Inspiring Poetry Prompts for Creative Writing

| Danna Smith

We’ve all been there, pen in hand, waiting for a poem to arrive. Poetry prompts are a great way to get the juices flowing on those inevitable days when a poem doesn’t show up.

Looking at this picture, I began wondering what an orchard might sound like when nobody is around. It would be quiet, for sure, maybe with a bird song or the buzzing of bees. I went deeper and focused on the sound of too-ripe fruit dropping. I hope you enjoy the haiku this photo prompted.

Photo courtesy of Nico Smit
peach, peach,
apple, plum,
orchard drops a melody
©Danna Smith @poetrypop.com

For those of you who are new to photo prompts or those who need a refresher, here’s how you can use a photo to prompt a poem:

  1. Find an image: Choose one that evokes a specific feeling or emotion in you.
  2. Observe closely: Spend a few minutes really looking at the image. Pay attention to details like the colors, shapes, textures, and the overall mood it creates.
  3. Freewrite: Jot down any words or phrases that come to mind as you observe the image. Don’t worry about grammar or structure at this stage.
  4. Focus on sensory details: What do you imagine the image in the photo smells like? Sounds like? Feels like?
  5. Capture the essence: Try to capture the essence of the image in just a few words. What is the most important thing you want to convey about it?
  6. Craft your haiku: Use the 5-7-5 syllable structure or simply three short lines. Experiment with different word choices and imagery to create a vivid and evocative poem.

Tips for writing a good haiku:

  • Focus on nature: Haiku traditionally focuses on nature and the seasons.
  • Use vivid imagery: Use sensory details to create a strong image in the reader’s mind.
  • Embrace simplicity: Haiku is a concise form of poetry. Use as few words as possible to convey your message.
  • Find your own voice: Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your unique style of haiku.

If you’re looking for visual or word prompts, you can visit my page here which includes a fun poetry prompt spinning wheel.

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5 thoughts on “Inspiring Poetry Prompts for Creative Writing”

  2. I can just hear the plops! We have orchards all over our valley, and I LOVE walking near or through them. You’ve captured it just right! Love the photo too! Leftover fruit on trees always make me wonder, why were they not harvested? But wildlife doesn’t care, because they love the free food.

    Reply

  3. I was contacted by Bahtiyar, a reader here on poetry pop who asked me to share her lovely “Infidel Girl.” I hope you enjoy it!:

    INFIDEL GIRL
    Sorrow lives in your eyes too—
    your eyes no longer eat men.
    Your eyes are fasting now,
    your eyes have become devout.
    Twin minarets on your chest—
    your chest, too, has become devout.
    Your feet—on shoulders, an angel.
    Beneath your feet: paradise.
    From head to toe, you’re devout—
    Yet despite all this,
    your bottle-shaped calves prove:
    you are like real wine.
    As the years pass,
    your effect only grows stronger.

    © Infidel girl by Bahtiyar Hidayet Azerbaijan. All rights reserved.

    Reply

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