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Poetry Challenge #109-Dictionary Roulette
I love dictionaries! It’s an excellent way to procrastinate . . . and expand one’s vocab—always a good thing. Best, words lead to ideas…and actions! So grab a dictionary and let’s GO!
Here’s mine…show me yours!
If you don’t have a physical dictionary (Borrow a library copy or Go buy one!!! You should have one!!!), you can use a website such as m-w.com or dictionary.com and look for a list of words of the day.
Poetry Challenge #109
Dictionary Roulette
Yes! You can borrow my dictionary.
One of my favorite prompts when I get stuck with any writing is to take a dictionary, open to a random page, and write down the first word I see. Sometimes I roll three dice and open to that page. Sometimes I have someone pick a number between 1 and 948 (the number of pages in my favorite dictionary) and then another number between 1 and 68 (the average number of words on the two pages) and I find my word that way.
Using the Close-Your-Eyes-and-Point method, Roll-the-Dice method, Pick-A-Number method, find 5 words. Write a 5-line poem using all 5 words.
Pick 5 Words
Set the timer for 7 minutes.
Start writing!
Don’t think about it too much; just do it.
*Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge 1260++ days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. (This one is Cindy’s.) If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.
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Poetry Challenge #108-Let's Hear It For Teddy!
“Wait! Where’s my Noy-Noy?”
Is it a coincidence that National Bring Your Teddy to School/Work Day and National Stop Bullying Day fall on the same day? (The Second Wednesday in October (Oct 9, 2019) I don’t think so. How many of us had a favorite Teddy—by “Teddy” I mean that bunny, stuffie, blankie, lovie, bear or otherwise you loved as a child? Mine was named “Noy-Noy.” All these years later I still recall times when it seemed Noy-Noy was my only friend.
Likewise, how many of us recall being teased about that beloved Teddy? Or having been shamed into leaving it behind? Bernard Waber’s Ira Sleeps Over immediately comes to mind.
For that matter, how many of us have discarded, lost, ignored, stuffed into a box, closet, attic, under the bed . . . that beloved Teddy?
What about Me?
Poetry Challenge #108
This One’s for Teddy!
Climb into your attic (metaphoric or otherwise) take out your beloved Teddy, dust it off and give it a big hug—in the form of a poem.
Begin by taking a moment to recall your Teddy.
What does it look like? What did it feel like? And more, what did holding it make you feel? Did you and your Teddy go on adventures together? Can you think of a recent time you wish you had Teddy?
Drawing on these moments, write Teddy a poem. Let your Teddy’s name be the title of the poem.
Give Your “Teddy” a mental (or real-time) hug
Set the timer for 7 Minutes
Start Writing!
Jack with his dragon from Deb Pilutti
Let’s Here it for Teddy Picture Book List:
*Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge 1260++ days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.
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Poetry Challenge #107-Baby, You Can Name My Car!
According to a car nickname website, if you love your car, it’s normal to give it a name. Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang was named for the sound the car made. The Magic Schoolbus was magic and a schoolbus. Scooby-Doo’s Mystery Machine was just that.
Herbie the Love Bug, Lightning McQueen from Cars, Kit from Knight Rider, and Bandit from Smokey and the Bandit. If you need more reason than that , there’s this: October 2nd is National Name Your Car Day!
Poetry Challenge #107
Baby, You Can Name Your Car!
Think about a car or other mode of transportation you use—EQUAL RIGHTS FOR BIKES!!!
Jot down some words that describe it. What’s its shape? color? size? Does it run well? Make any strange noises? Where does it like to go best? What might you name your car that makes you think of any/all of these things?
An ode is a poem of praise. Let’s write an ode to your car with these restrictions:
First line: One word—maybe the brand of your car, the model, or just the word “car”.
Second line: Two words—two adjectives describing the car (color, size, # of doors, etc.)
Third line: Three words—What does your car do?
Fourth line: Two words—How does your car make you feel?
Fifth line: One word—Surprise! Your car’s name!
Get writing! VROOOOOOOOM!
National Name Your Car Playlist:
Baby You Can Drive My Car by The Beatles (You get the idea.)
*Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge 1260+ days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. (This one was Cindy’s.) If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.
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Poetry Challenge #106-Lobster Day
World’s Lobster in Shediac, New Brunswick
Yeah! It’s National Lobster Day! (Yes, there is such a thing.*) In honor of these claw-clacking crustaceans, write a lobster poem. But not just any lobster poem.
Poetry Challenge #106
Lobster Day
What comes to mind when you think of a lobster?
Is it the cola-guzzling lobster in Erin Moulton’s funny, heartful Tracing the Stars?
Diane Keaton’s lobster scene from Annie Hall?
Pilgrimage to the world’s largest lobster?
Or, like me, the last sunset supper of the summer?
Drawing on that lobster experience (or one imagined), list seven words, one beginning with each letter of the word lobster. Use that list to craft a seven-line lobster poem. In addition, the poem might include: a sound, a smell, a location, a texture, and the word “ruckus”.
Set the timer for 7 minutes.
Start writing!
Don’t think about it too much; just get cracking!
* More about National Lobster Day: “In 2014, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins of Maine drafted a joint resolution designating September 25 as National Lobster Day. Recognizing the men and women in an industry with a long and rich heritage, the proclamation celebrates the lobster from sea to table.” (National Day Calendar)
**Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge more than 1250 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.
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Poetry Challenge #105-Happy Birthday to You-Hoo . . . ever!
Happy Birthday! Every day is somebody’s birthday! Who do you know who has a birthday coming up soon?
Poetry Challenge #105
Happy Birthday to You-Know-Who!!!!
Can you write a poem to that person telling them why they’re special or what they mean to you?
Work on it until every word is exactly the one you want.
Do you want your poem to rhyme?
Do you want it to have a certain number of syllables on a line?
Is it a list poem or a story? You get to decide.
You can even give it to the person as a birthday gift!
Set the timer for 7 minutes.
Start writing!
Don’t think about it too much; just do it.
Wouldn’t be much of a birthday without a song. Here Goes: YOU SAY IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY by the Beatles
*Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge more than 1200 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.
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