Today starts the annual Sealey Challenge began by poet Nicole Sealey ten years ago to encourage people to read more poetry! If you cannot read a chapbook or short collection every day this month, try to read a poem or a few from a collection.
Check out the site for a recommended reading list, for ways to connect to others and for other great ways to participate: https://www.thesealeychallenge.com. I loved the suggestion for parents to participate by reading poems to their children. You can also download the bingo card at the site.
I won’t be able to finish a chapbook and post prompts every day this year, but I hope to post more frequently this month than I have been. I will likely revisit favorite collections and chapbooks.
I reread Natasha Trethewey’s incredible Native Guard last night and cannot recommend it enough.
It was difficult to choose just one poem, but I have been thinking a lot about time and pathways and destinations, that nowhere I go can I leave all of myself behind but everywhere I leave pieces.
For the first prompt, describe a short trip you made: the road signs, scenery and your eventual destination.
The next prompt is to write a list poem of all that “will be waiting when you return” from a trip or a permanent change in your life such as giving birth, marrying or moving away the first time for a job or college.
For the third, use the line “someone will take your picture:” as your title or first line or as a ghostline (erased after you’ve finished the drafting your poem). Be sure to credit the poet for the line.
The last prompt is to write a story or poem using the following list of words: “home,” “south,“ “ticking,” “coast,” “stitches,” “threatening,” “blank,” “board,” “photograph” and “waiting.”
While I usually specify that a prompt is for poetry, a particular poetry form or a short story, please use the prompts for whatever writing you wish to do.
Bonus prompt: write whatever this photograph inspires. Good luck reading poetry this month! Have fun writing!