Writing Exercise #5: Eight Line Poem

This week’s exercise takes us back to basics with poetry. It can be done in ten minutes and is easy enough for even the least poetic of us to complete. Thanks to the spectacular Rally & Broad for sharing this one with us.

Create a poem of at least 8 lines that uses the same phrase to start each line. The lists below will help you choose a phrase to start each line and suggests themes to explore. You can choose carefully or close your eyes and put your finger randomly on the screen. Write about whichever theme you land nearest.

Line starters
This is…
I am…
It is…
They say…
Once…
Let us…
I saw…
Because…
I have…

Themes
Hope
Sadness
Love
Fear
Nature
Friendship
Beauty
Silence
Uncertainty

For the best results, set a timer for ten minutes and get your ideas down on paper without deliberating too much. Once you are finished, you can share your poem via Twitter, Facebook or the online forum.

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