Alright, if you need more backstory on the poetry challenge I’ve undertaken you can check out the posts from January and February. All caught up?
Great, let’s look at March’s poems.
I love the way this one came out. I realize the challenge, as I explained it in January, was to post a poem with little or no editing. However, usually I handwrite the poem then type it somewhere (making cute backgrounds or whatever) before posting. That means I get to make small changes when I type it (hence the “little editing”). This one was different. With this one I typed it because I was in a hurry. I loved the way it came out so I didn’t change a single thing (except, obviously, colors to indicate who was talking). This little poem tells a story and that is my favorite kind of poem.
Two in a row that got type-drafted and immediately pushed out. This one only got a background color change. I loved it. When I shared it I think I used the message “writers and poets–we’re impossible to live with” or something like that. I’m a fan of this one. Again, likely because I enjoy poetry that also tells a story.
I almost should’ve just gone with my handwritten one here. In the little notebook this one is all scribbled in my (really hard to read) cursive. But the SPRING popping down the center really stands out on mine, probably because I wrote that first. Anyway, here’s a fun fact for you. I knew I wanted this one to involve the word SPRING and images that called to mind that time of year. So I totally googled “spring words” to help me. Lame, right? The poem is cute, the background image came out alright. This is not my all time favorite, but it’s not the worst I’ve done.
I almost skipped this day. Not because I didn’t have time (which is normally why I skip the poetry challenge) or because I forgot about it. Nope, I almost skipped this day because I wasn’t feeling the prompt. I wrote the prompt in my notebook and then I just ignored it for awhile. I came back later, hoping I’d think of something. Nothing. So I closed the notebook. It was only after my third attempt to feel inspired that this came to me. I like it enough to share it, but it is a bit cliche.
I swear I’m not a painter. This is not the first poem I’ve written that talks about painting, so I can see where that might confuse people. I don’t even think it’s the first in 2020 that talks about painting. I may have a problem. Anyway, the biggest challenge (for me) for writing this poem was to come up with something that was the right color but wasn’t the obvious go-to descriptor for that color. For example, I didn’t want to use GREEN GRASS. Hello, that’s been done. So, this is what I came up with. I like this one. It’s not perfect, but it’s good for a first draft.
The poem here-LOVE. The message-One I’m constantly talking about. Basically, I see this one like this: if you tell your own story, you’re obviously going to be the hero/ine. But, is there someone else you’ve encountered in your life who would tell THEIR story and paint you as the villain? Food for thought. I should also mention this poem got dropped onto the aesthetic for my MagicalYA because Tanya (one of the dual MCs for that story) would TOTALLY relate to this poem. Poor girl struggles daily with these questions. I, for sure, channeled her for this one. Love that girl.
That’s it.
Thanks for checking in with my poetry challenges every month. Remember you can follow me on Instagram (@authortabathashipley) to see the poems on the days they post. But the ONLY place to get this EXCLUSIVE (semi-crazy) commentary is right here on the blog at the end of the month.
Do you have a favorite poem?
Let me know in the comments!
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