Poem Writing Game

I learned this game from my friend Darcy. Basically, you write out a set of 10 constraints and give yourself 2 min to respond to each – write them out, toss them in a pile, draw one at random, start the timer, write, repeat.

Just like the songwriting game, the goal is to get yourself out of your head. You can use this as a warm-up, or, if you like what you come up with, shape it up into a proper poem.

I’ve loaded this up to generate a set of constraints from the ones I’ve used over the past few months. Every time you refresh the page you should see a different combination. Feel free to use these or create your own!

Prompts:

  1. use a mathematical term, a color and an -ly adverb
  2. use 3 random words from the Bible and rhyme 2 lines
  3. use a color, an animal, and an -ing verb
  4. use 3 random words from the Bible and rhyme 2 lines
  5. compare & contrast
  6. write in 8,6,8,6
  7. use an -ing verb in an 8syl line
  8. use 2 random places and rhyme 2 lines
  9. use aliteration
  10. write in 6,8,6,8

I’d love to hear what you come up with – either ideas for constraints or what you create. Drop me a line or comment here to share!