get the lead out, it’s noting really: ekphrasis

Note from the management: This post of Christine’s was supposed to run next week! But it is such a lovely one, we’ll leave it up (and probably re-issue it again next Thursday, too, because Christine has a special prompt for next week that ties to ekprhrastic poetry!) But don’t miss Juliet’s book review in your [...]

Posted by Christine on 07.10.2008 at 12:01 am// Tagged: Christine, Get the Lead Out , , , , , , , ,


welcome to read write poem

Read Write Poem is an online gathering place for those who love poetry — and for those who suspect that, with a little nurturing, they could grow to love poetry. Whether you are new to writing poetry or have been writing for years, you are welcome here. If you don’t write poetry but love to read and discuss it, this is also the place for you. Read more about the project.


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What’s the longest poem you’ve ever written?

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  • random
    poetry prompt

      A different word or phrase will appear here each time you visit the site or refresh the page. Your current prompt is — cedar

  • random
    collaborating tip

    Put together a group of words you like, and send it to a collaborator with instructions to use those words in a poem.


  • random
    writing tip

    Draw a Tarot card from the deck, and write down all the things you notice in the picture. Don’t get caught up in the symbolic meaning of the card. What do these images mean to you? Can you relate the images to your life in some way? Write a poem about your associations with the card.

  • random
    reading tip

    Savor the poem. Read it multiple times, slowly. You may even want to read small sections of it slowly, and give yourself a long pause after each to let the poem sink in. Read the poem at least once before you try to figure out its meaning or make any notes on it. Absorb the poem. Inhale its scent.

  • random
    poetry quote

    To write in your own voice means taking a risk. — Kevin Clark