Poetry Challenge, July

As you probably know, I’ve been challenging myself to write at least one poem a month in 2025. I’ve noticed some months take me longer and longer to find the inspiration for the poems or to get in the right mindset for a poem. Poetry prompts have really helped! So, today, being that it’s the LAST DAY of the month, I again searched for some prompts. I found a poetry prompts blog post where the blogger gives us a bunch of good ones to choose from. I fully planned to read all of them and just pick one. Instead, I read the first one and LOVED it. 

This one is called Wide Open. The basic idea is to write a poem with YES at the start of each line. The idea is supposed to be that we’re keeping our minds open to possibilities by saying yes.

This seemed perfect for a character from the story I’m attempting to get in touch with. Let me give you a little background on her. She’s in her 30s, single but fine with that, settled in her boring job and otherwise content with her life. She makes a decent living and has some really good friends. She’s satisfied. One day someone offers her an opportunity she never imagined. In order for things to be believable and to have a story, she has to be open minded. That makes her the perfect candidate for a poem of this style.

Here’s how I imagine her side of the conversation going as her best friend (off page) challenges her with a series of questions relating to the opportunity she’s been presented with. Let’s see if we can work out why she’s going to have to say YES to this chance.

Yes, I understand what they’re asking. 
Yes, technically, I’m capable of it. At least I think so.
Yes, that number is real. That’s what they offered me for the first year. 
Yes, the cute guy who was here last night is the same one who came to the office. 
Yes, it’s a real opportunity with a real company who he also works for. 
Yes, I think I would have to leave my job.
Yes, it kind of sounds dangerous. But it also sounds exciting. 
Yes, I think it has potential. 
Yes. I’m going to say yes.

I’m feeling good about her choice here, even if the poem is a little rough. Enjoy it … we’ll consider that a teaser for the Superhero Project!

If you like the prompt idea and want to browse some good ones, here’s that link!

All new Poetry Prompts for NaPoWriMo 2025!