The Next IdeaStream
How Bad Can You Be?
More inspiration for creative change…
We’ve got so many cultural reference points for the word bad, I thought it might be a fun way to anchor this IdeaStream. When the word bad becomes a term of utmost praise, is the world standing on its head or turned inside out? And what does it mean exactly to be a bad influence?
In a society where racial injustice, ignorance, and runaway greed are the norm, isn’t it better to be a bad influence — ie a force for change? When you were a teenager, were you warned to stay away from the bad boys and girls. Or were you one of them?
So in this context, does bad mean rebel? With or without a cause? Micheal Jackson turned bad into an anthem in his song of that name. And what kind of influence was he? Good bad or bad bad? And on it goes…If you want your poems and stories to appear under the tab IdeaStream up top, please put Ideastream as one of your tags when you submit. Thanks. So let’s begin:
Poetry Salvage
Use these ten words to write a poem. Or prose if you prefer.
- bad — are you surprised?
- mad
- rad — I’m helping you out here!
- rebel
- motorcycle
- forbidden
- conjugate
- congregate
- pickle
- nickel
Mix and Mash
Here’s a list of words. Use at least ten of them in a poem, essay, or short fiction piece. Don’t think about it ahead of time. Grab words at random, or based on how they sound or your favorite letters of the alphabet, or number of syllables. Then play with them and let them reveal their form and message. Above all else, have fun! That’s an odor, I mean order!!!
bad…mad…rad…fad…sad…glad…pad…pickle…nickel…fickle…conjugate…congregate…constipation…adoration…nation…stimulation…rebel…motorcycle…platform…engine…calipers…calibrate…articulate…legislate…matriculate…prostrate….prostate….delicious…formulate…dry…fumigate…narsicist…manicure…manure…pedicure…fumble…mumble.
Most recent poetry salvage:
Caroline de Braganza reminds us that #Black Lives Matter globally:
Marilyn Flower writes about and despite loud noises:
Limerick Corner
Limerick Starter:
I don’t know what you mean by the word bad
But the state of the world makes me real mad
Last time’s contenders:
Caroline de Braganza shared the South African perspective:
Marilyn Flower can’t help but call out our illustrious president:
100 * 250 * 500 *1000
Write 100 words about the world in a grain of sand.
Write 250 words about what the word bad means to you.
Write 500 words about a childhood hero or idol.
Write 1000 words on how your philosophy of life has evolved over the years.
Offerings from last week
Jimmy Doom tells how a book about so-called bad boys helped him:
Marilyn Flower tried hard not to violate copyright law in her piece:
Not About to Throw Away My Shot!
How seeing the Broadway Musical Hamiton changed my life.
medium.com
Recommend Reads
Nothing above moving you? Sample these stories…
by Joe Duncan
by Chris Hedges
by Pete Ross
by Reuben Salsa
Does Cancel Culture Leave Room for Forgiveness?
Jenna Marbles and the admittance of guilt
medium.com
by Ryan Fan
by Asil Fenn
Marilyn Flower writes political humor and satire to delight socially and spiritually conscious folks. She’s a regular columnist for the prison newsletter, Freedom Anywhere, where she writes about faith and prayer. Five of her short plays have been produced in San Francisco. Clowning and improvisation strengthen her resolve during these crazy times.
