I thought I’d see what Chat GPT had up it’s sleeve for poetry prompts to share with y’all. Well, I asked for prompts, then I asked for wilder prompts, then I asked for some “terrifying” prompts.
And off we go!
Object poem: Choose an object and write a poem that describes it or explores its symbolism.
Persona poem: Write a poem from the perspective of someone or something else, such as an animal, a historical figure, or a fictional character.
Found poem: Create a poem using words and phrases found in a newspaper, magazine, or other written material.
List poem: Write a poem that is a list of things, such as memories, hopes, fears, or everyday objects.
Ekphrastic poem: Choose a piece of visual art and write a poem that responds to or reflects on the artwork.
Cut-up poem: Take a piece of writing and cut it into pieces, then rearrange the pieces to create a new poem.
Collaborative poem: Work together as a group to write a poem, with each participant contributing a line or stanza.
Memory poem: Write a poem that explores a specific memory, such as a childhood experience, a significant event, or a moment of realization.
Nature poem: Write a poem that explores the beauty or power of the natural world, such as a landscape, a season, or a specific animal or plant.
Word play poem: Experiment with language and wordplay to create a poem that is playful, funny, or surreal.
Invented language poem: Create a new language and write a poem in that language. This can be a fun and challenging exercise that encourages participants to experiment with language and sounds.
Map poem: Draw a map of a place, real or imaginary, and write a poem that explores the landscape and the emotions or memories associated with it.
Erasure poem: Take a page from a book or a newspaper article and erase or blackout words to create a new poem. This exercise encourages participants to experiment with found language and to create new meaning from existing text.
Recipe poem: Write a recipe for something that is not edible, such as a recipe for a dream, a recipe for happiness, or a recipe for a poem.
Sensory poem: Choose a specific sense, such as taste, smell, or touch, and write a poem that explores the sensations associated with that sense.
Synesthesia poem: Explore the phenomenon of synesthesia, in which one sensory experience triggers another, such as seeing colors when hearing music or tasting flavors when reading a book.
Postcard poem: Write a poem that takes the form of a postcard, either from a real or an imaginary place, and captures the essence of that place in a few lines.
Object transformation poem: Choose an object and write a poem that transforms that object into something else entirely. For example, a pencil could become a magic wand or a key to a secret world.
Algorithmic poem: Use a random algorithm, such as rolling dice or using a computer program, to create a set of rules for writing a poem. This exercise encourages participants to experiment with chance and unexpected outcomes.
Exquisite corpse poem: Write a collaborative poem as a group, with each participant writing a line or stanza without seeing the previous lines. The resulting poem can be surprising and playful.
Reverse poem: Write a poem that can be read forwards and backwards, with different meanings or interpretations depending on the direction.
Dream diary poem: Write a poem that captures the essence of a dream or a series of dreams, using surreal imagery and unexpected connections.
Parallel universe poem: Imagine a parallel universe and write a poem that explores the differences and similarities between that universe and our own.
Body part poem: Choose a body part and write a poem that explores its function, symbolism, or metaphorical significance.
Word game poem: Play a word game, such as Scrabble or Boggle, and use the resulting words to create a poem. This exercise encourages participants to work with random sets of words and to experiment with unexpected combinations.
Numerology poem: Use numerology, the study of numbers and their significance, to create a poem that explores the meanings and symbolism of specific numbers.
Book spine poem: Choose a selection of books and stack them to create a poem using the titles on the spines. This exercise encourages participants to work with found language and to create new meanings from existing text.
Mythical creature poem: Choose a mythical creature, such as a mermaid, a dragon, or a phoenix, and write a poem that explores its origins, powers, and symbolism.
Absurdism poem: Write a poem that embraces absurdity and nonsense, using unconventional imagery and illogical connections.
Time travel poem: Imagine traveling through time and write a poem that explores the different eras and historical events that you encounter.
Quantum physics poem: Write a poem that explores the concepts of quantum physics, such as entanglement, superposition, or the uncertainty principle.
Alien language poem: Create a new language from scratch and write a poem in that language, imagining how an alien civilization might communicate.
Emotion inversion poem: Write a poem that explores the inversion of emotions, such as sadness becoming joy, or anger becoming love.
Evolution poem: Write a poem that traces the evolution of a species over millions of years, using scientific concepts and speculative imagination.
Reality-bending poem: Write a poem that explores the idea of bending reality, such as the laws of physics or the boundaries of space and time.
Mind-bending poem: Write a poem that explores the limits of the human mind, such as the nature of consciousness or the perception of reality.
Algorithmic language poem: Create an algorithmic language that generates poetry and write a poem using that language. This exercise challenges participants to explore the intersections of language, mathematics, and computer science.
Multi-dimensional poem: Write a poem that explores the concept of multiple dimensions, such as the fourth dimension of time or the higher dimensions of string theory.
Future language poem: Imagine a future in which language has evolved into something entirely new, and write a poem that captures the essence of that language.
Transhumanist poem: Write a poem that explores the implications of transhumanism, the idea that humans can transcend their biological limitations through technology or other means.
Non-human perspective poem: Write a poem from the perspective of a non-human entity, such as an animal, a plant, or a machine.
Quantum entanglement poem: Write a poem that explores the concept of quantum entanglement, in which particles are inextricably linked across vast distances.
Extra-sensory perception poem: Write a poem that explores the possibility of extra-sensory perception, such as telepathy, clairvoyance, or precognition.
