Day 2 - How to write an “I Wish, but I Am” poem

#NationalPoetryMonth ~ Ready to try another one? Well, just because I’ve had several people TRY to say they can’t write a poem; let’s go with another “fill-in-the-blanks” for Day 2, while some people are still getting their “feet wet,” so to speak. I’m just here to encourage you along – you can always write other types of poetry if the poems I feature on any given day just aren’t what you want to write about.

This is known as an “I Wish, but I Am” ~ yep, another poem to reveal just a bit more about you – or not – you can totally make stuff up; whatever.  You can even fill in the blanks as if your dog were doing so. You’re in charge. These lines are just to get you started. This one is so fun and easy that you can write several of them. Or change the beginning words to those that work for you (concentrate on words of feeling and being for the beginning of each line). 

Here we go:

Line 1: I wish I 

Line 2: Like 

Line 3: And I dream

Line 4: I am

Line 5: I used to

Line 6: But now I

Line 7: I seem to

Line 8: But I'm really

So here is one I wrote that is serious and one that is silly (I put the beginning phrases in blue in my examples so you can see how it goes):

On Missing My Son

I wish I could tell you it gets better
Like it was before he was gone
And I dream of him ever so near me
I am once again singing that silly song
I used to take such things for I granted
But now I can see I was wrong
I seem to be getting used to his absence
But I'm really just getting along

        © 2015 Stephanie Abney

Celery and Chocolate

I wish chocolate had zero calories 
Like this celery stick in my hand
And I dream of mouthfuls of ice cream
I am deluding myself it would seem
I used to eat whatever I wanted
But now I eat things that are green
I seem to be getting control of my food
But I'm really just full of whip cream

        © 2015 Stephanie Abney

BTW, obviously, any poetry that is shared in the comments section of this blog is the property of the person who shares it. The poem is their original work and no one may use it in any form without their express permission. It is understood that they own the copyright to it. Just a little reminder. Thanks!! 

And if you choose to post your poems on your own blog – that’s awesome. Please don’t just copy and paste my daily instructions, but rather post your poem and link back to my blog for others to read the instructions. Thank-you.

Let the April Poetry Challenge Commence!!! Day 1 "Yes, that's ME" poem

Well, friends - it's April 1st and this is NO April Fool's Joke - this is a CHALLENGE to write 30 Poems (of all kinds) in 30 Days!! Who is with me?

I have run this challenge twice now (the full 30 days) and it's been such fun. If you think you can't write poetry - I'll prove to you that you can!! So many poems have actual patterns or forms to follow; some are almost "fill in the blank." 

This year I will still include many of the basic poetry forms but there are SO many kinds of poetry out there that I want to include some you may not have ever heard of before. Should be fun!!!    

OK, here’s an easy one to start with (well, easy, except for the being vulnerable part). 

Let’s get to know each other – this is simply a “Fill in the blank” style of poem.

Finish each of these lines by revealing something about yourself – it can be serious our humorous – up to you. When you are done – you will have completed a “Yes, that’s ME” poem.

Yes, that’s me
Look and you’ll see
My hair ____________________
My eyes ___________________
My arms ___________________
My hands__________________
My heart___________________
I’m________________________
I never_____________________
My friends__________________
I live_______________________
I hope______________________
I dream_____________________
It’s all clear as can be 
That’s positively, absolutely me

Here's mine:

Yes, that’s me
Look and you’ll see
My hair has a mind of its own
My eyes see what’s important
My arms still have the strength to hug
My hands are always busy
My heart has been broken but still beats when it should
I’m always learning
I never get bored
My friends are a nice variety
I live to do the best I can
I hope I make a difference
I dream of possibilities
It’s all clear as can be

That’s positively, absolutely me

      © 2015 Stephanie Abney

OK - your turn!! Just fill in the blanks and you'll have created your first poem for the month of APRIL 2015! It's so easy!! WHAT to do with it now that you have written it? 

Well, you can post it HERE in the comments (if you wish) so we can all see how great it turned out. 

You can (and should) keep a little book of your poems for the month. You can post your poem on your own blog - BUT IF YOU USE MY DIRECTIONS from this blog post, please at least link back to me here (getting permission is even better and the most considerate way). 

You can post your completed poem on your FB wall - that's always fun. Come with a cool way to display your poetry for the month and let us know in the comments. Cheers!!