“In the not-not-woods” is a poem that rewards multiple readings. I hope you like it as much as I did. If you want to listen to the poet read it aloud, click on this link: https://poets.org/poem/not-not-woods.
For the first prompt, write about moving to a new place and missing the landscape you left, what plants or terrain would you look for and not find. I found the flat, cloudless skies in Texas hard to enjoy at first, although I fell in love with the wildlife and rugged landscape. I still miss its spring bluebonnets and the rocky ledges.
The second prompt is to describe the areas lacking public access. I was surprised by how much of the coast is closed off in areas.
The third prompt is to embed the memories of a loved one within descriptions of the land. What lessons can you remember; can you still hear their voice?
For the next prompt, write a poem using the following list of words from the poem: “gnaws,” “deflated,” “scab,” “fault,” “frothy,” “poison,” ”plumes,” “apologies,” “hemlocks,” “cedars,” “shake” and “wailing.”
The last prompt is to predict what your home will look like in a hundred years. Who and what will remain?
Bonus prompt: write whatever comes to mind with this autumn sunset.
Good luck!