Some poems are terrifying: “The Mother” by Lydia Davis for example. Notice how the poem is a story that builds intensity with its simple language and repetition. It has the feel of a children’s book like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie but for homicidal mothers instead of a demanding (but adorable) mouse.

For the first prompt, write a narrative prose poem that portrays a scene between parent and child.

For the next prompt, use the pattern of a line of action followed by a line of dialogue. Try writing it one one or more stanzas and then revise it into a prose poem. What changes? Which form works best for it?

For the third prompt, Mad Lib this poem by replacing all the verbs and nouns, but do not allow yourself to repeat any of the verbs.

For the last prompt, use “But how much better if it were a real house” as a ghostline. Remember to erase the line and acknowledge the poet.