all the places that I didn’t know existed: Details they would not have shared, if I had not persisted. [click to continue…]

  Creative Writing This rhyming children’s poem is the result of simply telling a group of 5 to 7 year olds the title and asking them to describe ‘Wish World’ to me.  It demonstrates how easily inspired young children are to unleash their imaginations!  The poem includes examples of alliteration, and is full of imagery. I […]

Picture This

Nature Poems   I love the calming effect that nature has on me.  This poem is the result of one of those moments when I forced myself to take time out.  It is written as a list poem and uses character reflection and imagery to carry the reader through the gradual process of the changing […]

Five Silly Children

  Silly Poems   Teachers and children alike will be able to relate to this silly children’s list poem about the consequences of cockling on chairs, which includes several examples of alliteration, and a couple of examples of onomatopoeia   Five silly children cockling on their chairs All of a sudden they were caught unawares……

Where Do All Your Ideas Come From?

  Creative Writing   This poem began as a reply to an email that I received which literally began with the words “Where do all your ideas come from?”  I couldn’t resist the temptation to answer in rhyme, to prove my point that every situation presents an opportunity to write!   Where do all my […]

A Letter from Goldilocks

  A Letter from Goldilocks   This fun letter poem is written in rhyme and rhythm as an apology to Baby Bear for breaking his chair.  The entire poem uses the same rhyming phoneme.

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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.

Exploring Poetic Techniques for Creative Writing

June 29, 2023

Being able to write creatively is a skill that can enhance any form of writing. One form of creative writing that often captivates readers and evokes emotions is poetry. Poetry is a unique art form that allows writers to express themselves in a concise and powerful manner. In this article, we will explore various poetic techniques that can be used to enhance creative writing. From understanding the basics of poetry to exploring different types of poems, we will uncover the secrets to crafting captivating verses.

Understanding the Basics of Poetry

Poetry, an art form that has captivated readers for centuries, holds a special place in the realm of literature. Its unique ability to stir emotions and convey profound meaning sets it apart from other forms of writing. To truly appreciate and engage with poetry, it is essential to delve into its techniques and understand its defining characteristics.

Defining Poetry: An Overview

At its core, poetry is a form of literary expression that utilizes the aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language to create a powerful impact on the reader. Through the skillful use of techniques such as meter, rhyme, and imagery, poets craft their words in a way that evokes emotions and paints vivid pictures in the mind of the reader.

Unlike prose, which is written in paragraphs and follows a more straightforward narrative structure, poetry is structured into lines and stanzas. These lines and stanzas not only contribute to the visual appeal of the poem but also serve a deeper purpose. They allow the poet to control the rhythm and pacing of the words, enhancing the overall impact of the poem.

Moreover, poetry often employs figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to convey complex ideas and emotions in a concise and imaginative manner. By using these literary devices, poets create a rich tapestry of words that stimulates the reader's imagination and invites them to explore various layers of meaning.

The Role of Poetry in Creative Writing

Within the realm of creative writing, poetry plays a significant and influential role. It offers writers a unique platform to experiment with language and push the boundaries of expression. The concise nature of poetry forces writers to carefully select each word, resulting in writing that is both powerful and evocative.

When crafting a poem, writers must think outside the box and explore unconventional ways of conveying their thoughts and emotions. This process encourages them to break free from the constraints of traditional storytelling and explore the limitless possibilities of language. By doing so, poets create works that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also intellectually stimulating.

Furthermore, the practice of writing poetry can greatly enhance a writer's overall skills. The ability to express complex ideas in a condensed format is a valuable skill that can be transferred to other forms of writing. By honing their poetic craft, writers develop a heightened sense of language, imagery, and rhythm, allowing them to create more impactful prose and engage readers on a deeper level.

In conclusion, poetry is a powerful form of literary expression that captivates readers with its unique blend of aesthetic qualities and profound meaning. Understanding the basics of poetry, from its defining characteristics to its role in creative writing, allows us to fully appreciate the beauty and impact of this art form.

The Art of Using Metaphors and Similes

Metaphors are figures of speech that compare two unrelated things, creating a fresh perspective and enriching the reader's understanding. In poetry, metaphors allow writers to convey complex emotions and concepts by using vivid and imaginative language. They add depth and evoke strong sensory experiences, effectively transporting the reader into the poet's world.

Imagine a poet crafting a metaphor to describe the feeling of heartbreak. Instead of simply saying "I am sad," the poet might use a metaphor to create a more powerful and evocative image. They might compare the heartbreak to a stormy sea, with crashing waves and dark clouds. This metaphor not only conveys the feeling of sadness but also adds layers of intensity and turmoil to the emotion.

Metaphors have the ability to transform ordinary language into something extraordinary. They can turn the mundane into the magical, the ordinary into the extraordinary. Through metaphors, poets can take their readers on a journey of discovery, inviting them to see the world through a different lens.

