Writing Prompts | Poetry
Poetry Playground Writing Prompt #12
Paint a poem
It is time for another Poetry Playground Prompt! This week we are focusing on the above image.
I used to be part of a monthly poetry writing group with John Lindley, a well-known English poet. John would set us a challenge each month, similar to the prompts offered here. One month the challenge was to write a poem in response to a painting. We were offered a choice of images. The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog was created by Caspar David Friedrich in 1818. It is the painting I chose to write about. When I saw the painting I saw the fog as being the physical sea rather than mountainous fog, so my poem focused on that.
You can read my poem at the end of this article. It may be worth writing your own beforehand so you are not subconsciously influenced by my interpretation.
I invite you to write a poem inspired by the image at the start of this article. It can rhyme, be free verse or be a structure of your choice. You might want to think about how the painting makes you feel, or place yourself in the wanderer’s shoes. What is the wanderer thinking or feeling? How was the journey to get to this place? What lies ahead?
As this is an image-based prompt, please include the image somewhere in your article. It is an old painting so you can use it in your piece as long as you give credit to the artist.
Remember, general poetry submissions are always welcome here.
Welcome to New Writers
This week we have welcomed three new writers: Alearnr, CJ Coop, Khalid Are. We are delighted you’ve joined us. Welcome to all of you!
Let’s open the Poetry Playground!
Last Week’s Gems
Last week’s prompt generated some incredible and heartfelt poetry. Here are just a few examples to read if you haven’t yet done so(please choose at least one to read) :
A beautiful poem of grief and memory by Jennifer Morrison.
The wonder of hindsight in parenthood is explored by Priyanka Sinha.
Alize Henry gives tribute to her Momma.
Janaka Stagnaro writes a poem celebrating the achievements of an incredible wife.
A choice to stay repairs a relationship for Denée King.
We also welcome general submissions. This one from Esther Spurrill-Jones is terrific:
To become a writer for Poetry Playground you can read this article:
Tagging the current writers for Poetry Playground below. Please choose at least one to visit. You might peruse their poetry, or award an article with a clap! This is a Playground where we support each other.
Harry Hogg, Alize Henry, Amy Barlowe, Jackie Olsen, Jason Edmunds, Mariana Busarova, Roger Hawcroft, Brandon Ellrich, Esther Spurrill-Jones, Will Anthony, Robert Ralph, Zivah Avraham, Tuaca Kelly | Write About Now ✍🏼, Portia, Shuvranil Sanyal, Steve Potter, Sheri Jacobs, Reece Beckett, Alistair J. Kraft, Michael Burg, MD (Satire Sommelier) 😬, Logophobic, Let’s Write Cat 🐈, Kitchie McBride, MHA, Kimberley Abraham, Josie P. Julius, Joseph the Dreamer, Jane Claude | Poet, Jackie Olsen, Dan J, Gary Kokaisel (Pixel Floyd), My Cozy Den, David Rudder, a.j. land, Catherine Oceano, Mariana Busarova, Alize Henry, Patricia Timmermans, Amy Barlowe, Bernadine, Robert Austin, Jeannie.Chambers, Derek Reinhard, Dyego Gaspar, Ruth Boukhari, Denée King, Merr Gumm, Priyanka Sinha, Aaren Herron, Gary L Ellis, Janaka Stagnaro, Jennifer Kurecki, erohtar isnam, Bernard Ray, Jennifer Morrison, Justiss Goode | MFR Club Coordinator, Rebel Angel, Gabriela Trofin-Tatár
above the sea of fog
A lifelong journey to this misty dawn where waves crash chaotically, mesmerising susurrations in the fog. Futile, angry attempts to escape ordained boundaries. Trapped. Like me, they have realized the illusion of their freedom. Their wanderings too must end.
I look to the horizon where mountains offer hope of a different point of view.
Can you see it? A place where Leviathan’s reign is but a distant memory.
A figure emerges in the mist, draws closer, beckons.
