“Someone has to”—Prompts Inspired by Wislawa Szymborska

So here we are in another bullshit war that will kill civilians, further destabilize an entire region, create refugees to be denied entry and their humanity, waste billions of money and justify the loss of more rights here and abroad, all cheered on by the same liars and racists but now with the bonus of genocide.

So here is a powerful poem about war, the slow rebuilding after loss and destruction and whatever lessons learned are forgotten. Yes, it is beautifully written—skillful use of sound and imagery—but the ones who need to read it won’t, so let’s write a poem to shout at the worthless fuckers.

For the first prompt, make a list of cleaning tasks or repairs. Now take that list and expand those tasks to a city or countryside awaiting destruction, reversing the order. End your poem or story with the first bomb dropped, bullet fired, a cloud spinning into a funnel, or the start of rain.

The second prompt is to look at the headlines advocating for this war and find out what the author did during the last war in Iraq. Take a previous op ed or article from that journalist or politician back then and collect the statements that apply to both wars for a list poem. Or make an erasure poem of either article.

For the third, write a story or poem using the following list of words: “tidy,” “rubble,” “sludge,” “shards,” “glaze,” “shirtsleeves,” “shreds,” “rusted,” “cornstalk” and “clouds.”

The next prompt is to write an essay or story about cleaning and rebuilding the exterior/physical that illustrates an emotional/interior healing or recovery.

Another prompt is to write a poem about starting a war or causing a disaster that repeats the phrase “someone has to.”

For the last, write an essay, poem or story to stop a tragedy. “Someone has to.”

Bonus prompt: write about this stand of pine trees lost to the waves from the perspective of the one tree that remains on the beach. Or write whatever this photo inspires.

Good luck.

Humanitarian—Prompts Inspired by Dr. Khawla Badwan

This is a powerful poem about the genocide occurring in Gaza. It is hard not to write of the horrors but is difficult to do so in a way without speaking over the people who need to be heard. So while it is not my story to tell, it is important to share the stories of the people living through these horrors.

For the first prompt, reflect on how the terms “humanitarian” and “aid” are used in an imposed famine. What other terms have likewise been inverted to the point of absurdity or were created to obscure facts? Even syntax deliberately misleads, such as the ridiculous passive voice used bombing or in the US for police officers attacking and murdering civilians and ICE kidnapping and trafficking residents. Newspaper headlines should provide solid examples of propaganda and Orwell’s “newspeak” for a poem or story especially as the U.S. slides further into fascism.

For the second prompt, choose a newspaper article about a targeted group in the U.S. or one abroad for an erasure poem. Cross out any phrases or sentences that originate from the perspective of a more powerful group. What words are left? Or, conversely, cross out statements, words, or even letters—remembering to not add anything—to show the missing viewpoint if you are part of that targeted group or can do so carefully if you are not. It is easy to cause harm even with the best of intentions.

The next prompt is write a story, poem, or essay about a specific event in your life or from your family history that has been either suppressed or distorted. A variation on this prompt is to structure the narrative by filling in the gaps or replacing the euphemisms in an obituary.

Good luck.