I had heard Kathryn de Lancellotti read many of these poems at her book launch and immediately ordered the book—but had misplaced the entire shipment. I heartily recommend this book to everyone. You can purchase from the publisher here (full disclosure: many of my friends are involved with Moon Tide Press, and I have had poems published in its anthologies).

It was incredibly difficult to choose which poem to select for prompts, but I could not resist the beautiful language and imagery of “These Walls.”

For the first prompt, take the line “I would have never seen if not for the” and fill in your own image to use as a first line. See where you go from there.

For the second prompt, write a poem about advice you were given and what you did instead.

For the last prompt, begin a list of every medicine, self-medication, escapism or addition you’ve tried and where you are now.

Good luck writing and reading!