Words have so many meanings, layered and even obscuring or contradicting one another; some meanings are recorded definitions but others private associations. For me, “contentment” contains satisfaction, yes, but also peace and a quiet joy, not limitation nor smug self-satisfaction; it is entirely positive. Susan Leary’s poem “Clean” first uses “clean” with laundry and then to less simple meanings, building a poem around its connotations and associations for her and her relationship to her brother. It is beautiful and generous.
For the first prompt, choose a common word that has deep significance for you, using the word as the title and layering images to invoke its multiple meanings and finally ending on the word. This prompt can work for a poem, essay or even a short story.
The second prompt is to begin a poem or story with a call, not necessarily about a death or an emergency, but one that galvanizes the subsequent actions or reflections.
The third is to write a story or poem using the following list of words: “call,” “house,” “standing,” “couch,” “fatigue,” “stretched,” “shovels,” “summery,” “ocean” and “clean.” Try to switch the usage from noun to verb or vice versa.
Another prompt is to use the phrase “while it seems so symbolic, it’s all rather simple” as a ghostline, remembering to erase the line after you’ve finished the poem and to give credit to the poet.
For the final prompt, write a series of explanations as a Rube Goldberg machine of cause and effect. If you want musical accompaniment or just want to watch a fun Rube Goldberg Machine, here is Okay Go’s “This Too Shall Pass”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w.
For a bonus prompt, use the following Venn diagram to inspire a poem or story. Or find another or, please, create your own and share:
Final bonus prompt: write whatever this photo of the beach at San Clemente inspires.
Good luck writing and have fun reading.