As promised in my last blog post, here is the second set of poems I’ve written for the 14th annual Poem-A-Day Challenge as organized by Writer’s Digest. Even though every day has its own unique prompt, I am focusing on “travel” as an overarching theme because I’ve missed traveling so much this past year.

Day 6 PAD Prompt: Today is the first Tuesday of the month which means it’s time for our first Two-for-Tuesday prompt. You can pick one of the prompts, combine prompts, or write one poem for each prompt. For this Two-for-Tuesday prompt: 1. Write a change poem and/or… 2. Write a don’t-change poem.

CHANGE“Change is sometimes the same as rest,”A bookseller told me,And who am I to quibble withSuch keen philosophy?Yet, change churns like the wild riptides;Rest idles like the shoals.Can such converse occurrencesBe interchangeable?For change does rent, and rest does mend.One settles; one upsets—If change must come, then I desireA change disguised as rest.Poetic Form of Choice: The Style of Emily Dickinson© 2021 F. E. Greene

Day 7 PAD Prompt: Write a villain poem. You could write a persona poem from the perspective of a popular villain (like Count Dracula, Thanos, or Dolores Umbridge). Or write a poem with a person doing a villainous thing (like eating the last piece of pie or littering).

OFF-PEAK FAUX PASPlenty of seats upon the train;You claim the bay for fourThough you are traveling alone,And I am with three more.Poetic Form of Choice: Ballad quatrain© 2021 F. E. Greene

Day 8 PAD Prompt: Write a metaphor poem. A metaphor is when something is something else (I am a tree). Take a moment to consider possible metaphors and then poem them out.

LONDONAn old friendtoo rarely seen yetknown so well; you tellstories ofconquest, disaster,victory; I sitat your feetsavoring those talesin your ancient voice.Poetic Form of Choice: Modified haiku with syllable count of 3-5-5© 2021 F. E. Greene

Day 9 PAD Prompt: Write a persona poem for an inanimate object. A persona poem is written in the voice of someone (or in this case something) else – a pair of scissors, a picture frame, smart phone, or another inanimate object.

LOST LUGGAGEI don’t mind the wait.I’m used to it. Most daysI sit in your closetwedged between shoeboxesand workout equipment.(Bit dusty in there, I’ll admit.)So, this change of venueis, frankly, refreshing althoughI’m sure you’re anxiousfor us to reunite. After all,you have plans tonight, and thatlittle black dress won’t wear itself.Until then, I’ll be on this shelf.I feel certain the airline willsort things out, and I’ll join youat the hotel before yourdinner reservation. (It will be nice to see another location.)Poetic Form of Choice: Free verse with internal rhyme, assonance, and consonance© 2021 F. E. Greene

Day 10 PAD Prompt: Take the phrase “Get (blank),” replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write your poem. Possible titles include: “Get Smart,” “Get Incredibly Overwhelmed by the Beauty of Spring,” and/or “Get This Poem Written.”

GET AWAY FROM IT ALLIsn’t that the bottom line?Leave it all behind. Unwind.Pack only what you need –no assignments or deadlinesno one more thing before I go…Just winding shoreline drivesalong the coast – away fromthat host of inconveniencessaturating your bandwidth –no let me check my messages…Ocean on the left, sunset overheadreminding you of the infinite –the unsaid. What’s familiar ceasesto interfere with what lies before youand what is right here.Poetic Form of Choice: Free verse with internal rhyme, assonance, and consonance© 2021 F. E. Greene

It’s not too late for you to join in the fun! Follow this link to the Writer’s Digest website and see the details for the 2021 PAD Challenge.