Writing Prompts: ''Life Lets You---''

Image by Paul Brennan

Free Write Prompt

Fill in the blank. “This is what life does. Life lets you                                      ”   
(Write for 10 minutes.)

Poem Prompt

In your free write, what is the image with the most significance that captures what it is that life has “let you” (allowed you)?  Make that the title of your poem; then write the poem about the big and little things that life has “let you” (allowed you).  Will that image serve as an extended metaphor? Will that image even make an appearance in the poem?  Maybe neither of these?  I’m just asking.  (Write for 10-15 minutes)

Example Poem

This meditative break from CBS Sunday News is a beautiful way to appreciate the bit of magic in what the fisherman has seen "Last night / The channel was full of starfish," and in what the speaker is wondering  "Is this a message, finally, or just another day?" 

Eleanor Lerman has a direct and sincere way of speaking of the practice of writing.  In the opening of the interview, Lerman describes how she became a poet (Leonard Cohen is influential) and whose style was mentoring in her own prose writing (Donald Barthelme, anyone?)   Lerman claims that poetry isn't pre-determined, but flows through the writer.  This is of interest to the PoetryBones group because it seems to echo our discussion about the decisions a poet makes regarding content and structure -- writing that lets the poem's storyline flow happens first and "structuring" comes later. 

The middle of the interview covers Lerman's 25 year break from poetry, during which time she met with mentor writers and explored writing in several genres. 

Eventually at the 13:28 mark, the host asks Lerman if from all of her works (displayed on the interview set) there is a particular poem she would like to read.  She chooses . . . you guessed it, "Starfish."   We wondered how she might read it aloud, pausing at line breaks or at sentence ends,  and now we know!  I will leave you to your own audience with Eleanor Lerman as she discusses the meaning of "Starfish"  and "the way" of and function of a writing practice.

Leave your statements about the interview or about a writing practice in the comments section.  Share any lines from your own writing, as well. 
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