7-Minute Poetry Challenge #12-I Like . . . I Love . . .
Brown paper packages tied . . .
I like it! I love it! I want some more of it!
That song by Tim McGraw popped into my head when I read this week's poetry challenge. (I hope that's what you're thinking too, if you clicked over for this week' challenge!) And then, after reading the challenge, Julie Andrews, the Von Trapp kids and a thunder storm chimed in--image the cacophony!
Whiskers on . . .
If you're just joining us, welcome! (And if Tim McGraw's song's not your speed, dial up some Sound of Music, grab a pen and let's go:
Raindrops on . .
Poetry Challenge #12
I like…I love…
List five small things that make you really happy. It could be a thrush singing, hot fudge, a puppy, anything. Add specific details to each thing. Make yourself smile. Try to use alliteration (same beginning sounds). Rearrange them until they’re in the best order for your poem.
Set the timer for 7 minutes.
Start writing!
Don’t think about it too much; just do it.
For Inspiration take a listen:
*Cindy and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge more than 620 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!
Want the 7-Minute Stretch sent to your email? Click on SUBSCRIBE to receive email notification when entries are posted on Kelly's Fishbowl
7-Minute Poetry Challenge #11: Don't Be A Turkey!
Thanksgiving is here...or nearly here Gobble Gobble!
The way I learned it, this "Harvest Festival" has been celebrated in the U.S. since the Pilgrims survived that harsh winter of 1621 (with the help of friendly Wampanoag folk), and nationally on and off since 1789 when our 1st Pres, George requested a Congressional Proclamation. And, beginning in 1863 when our 16th Pres. Abe declared the last Thursday in November a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens", every year thereafter.
Sometime along the line--you'll have to do your own search to find out when exactly--the name was shortened and the date was changed to the 4th Thursday of November (Hence my earlier confusion.)
As the date became fixed, so have Thanksgiving Fixin's, which now "traditionally" include pie, stuffing, potatoes, corn, cranberry, gravy, and TURKEY! According to the official White House History website, dear Ole' Abe pardoned the first Thanksgiving Turkey in 1863. Ever since then presidents have been pardoning turkeys, thus leading to this week's 7-Minute Poetry Challenge Prompt:
Poetry Challenge #10
Pardon Me, Pleeease!
Pretend you are the Turkey. . . or the pumpkin, apple pie, potatoes, cranberries and any other food served on Thanksgiving. Write a poem about why you deserve to not be part of this year's feast. Begin with this first line: "Oh, please pardon me..." For extra credit make it rhyme.
For inspiration, here's mine. (We both know you can do better...gobble gobble.)
“Oh, please pardon me
I deserve it don’t you see?
Folks boil, whip and fry me,
A gratin, mash and smash me,
Some dice and slice me,
Others try to hash me.
I’d run if I could, but with no legs I’m too slow.
With so much more to eat,
No one will miss this lowly potato.
I’m dirty and knobby, oh please…
Let me go!”
*Cindy and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge more than 610 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!
Want the 7-Minute Stretch sent to your email? Click on SUBSCRIBE to receive email notification when entries are posted on Kelly's Fishbowl
7-Minute Poetry Challenge #10-And To Think That I Saw It . . .
Kudos Friends for clicking over. If you've been following along, you will notice I have changed the title of this series. It is still a strrrrretch I'm hoping you're up for it!
Recently, in light of our collective efforts to be more culturally sensitive, this book (which was brought to mind by the title of this prompt) is being banned because a mural in the Dr. Suess Museum depicted a scene from this book has been deemed racist. The mural, or that section of the mural, is being replaced. I am not sure where this leaves this first book by the beloved Dr. Seuss. To read or not to read it, is a question for you to decide. To ban it is shut the door on an important conversation.
(As Theo is long gone, he can't weigh in on the discussion.)
And still only a 7-minute commitment. I just shortened the title so we could get to the Challenge faster. Here goes (courtesy of Cindy*) Grab a pen for Big #10!
Poetry Challenge #10
AND TO THINK THAT I SAW IT . . .
List 10 or more things you saw on the bus or in the car this morning on your way to work or school. Or take a walk and list things you see. Pick 5 of the things and put one on each line. Add detail or metaphor (it looks like a…it is as ___ as a ___).
If you can get a friend to do this with you, put your two poems together when you’re both done. Switch every other line. Then read the poem and see if you want to move some lines around to get it in a better order or change some words to make it rhyme (or not rhyme) or sound better.
And if you have more than one friend do this, even better!
Set the timer for 7 minutes.
Start writing!
Don’t think about it too much; just do it.
*Cindy and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge more than 600 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!
Want the 7-Minute Stretch sent to your email? Click on SUBSCRIBE to receive email notification when entries are posted on Kelly's Fishbowl
7-Minute Stretch #9 Poetry Challenge-Yoo Hoo! Santa!
Time’s flying—soon Santa will be too! Naughty or nice, sweet or spice, nobody wants to get left off his list. Officially, the second week in November is “Dear Santa Letter” week. Take a moment to update your wish list, then grab a pen and let ‘er rip:
Poetry Challenge #9
Dear Santa Baby . . .
Write a letter to Santa. If you’ve been “nice” tell Santa why you deserve to be treated especially nice this holiday season. If you’ve been “naughty”… well, you’ve got some explaining to do.
For extra credit, try writing your letter to Santa in rhyme or song lyrics.
For inspiration, listen to the 1953 recording of Eartha Kit singing “Santa Baby,” written by Joan Javits & Philip Springer:
Set the timer for 7 minutes.
Start writing!
Don’t think about it too much; just do it.
And, if you do join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!