I heard a poet say that every poem is a love poem. I of course cannot remember who said that or when or even if I read it rather than heard the statement. Instead, I hear just the words themselves, without context or reference, in my own voice that I hear in my head when I read or am writing or editing, a voice that is nothing like the one I speak in.
This is a beautiful poem, fitting for the events happening now and what is rushing toward us, even those of us who have always before been the witnesses or who chose to turn away.
For the first prompt, write a story or poem using the line “And then, very softly, as the bootsteps came,” as your starting point. Whether you erase the line or keep it (italicized or quoted), remember to credit the poet.
The next prompt is to is to write a poem or story using the following list of words from the poem: “child,” “cellar,” “sky,” “falling,” “scrap,” “lifting,” “lips,” “rain,” “trees” and “joy.”
Last, write a love poem or story for the end times, for what love remains as long as you are here to carry it.
Good luck. Find some joy—make it—and share it.