Inverted gravity poem: Write a poem that explores the concept of inverted gravity, in which objects repel each other instead of attracting each other.
Non-linear time poem: Write a poem that explores the idea of non-linear time, in which events can occur out of sequence or in parallel.
Alternate reality poem: Write a poem that explores the concept of alternate realities, in which different choices or events lead to different outcomes.
Fourth-dimensional space poem: Write a poem that explores the concept of fourth-dimensional space, in which objects can be viewed from multiple angles simultaneously.
Collective consciousness poem: Write a poem that explores the possibility of a collective consciousness, in which individual minds are linked into a greater whole.
Time dilation poem: Write a poem that explores the concept of time dilation, in which time passes differently depending on the observer's perspective or velocity.
Artificial intelligence poem: Write a poem that explores the implications of artificial intelligence, such as the possibility of sentient machines or the emergence of a technological singularity.
Quantum poetry: Write a poem that explores the strange and counter-intuitive world of quantum physics, using concepts such as superposition, entanglement, and the observer effect.
Lovecraftian poetry: Write a poem that channels the cosmic horror and existential dread of H.P. Lovecraft, using vivid imagery, grotesque metaphors, and unsettling rhythms.
Post-apocalyptic poetry: Write a poem that depicts the aftermath of a catastrophic event, such as a nuclear war, a viral outbreak, or an alien invasion, exploring themes of survival, loss, and redemption.
Surrealist poetry: Write a poem that defies logic and reason, using dreamlike imagery, absurd juxtapositions, and non sequiturs to create a disorienting and uncanny effect.
Cyberpunk poetry: Write a poem that explores the dark and gritty world of cyberpunk fiction, using themes such as artificial intelligence, cyborgs, and virtual reality to comment on contemporary society.
Dystopian poetry: Write a poem that portrays a bleak and oppressive future society, in which individuals are stripped of their freedom, creativity, and dignity, and explore themes of rebellion, conformity, and hope.
Cosmic horror poetry: Write a poem that evokes the vast and incomprehensible horrors of the universe, using themes such as entropy, nihilism, and cosmic insignificance to subvert human-centric perspectives.
Absurdist poetry: Write a poem that celebrates the absurdity and chaos of existence, using playful and nonsensical language to undermine conventional wisdom and expectations.
Psychedelic poetry: Write a poem that explores the surreal and transcendent experiences of altered states of consciousness, using vivid and trippy imagery, rhythmic patterns, and sensory overload.
Transgressive poetry: Write a poem that pushes the boundaries of acceptability and morality, using taboo subjects, explicit language, and controversial themes to challenge social norms and conventions.
The unknown: Write a poem that explores the fear of the unknown, using imagery that evokes feelings of uncertainty, confusion, and dread.
Claustrophobia: Write a poem that explores the fear of confinement, using imagery that evokes feelings of suffocation, restriction, and helplessness.
Paranoia: Write a poem that explores the fear of persecution, using imagery that evokes feelings of suspicion, distrust, and betrayal.
Insanity: Write a poem that explores the fear of losing one's mind, using imagery that evokes feelings of confusion, disorientation, and madness.
Darkness: Write a poem that explores the fear of the dark, using imagery that evokes feelings of isolation, vulnerability, and terror.
Abandonment: Write a poem that explores the fear of being alone, using imagery that evokes feelings of rejection, loss, and despair.
Phobias: Write a poem that explores the fear of a specific phobia, such as arachnophobia, acrophobia, or agoraphobia, using imagery that evokes the particular fears associated with that phobia.
Death: Write a poem that explores the fear of death, using imagery that evokes feelings of mortality, impermanence, and the unknown beyond.
Hauntings: Write a poem that explores the fear of the supernatural, using imagery that evokes feelings of unease, dread, and terror.
Body horror: Write a poem that explores the fear of bodily transformation or violation, using imagery that evokes feelings of disgust, revulsion, and horror.
Write a story with no dialogue: Challenge yourself to tell a compelling story without using any dialogue. Use descriptive language and body language to convey the characters' thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Write a story in reverse chronological order: Challenge yourself to write a story that begins with the climax and works backward to the beginning. This will require careful planning and structure to ensure the plot remains coherent.
Write a story using only one sentence: Challenge yourself to tell a complete story using only one sentence. This will require careful attention to syntax, pacing, and punctuation.
Write a story from multiple perspectives: Challenge yourself to tell a story from the perspectives of multiple characters, each with their own unique voice and point of view.
Write a story with an unreliable narrator: Challenge yourself to write a story in which the narrator is unreliable, forcing the reader to question the veracity of the events and characters.
Write a story with a non-linear narrative: Challenge yourself to tell a story that jumps back and forth in time, using flashbacks, flash-forwards, and other non-linear techniques to create a complex and layered narrative.
Write a story with an ambiguous ending: Challenge yourself to write a story with an ending that is open to interpretation, leaving the reader to draw their own conclusions about what happened.
Write a story using an unusual point of view: Challenge yourself to tell a story from the point of view of an inanimate object, an animal, or a character with a unique perspective on the world.
Write a story with a limited word count: Challenge yourself to tell a complete story using only 100, 50, or even 25 words. This will require careful selection of every word and a keen attention to detail.
Write a story in a genre you've never tried before: Challenge yourself to write a story in a genre you've never tried before, such as science fiction, horror, or romance. This will require research and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
that should keep us busy!