2011 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Day 4

Since we’re working toward completing a chapbook during this challenge, I should mention that I still have around 15 or so copies of my limited edition chapbook ESCAPE available. ESCAPE…

Since we're working toward completing a chapbook during this challenge, I should mention that I still have around 15 or so copies of my limited edition chapbook ESCAPE available. ESCAPE collects 22 poems (many that found homes in publications) written around a loose form and theme. Readers have said the poems "are on fire" and that it's even better than my earlier sold out ENTER collection. If you're interested, you can reserve a copy of ESCAPE by sending an e-mail to robertleebrewer@gmail.com with the subject line: I Need an Escape. The book costs $10 (including shipping to anywhere in the world). Click here to read one of the poems from the collection

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For today's prompt, write a poem about finding something unexpected. Maybe it's a note from a friend or a bag filled with money (or guns). Maybe it's finding a lover with someone who's not you. Or finding a secluded place to sit in the middle of the forest and think.

Here's my attempt:

"Too Good to Be True"

When you find a great house that seems too good
to be true (for the price), odds are above
average that it's haunted. Maybe love
drove the husband mad or the neighborhood
harbors a secret. Tragic accidents
are possible as well. Or a graveyard
was disturbed by a part of its backyard,
and you'll need a priest to read sacraments.
But seriously, there is most likely
something wrong, especially if the schools
are wonderful and electricity
and pipes all work. Don't let yourself be fooled
by a dream house that's too good to be true,
because it could someday be haunting you.

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Follow me on Twitter @robertleebrewer

While you're there, discuss the challenge and poetry with the #novpad hashtag.

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In Creating Poetry, by John Drury, poets will learn how to develop a poetic sensitivity, learn the fundamental tools of writing poetry, refine sight and insight, and so much more!

Robert Lee Brewer is Senior Editor of Writer's Digest, which includes managing the content on WritersDigest.com and programming virtual conferences. He's the author of 40 Plot Twist Prompts for Writers: Writing Ideas for Bending Stories in New Directions, The Complete Guide of Poetic Forms: 100+ Poetic Form Definitions and Examples for Poets, Poem-a-Day: 365 Poetry Writing Prompts for a Year of Poeming, and more. Also, he's the editor of Writer's Market, Poet's Market, and Guide to Literary Agents. Follow him on Twitter @robertleebrewer.