Summary

Paper Poetry is hosting a month-long poetry prompt for December, inviting writers to submit poems that reflect on what makes the month uniquely December to them, with no specific form or theme required beyond this focus.

Abstract

The Paper Poetry community is transitioning from its November rhyming poetry prompt to a new theme for December, titled "Decidedly December." This prompt encourages poets to explore and express what signifies the essence of December for them, whether it be festive decorations, snow, cultural observances, or personal reflections and emotions associated with the month. Submissions are open from December 1 to December 31, with a minimum requirement of 10 words, 3 lines, and the inclusion of "Decidedly December" as a kicker in the poem. Participants are also asked to incorporate at least one image with a handwritten or handcrafted element. The initiative aims to celebrate the unique factors that define the last month of the year and invites new writers to join the community by submitting their work.

Opinions

The organizers express a sense of warmth and coziness associated with December, emphasizing it as a time for forgiveness, love, family gatherings, and closure.
There is an appreciation for the diverse and rich responses to the previous month's poetry prompt, with the editorial team expressing admiration for the submissions received.
The December prompt is seen as an opportunity for writers to reflect on the defining elements of the month, with examples provided such as Christmas traditions, winter weather, and personal growth or resolutions.
The prompt is designed to be inclusive, allowing for a wide range of interpretations and creative expressions, with the only stipulation being that it encapsulates the spirit of December.
The inclusion of a visual component in the submissions is intended to add a personal and artistic touch to the poems, aligning with the community's focus on creativity and craftsmanship.
The community values the sense of closure and new beginnings that December represents, encouraging writers to capture this in their work.
There is an open invitation for new writers to participate, indicating a welcoming and supportive environment for emerging talent within the Paper Poetry community.

MONTH-LONG POETRY PROMPT

Decidedly December

Last beautiful ‘ber’ month

As the white snowflakes supersede the yellow, orange, brown and red Dawn comes late, for Santa we wait The month of lights The last beautiful ‘ber’ month is in sight It is a time of closure Holiday season is round the corner It is Decidedly December

Welcome Paper Poetry friends,

Finally we are in last beautiful ‘ber’ month.

There is decidedly something in the cool December air. The festivities are up. Homes, offices, schools, streets, malls are adorned with rich Christmas decorations. 🎄

December decidedly gives us a warm and cozy feeling. It is the time of the year to forgive, forget and spread love. It is the time for family gatherings, creating memories and not to forget the gifts. Decidedly Santa and his elves are busiest at this time. 🎅

It is also a time for closure. Closure of anything hindering our peace of mind. Closure to any animosity, grudges. It is the time to make amends and tie lose ends.

Having said this rings the bell for our December poetry prompt. 🔔

But before we move on to the December prompt, let’s give a loving closure to the November prompt.

Poember November prompt poems

Paper Poetry just wrapped up the Poember November rhyming poetry prompt by Carolyn Hastings.

Poember November

It’s all in the rhyme

medium.com

We are thrilled with the love showered on this prompt by you all. Paper Poetry’s editorial team is in awe of each of the submissions and trust us, we read all the poems. How can we deny ourselves such aesthetic pleasure? ❤️

Below is the list of gems of the Poember November responses. Kindly have a look 👀

🔷Back to Writing — Megan Nicole Morgan 🔷I Will Draw My Trouble Away — Mia Verita 🔷November — Megan Nicole Morgan 🔷I Spent The Day With The Little Prince — Selma 🔷Guess What, Loquat? — Carolyn Hastings 🔷Enjoy the Fall Foliage — Megan Nicole Morgan 🔷Carhenge — Jenine "Jeni" Bsharah Baines 🔷On This Vibrant Road — Gloria D. Gonsalves 🔷Twittle the Day Away — Denise Darby 🔷Dragon Blowing Glass Domes on the Hillside — William J Spirdione 🔷A Tanaga and Twittle Unite! Megan Nicole Morgan 🔷The Faraway Dream — Priyanka Srivastava 🔷On Today’s Menu, A Spell — Aza Y. Alam 🔷Life of a Leaf — Megan Nicole Morgan 🔷She Never Wanted Him to Know — Carolyn Hastings 🔷Reds are Sweet, Whites are Sour, Get a Front Seat in the Power Hour — Selma 🔷Everything Dies — Carolyn F. Chryst, Ph.D. 🔷We Are Here to Answer Your Call — Megan Nicole Morgan 🔷A Moon Lit Forest Feeling Mightily Magnetic — William J Spirdione 🔷The Lion Cap — Irdandy Fidastra 🔷Let’s Give Thanks Without All the Stuffing —William J Spirdione 🔷Honey, Estimated — Irdandy Fidastra 🔷Rhymes in By Lanes — Monoreena Acharjee Majumdar 🔷Seasonal Blues — Krystal 🔷Palpitations —Dr. Fatima Imam 🔷Poember November Tribute — Megan Nicole Morgan 🔷When Words Are True Friends — Carolyn Hastings 🔷I Remember, I Remember — Selma 🔷Scramble — Dr. Fatima Imam 🔷Nature —Megan Nicole Morgan 🔷Her Sweet Face Stole My Heart — Carolyn Hastings

A big heartfelt sincere thank you 🙏 to you all.

Decidedly December Prompt Details

Now moving on to the December Prompt. 😊

As we move on with love and hope, Paper Poetry wishes to reflect on

👉 what makes December definitely a December for you.

👉 what is the element which makes your heart say, “it is decidedly December now.”

👉 what is the denominating factor for December for you?

Prompt: Decidedly December

Form: any form

Theme: your choice. But reflecting something of a deciding factor which makes you feel it is December. Few examples could be (but not limited to)

Christmas bells, carols, decorations
Snow
Holiday season
Religious/Spiritual/Cultural observances
Mistakes, realizations , closures, making amends
Sadness and Happiness
Festivities, Family Gatherings
Look back and Look forward

Word limit: minimum 10 words

Line limit: minimum 3 lines

Title/subtitle/kicker: please use ‘Decidedly December’ as the kicker; your choice of title and subtitle

Tags: please use ‘Decidedly December’ tag when submitting your poem

Image: minimum one image; maximum two images Please note: one of the images must incorporate a handwritten/handcrafted element in either paper or digital format in accordance with Paper Poetry’s submission guidelines. For example: a handwritten segment of your poem, a decorative title, an illustration that depicts an aspect of your poem, a digitally modified free-to-use image or personal photo that relates to your poem.

Extensions: Please include a promotional link to this prompt and invite (handle tag) up to five other writers to join the prompt.

Submission period: Thursday, December 1 (UTC-10hrs, Cook Islands 12:00am) — Saturday, December 31 (UTC-10hrs, Cook Islands 11:59 pm)

We welcome new writers to join the prompt. Please leave a comment requesting to be added as a writer and include your Medium @ handle; or email us at [email protected]

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It’s time to decide!

Indubala Kachhawa