The Power of Metaphors in Poetry

In poetry, metaphors have the power to ignite the imagination and create a deeper connection between the reader and the text. By comparing two seemingly unrelated things, metaphors allow poets to express abstract ideas in a concrete and tangible way. They can bring to life emotions, experiences, and concepts that may be difficult to express directly.

Metaphors in poetry often rely on sensory language to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. By appealing to the senses, metaphors can evoke a range of emotions and sensations, making the poem more engaging and memorable. For example, a poet might use a metaphor to describe the feeling of joy as a burst of sunlight, warming the soul and illuminating the world.

Metaphors also have the power to bridge the gap between the known and the unknown. By comparing something familiar to something unfamiliar, metaphors can help readers make sense of abstract or complex ideas. They provide a framework for understanding and interpreting the world around us, allowing us to see connections and relationships that may not be immediately apparent.

Enhancing Imagery with Similes

Similar to metaphors, similes are figures of speech that compare two things. However, unlike metaphors, similes use words such as "like" or "as" to create the comparison. Similes add layers to a poem and enhance its imagery by drawing parallels between seemingly unrelated objects. By incorporating similes, poets can paint vibrant and memorable pictures in the minds of their readers.

Imagine a poet using a simile to describe the beauty of a sunset. Instead of simply saying "The sunset was beautiful," the poet might use a simile to create a more vivid and captivating image. They might say "The sunset was as beautiful as a painting, with hues of orange and pink blending seamlessly across the sky." This simile not only conveys the beauty of the sunset but also adds a visual element to the description, allowing the reader to imagine the scene in greater detail.

Similes can also add depth and complexity to a poem by juxtaposing contrasting elements. By comparing two seemingly unrelated things, similes can create tension and surprise, adding a layer of intrigue to the poem. For example, a poet might use a simile to describe the sound of laughter as "like a melody dancing on the wind," combining the joyousness of laughter with the ethereal quality of music.

Similes, like metaphors, have the power to transport readers to new and unexpected places. They can take us on a journey of discovery, allowing us to see the world through fresh eyes. By incorporating similes into their poetry, writers can engage the reader's imagination and create a more immersive and memorable reading experience.

The Rhythm and Rhyme Scheme in Poetry

Understanding the importance of rhythm.

Rhythm is a crucial element of poetry that gives it a musical quality. It is the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of verse and is essential in creating the desired mood or tone. By varying the rhythm, poets can evoke different emotions and engage the reader's senses. The rhythmic flow of a well-crafted poem can immerse readers in its enchanting cadence.

When it comes to rhythm in poetry, there are various techniques that poets can employ. One such technique is meter, which refers to the regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of verse. Different types of meter, such as iambic pentameter or trochaic tetrameter, can give a poem a distinct rhythm and contribute to its overall musicality.

Furthermore, poets can also utilize other elements to enhance the rhythm of their poetry. For instance, repetition of certain words or phrases can create a rhythmic effect, adding emphasis and reinforcing the desired tone. Additionally, the strategic use of pauses, known as caesuras, can break up the flow of the poem and create a deliberate rhythm that captures the reader's attention.

Mastering the Rhyme Scheme

One of the most recognizable features of poetry is rhyme. Rhyme occurs when the ending sounds of two or more words match. It can create a pleasing and memorable quality to a poem, making it easier for readers to remember and appreciate. Understanding the different rhyme schemes, such as AABB or ABAB, can help poets structure their verses effectively and create harmonious compositions.

There are various types of rhyme that poets can employ to add depth and complexity to their work. Perfect rhyme, for example, is when the ending sounds of two words match exactly, such as "love" and "dove." On the other hand, poets can also experiment with near rhyme, which is when the ending sounds of two words are similar but not identical, such as "moon" and "stone." This allows poets to create a subtle and nuanced rhyme scheme that adds layers of meaning to their poetry.

Furthermore, rhyme scheme is an important aspect of structuring a poem. It refers to the pattern of rhymes at the end of each line in a stanza or throughout the entire poem. By carefully selecting a rhyme scheme, poets can create a sense of order and balance in their verses. Different rhyme schemes, such as the Shakespearean sonnet's ABABCDCDEFEFGG or the Spenserian sonnet's ABABBCBCCDCDEE, offer poets a framework within which they can unleash their creativity and craft powerful compositions.

Exploring Different Types of Poetry

Sonnets and their structure.

Sonnets are a classic form of poetry that originated in Italy. They consist of fourteen lines and follow a specific rhyme scheme. The most famous sonnet form is the Shakespearean sonnet, which is divided into three quatrains and a final couplet. Sonnets provide poets with a structured framework within which they can explore various themes and emotions, resulting in powerful and concise expressions.

