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!
