2026 April PAD Challenge: Day 9
Write a poem a day with poets from around the world for the 2026 April PAD Challenge. For today’s prompt, write a “(blank) But (blank)” poem.
For today's prompt, take the phrase "(blank) But (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: "Minivan But It Has Feelings," "Rabbit But Not a Bunny," "Upside But Not Down," and/or "In Florida But There's Snow." Write a poem but have fun with it.
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 a "Blank But Blank" Poem:
“Open but Shut,” by Robert Lee Brewer
Moriarty is so clever
that even Sherlock seems in shock
with how M. pulls every lever;
yeah, Moriarty's so clever,
but Sherlock really should sever
this "Napoleon of Crime" talk.
Sure, Moriarty's so clever
that even Sherlock seems in shock.
(Yes, I went triolet for the second day in a row, and it was a little choppy, but sometimes I'm just trying to write myself to another day; and that's OK.)