The Freedom of Free Verse

Unlike sonnets with their strict rhyme and meter, free verse allows poets to break away from traditional poetry conventions. Free verse enables writers to experiment with form and structure, giving them the freedom to express their thoughts without constraints. It often captures the natural rhythm of human speech and allows for a more conversational and modern style of poetry.

The Compact Power of Haikus

Originating from Japan, haikus are short poems that consist of three lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5. Despite their brevity, haikus can convey profound and poignant messages. They often capture a single moment in nature or evoke emotions through powerful imagery. Haikus challenge poets to distill their thoughts and observations into concise and impactful verse.

The Use of Alliteration and Assonance in Poetry

Adding depth with alliteration.

Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity. It adds a musical quality and enhances the overall rhythm of the poem. Additionally, alliteration can create emphasis and draw attention to specific words or phrases. Skillful use of alliteration enhances the richness of a poem's language, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Creating Mood with Assonance

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words. It adds a melodic quality and can evoke specific moods or emotions. By strategically using assonance, poets can create a sense of harmony or discord, depending on their desired effect. Assonance allows the reader to immerse themselves in the poem's atmosphere, amplifying its impact.

In conclusion, exploring poetic techniques is a valuable endeavor for anyone looking to enhance their creative writing skills. Poetry provides a unique platform for experimenting with language, imagery, and structure. By understanding the basics of poetry, mastering the use of metaphors and similes, exploring rhythm and rhyme, and immersing oneself in different forms of poetry, writers can unlock new dimensions of their creativity. So go ahead, delve into the enchanting world of poetry, and let your words come alive.

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Office of the President

Beginning-of-Semester Campus Message, Fall 2024

Welcome back to campus! The beginning of a new academic year is always one of the most exciting times for all of us in higher education, whether we are students, faculty, or staff. I am energized by the hustle and bustle of welcoming students to campus and getting our classrooms ready for another year of teaching and learning. I hope you also feel energized by a summer that included some time for rest and recreation as well as some space to contemplate goals for the coming year. 

In the next few weeks and months, I look forward to sharing stories of the amazing accomplishments that result from our teaching, research and scholarship, creative endeavors, patient care, and public engagement. I will be sharing those stories across campus, the state, and the country to let people know about the incredible innovation happening on this campus and the difference we’re making in people’s lives.

For example, the UI has long been a leader in cancer research and treatment, and now we are making great efforts to expand our reach to rural communities across Iowa, a state that unfortunately has the second-highest cancer rate in the country. Mary Charlton, professor of epidemiology in the College of Public Health, and Ingrid Lizaragga, clinical professor of surgery in the Carver College of Medicine, have teamed up to devise a plan to help rural hospitals provide the highest level of care for cancer patients so they don’t have to travel as far for treatment. The collaborative network of community hospitals is called the Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network, or I-CAN, and it offers support and strategies to hospitals all across the state.

As the Writing University, we have an abundance of stories to tell. This past year, two of our recently hired writing faculty received prestigious Guggenheim Fellowships, showing that the future of writing at Iowa remains bright. Kaveh Akbar, associate professor and director of the undergraduate English and creative writing major, has published two  books of poetry and serves as the poetry editor for The Nation . He has received numerous other awards, including multiple Pushcart Prizes. Akbar is multitalented, recently publishing his first novel and also loves painting and sculpture. He calls Iowa City and the UI “Narnia for writers,” and I couldn’t agree more! 

Our other Guggenheim winner is Jamel Brinkley, assistant professor in the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, whose short story collection,  A Lucky Man , won the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence and was a finalist for the 2018 National Book Award. His latest short story collection,  Witness , was released last year and was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and other honors. Himself a graduate of the Writers’ Workshop, Brinkley says, “This university is the institutional setting that has allowed me to be my most creative self, in my work and in my teaching.” 

Many of us enjoyed a good swim this summer, and many of us also enjoyed watching Olympic swimmers in Paris. Cathleen Moore, professor of psychological and brain sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Starch Faculty Fellow, has received a $400,000+ grant from the National Institutes of Health to make swimming even safer by studying how lifeguard training can be improved. Lifeguarding involves very complex and constantly changing methods of surveillance, and Moore and her team are researching the limitations of attention and perception using virtual reality technology. Virtual reality in lifeguard training will allow for precise control over the environment and can introduce specific critical events at controlled times to see how perception is impacted. Moore’s ultimate goal is to develop customized environments that simulate real pools and to make the training system available to the public.

I am so pleased to share stories like this that show the remarkable work our university community is doing and the wide-ranging impact it has on the world. I look forward to hearing and sharing many more of these stories in the coming year, and I urge you all to share your own stories with others on campus and with as many as you can outside the university. When people see the differences we are making in their lives, the University of Iowa is strengthened.

Thank you for all you do to make us the best public, flagship university we can be, and best wishes for another successful year!

Barbara J. Wilson President