2026 April PAD Challenge: Day 3
Write a poem a day with poets from around the world for the 2026 April PAD Challenge. For today’s prompt, write an “Open (blank)” poem.
I've been doing this for a while now, and I've long felt that day 3 is one of the most consequential of the challenge. People who make it through the first three days tend to stick around the whole month; so let's make it happen.
For today's prompt, take the phrase "Open (blank)," replace the blank with a new word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write your poem. Possible titles might include: "Open Season," "Open Heart Surgery," "Open Your Eyes," and/or "Open Until Midnight." So keep your mind open and see what saunters in.
Remember: These prompts are springboards to creativity. Use them to expand your possibilities, not limit them.
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Play with poetic forms!
Poetic forms are fun poetic games, and this digital guide collects more than 100 poetic forms, including more established poetic forms (like sestinas and sonnets) and newer invented forms (like golden shovels and fibs).
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Here’s my attempt at an Open Blank Poem:
“Open and Shut,” by Robert Lee Brewer
Each case often seems easy until he appears
with his roommate Doctor Watson in his shadow;
I share my conclusion and then strangle my fears
as he smiles, puffs his pipe, and says, "I don't think so.
You see, there's a smudge of dirt from a far off land
and your suspect is from just down the road; besides,
this dagger has special import from where I stand
for a certain scoundrel who haunts sooty firesides.
No, Lestrade, your killer's surely not the barkeep;
rather, I deduce, you'll find, it's the chimney sweep."
