Day 6 2023 - How to write a “What if . . . I might” poem

Y'all are doing great!! This is a fun one . . .

It's basically a “finish the sentence” type of poetry form.

This is a poem that will get you thinking of many possibilities; some thoughtful, others silly, some adventurous, or even fanciful, some surprisingly profound. Let your imagination go or reach deep into your heart. 

SEVEN LINES:

Fill in the blanks any way you want – changing the words you can create dozens of poems. 

No rhyming required unless you choose to rhyme any of the words.

Line #1:  What if ____________________________

Line #2:  I might ____________________________

(leave a space between lines 2 & 3)

Line #3:  What if ____________________________

Line #4:  I could _____________________________

(leave a space between lines 4 & 5)

Line #5:  What if ____________________________

Line #6:  I would_____________________________

(leave a space between lines 6 & 7)

Line #7:  Ask a question.

Here’s a wonderful example poem from a delightful participant in a poetry workshop I presented a few years ago (used with permission):

What if I kissed a big fat frog?

I might gain a rich handsome prince.

What if I took the big frog home?

I might live happily after, since

What if he did become a prince?

I might be quite famous, I ken*;

But then I’d have to consider:

I might have to kiss him again. 

_______________________________

  *ken: Scottish vernacular for “know”

                             © 2019 Buckshot Dot 

Here’s one I wrote years ago: 

What if I danced in the rain?

I might get a little bit wet.

What if I sang at the top of my lungs?

I could land a singing contract, I bet.

What if I went back inside and sat down?

I would never know what I might do.

I wonder, would you be so bold, if it were you?

                           © 2011 Stephanie Abney

PLEASE REMEMBER ~ any poetry found on this blog, written by me, is my personal property and may not be used without my permission, other than sharing it as an example in a lesson or to read it to someone. The same goes for any poems that are shared in the comments of this blog or elsewhere online as a result of this challenge. They are the creative property of the person who writes them. These poems are their original work and no one may use them without their permission. It is understood that they own the copyright to them as soon as they post them. Thanks so much!

Also, if you choose to post your poems on your own blog ~ that’s awesome. But PLEASE don’t just copy and paste my daily instructions, but rather post your poem on your blog or your FB wall or wherever AND LINK BACK TO THIS SPECIFIC BLOG POST for others to come here to read the instructions. I’ve spent considerable time researching the poetry forms and writing them up to share with you. Thanks for respecting my work.