These next prompts are inspired by Laura Eve Engel’s “My New Grief,” shared by Sam Sax. For the first prompt, use the first line of the poem “If there is new grief” as a ghostline. Don’t forget to erase the line after you’ve finished the poem (does that ever happen?) and give credit to the poet.
For the next prompt, make a list of griefs or fears. Which is the newest? Write a poem in which the new grief or sorrow meets your old, familiar worries/sorrows for drinks or for coffee. What do they talk about? Which one dominates the conversation? Which others give away and listen respectfully? Who pays the bill; do they divide it equally? Which tips the most? Which leaves first?
For the last prompt, make a list of things you did not do. Use “like it’s something I own” as your title.
