Today, write a love poem to the planet or to one tiny backyard plot, a sonnet to the sunset or a trickling stream, an ode to a budding plumeria or bright tulips. Be extravagant. No coyness today.

For inspiration, read W. S. Merwin’s “Gift.” Such beautiful lines.

For an additional prompt, use the last line for a ghostline: “come and be given”; remember to erase the line and give credit to the poet.

For a darker and necessary poem, read Jane Hirshfield’s “Global Warming” and click on the title to listen to the poet read it. Notice how much significance—and warning—such a short poem can hold.

As a challenge, write about this subject—or another one of your choice—using a historical reference and without naming it within the poem but using the title as the connector.