Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 258
A little later with the prompt today, but that's only because I'm shaking off a poetry hangover from last night in Hickory, North Carolina. Happy to report that I met long-time Poetic Asides person, Alessa (or AC) Leming last night. Plus, a few other familiar names in Scott Owens and Helen Losse--and many, many others. Anyway, I didn't get in until super early this morning. Ahem.
For today's prompt, write a care poem. As with many of the prompts, a care poem can be handled (with care) in many different ways: write a poem in which you care about someone (or something); write a poem about a caregiver (or care receiver); write a poem about the Care Bears; or if you don't care about anything, let that guide you.
Here's my attempt at a Care Poem:
"In the news"
There are times when I care about the price
of tea in China, but sometimes I don't.
I feel that only your love will suffice
when men wage war over the cost of rice
and oil, their blood a boiling font.
There are times when I care about the price,
in a way that keeps my checkbook looking nice,
but money will not rule me; it just won't.
I feel that only your love will suffice,
as if your voice ignites my only vice.
Sure, I understand other people count;
there are times when I care about the price,
but I can't chase every cause like mice
in a field. I must pick and choose my want,
and I feel only your love will suffice.
I'll say it just once; okay, maybe twice:
I love you, I love you. It's not a stunt.
There are times when I care about the price,
but tonight only your love will suffice.
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Workshop your poetry!
One tried and true way to grow as a poet (and/or to get out of a poetic rut) is to get feedback on your poems from a trusted source. Enter the Advance Poetry Writing workshop. Next course starts this week.
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Robert Lee Brewer
Robert Lee Brewer is Senior Content Editor of the Writer's Digest Writing Community and a person who often struggles with whether he cares enough about the right things (and what the right things really are). He's the author of Solving the World's Problems, a collection of poems about things he cares about: for instance, global warming, faith, modern living, mental health, connectedness, and various connotations of love. Maybe you care about that stuff too; maybe you don't. Robert is married to the poet Tammy Foster Brewer, and they both care for five wonderful children (four boys and one princess). If you care to follow him on Twitter, you can find him @robertleebrewer.
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Here are some poetic posts (in case you care to check them out):
