Weekend Writing: Poetry Prompts for National Poetry Month

April is one of my favorite literary months because it's National Poetry Month. Since 1996, the Academy of American Poets has designated the month of April as National Poetry Month, encouraging others to increase appreciation for poetry in the United States. I love that this month unites readers and writers to share their love for poetry with each other. It builds a strong community.

(photo/The Public Library)

While I now appreciate poetry all year long, this hasn't always been the case. In high school, I was intimated by the writing genre because it seemed "too complex" for me to understand. If I couldn't understand it, I certainly didn't like it. There was no way I could write poetry. 

Oh, I was so naive. Back then, I had no idea just how much I needed poetry. Poets write about everything in life--nature, love, loss, mental health, society, illness, anger, curiosity, etc. Every topic could be explored in a poem. Poets pour out their hearts and souls in each piece, confessing everything about themselves. They use imagery to symbolize emotions. Poets write the words we need to read and listen, and I'm glad I made the choice to finally start listening to what these poets are saying. 

Contrary to popular belief, everyone can write poetry. Now, not everyone is going to be like Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, Robert Frost, Sylvia Plath, etc. However, you can write poetry. It doesn't have to be a scary genre. Instead, it's a beautiful genre that allows you to express yourself in a way you might not otherwise experience. 

Writing a poem means paring down your experience to just a few words or phrases. When you write a poem, the challenge is to capture a moment, a feeling, or a fleeting thought. Focus on one particular moment that expresses an emotion or is a metaphor for an idea. For example, if you have experienced heartbreak, write about those emotions. If you have experienced loss, reflect on those emotions and how you felt at the time. 

(photo/Two Writing Teachers)

Include as many details as possible. Poems work best if they're a vivid snapshot of the emotion, the moment, or scene. Sensory details help your readers identify emotionally with your poem. If you're writing about a specific location or nature setting, what do you see? Think about the colors, sounds, tastes, and smells associated with the scene. 

If you're writing about a specific person, what details do you want to include? What does the person look like? What did they say that evokes emotions? What did they do to you (or a speaker) that might be the intention for writing the poem? 

Focus on your emotions and what you want to express. Write down these thoughts in your personal journal. Remember: You don't have to share your poem with anyone. The poem is for yourself--to allow yourself a safe place to express your thoughts in a creative format. 

So, you may think you can't write poetry, but trust me. You can. You can write a poem. You can express your thoughts in a poem. You can write a poem with vivid details and imaginative words. Write the poem for yourself and that's all that matters. 

10 Poetry Prompts 

To get started, please enjoy these poetry prompts. These are designed for both experienced and inexperienced writers. If you have never written a poem before, hopefully, these prompts will inspire you to try writing a poem. 

1. What does your favorite color taste like? Write a poem describing your favorite color as though you could taste it. 

2. Listen to one of your favorite songs. Write a poem inspired by the feelings and emotions you feel while listening to the poem. 

3. Find a favorite recipe. Write a poem inspired by the ingredients, or a poem in the same style as a recipe. 

4. Write a poem about your favorite weather event: snow, rain, thunderstorm, hail, tornado, hurricane, etc. 

5. Write a poem inspired by a circus performer: a trapeze artist, tightrope walkers, acrobats, clowns, jugglers, the ringmaster, animal trainers, etc. 

6. If you were to split open your heart, what would you find? Take readers on a journey inside your heart. 

7. Write a poem about an object you once loved but it got broken, misplaced, or you made the decision to sell or donate it. 

8. Write a poem about body positivity. Write about your least favorite feature on your body, but show it some love. What's beautiful about this part of your body? 

9. What do you hear at night? Write a poem about the sounds you hear at night. 

10. Choose a place you are very familiar with. How has it changed over the past 10 years? Do you still recognize the place? Has it really changed, or have you changed? 

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I hope these poetry prompts spark some creativity and inspire you to write poems. Express your feelings. Feel connected to your inner thoughts. But most importantly, have fun. Poetry isn't scary. It's a fun genre that allows for so much freedom and creativity. Give it a chance. You might be surprised with what you come up with. 

Happy National Poetry Month! Write on. 

-KJL-