avatarJonny Masters

Summary

Poetry Playground is a platform that encourages poets to engage with weekly prompts, submit their work, and participate in a community of writers and readers.

Abstract

Poetry Playground is an online community dedicated to the art of poetry, inviting poets to explore their creativity through weekly prompts that can range from thematic ideas to specific forms like limericks or sonnets. The platform emphasizes the importance of connecting with readers and welcomes a diverse array of poetic styles, from thought-provoking to humorous. Submissions are open to all, with the option for poets to provide context for their work, though the emphasis is on the poetry to stand alone. The community values feedback, encouraging members to engage with each other's work constructively. Poets are also encouraged to be visually creative with their presentation on Medium, ensuring proper image credits when used. To become a writer for Poetry Playground, one must follow the publication and respond to the invitation article. The publication aims to publish submitted poetry within 48 hours, with a hands-off approach to editing to preserve the poet's original intent.

Opinions

  • The platform believes that the best poetry resonates emotionally with its audience, as evidenced by the quotes from readers who have been deeply moved by the poems.
  • Poetry Playground values flexibility and creativity, as it does not enforce strict rules on adherence to the weekly prompts, allowing poets to interpret them freely.
  • Feedback is considered an essential part of the poetic process, with the community encouraged to provide constructive criticism on aspects like imagery, language clarity, and the use of metaphors.
  • The publication acknowledges the importance of visual presentation in poetry, advising contributors to utilize Medium's formatting options while respecting copyright by crediting images appropriately.
  • There is an inclusive approach to poetry, with the platform welcoming a broad spectrum of poetic expression, including serious, humorous, and nonsensical works.
  • The editorial policy respects the integrity of the poet's work, choosing not to edit submissions to maintain the originality and intent of the poet.

Welcome to the Playground

Let the play begin!

Image created by Alex Masters, used with permission

“That means so much to me. Thank you.”

“This is so profound.”

“I am crying now.”

The best poetry connects with people. Here at Poetry Playground we want to encourage you to play with the art of poetry as you seek to connect people to your work.

Weekly Prompt

We offer a weekly prompt for you to play with. Sometimes this will be a suggestion of form — a limerick, sonnet or nonet, for example. Usually it will be a theme or a picture. The idea is that it will spark some inspiration and let you experiment with different forms, ideas and concepts.

The writing prompt is a suggestion only — there are not set rules to poetry. You can stick to it as closely or as loosely as you choose, or not at all. You are invited to play with your poetry, offer your ideas and be open to feed back. Take the time to offer your feed back to others. Does a poem bring vivid images to mind? Could the language be crisper? Is there a metaphor that took you by surprise?

General Submissions

We welcome submissions unrelated to the weekly prompts as well. Thought-provoking poetry, humorous poetry and plain nonsense poetry are all welcome! The more poetry we can read and share, the better poets we become.

Submission Guidelines

Follow Medium guidelines.

Update: Please include the tag ‘Poetry Playground’ as one of your tags.

You may introduce your poem or close it with an explanation of its meaning. However, if possible, try to let it speak for itself. Some writers choose to add a short note at the end.

Experiment with how your poem can look on Medium. There are some restrictions because of the format, but be as creative as you can.

To single space lines hold ‘shift’ and press ‘enter’.

If you post an image with your poem, which we recommend, give credit and make sure you have permission to use it.

How to become a writer for Poetry Playground

Follow us and leave a response in this article letting us know you want to write for us, and we will add you as a writer.

How long does it take to publish poetry here?

We will aim to get work published within 48 hours, but sooner if possible. We will not usually edit your work because poems can deliberately have spelling or grammatical errors, so make sure your poem is the standard you want it to be when you submit it.

Poetry
Poetry On Medium
Poetry Writing
Writing Prompts
Poetry Playground
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