Welcome to a new weekly poetry prompt. Inspired by Laura Purdie Salas who for years posted a weekly photo for participants to write a poem of 15 Word or Less. Because Laura is busy with her day job, writing wonderful children’s books, she has taken a hiatus from this weekly prompt. Here is a link to the archives of those posts.
I contacted Laura, and she was happy to pass the baton. With this new title This Photo Wants to be a Poem, I will post a photo once a week on Wednesday night for you to respond to on Thursday. You can type your poem into the comments. Please be kind and comment on at least 3 other writers’ poems. That’s how we build a supportive community.
Laura limited the poems to 15 words. I see purpose in this practice because (1) it’s quick, (2) word choice matters, and (3) you’ll likely get it done. In all honesty, I will not be counting words. The idea is to simply practice your writing brain.
The photos will credit the photographer but will also be free for you to use if you wish to post on a blog or other social media. If you would like to contribute a photo, send it to me by email.
Let’s get started! This photo was taken by my friend and choir colleague Brenda Lowry on a walk along the Atchafalaya Basin.
My first draft:
Margaret Simon
My spiky stem says Stay Away!
But bees are welcome any day.
Come. Buzz. Play.
Reflections on the Teche 
Yay! I’m so glad Laura gave her blessing to keep Thursday mornings going. I loved a quick write on Thursdays. And, thank YOU for hosting. Woot! I’ll be back in the morning with a poem.
Go, Margaret! I’m so glad you pursued this idea and look forward to participating!
Nature’s mysteries unfold
Unlikely purple bloom behold
Life support for the busy bees
Nature’s mysteries are so amazing. Thanks for joining in, Evelyn.
“Life support” is great!
Yes I agree- the life support line works so well with unfold and behold.
So glad you’re taking up the mantle, Margaret! I love the first-person POV in your poem.
Spines poke.
Prickles prickle.
Deer and sheep
avoid their bristle.
Only bees
brave the thistle.
Only bees brave the thistle. Love your response. Thanks for joining in.
“prickles prickle” – what a fun line. This one belongs in a children’s book somewhere.
Fun Buffy, and “only 🐝s” will enjoy their yummy nectar!
The rhyming is perfect here.
This is going to be fun! Thanks for the invite!
Jennifer
Oooooh, I love Buffy’s response above….poke, prickle, sheep, bristle, bees, thistle….perfect in every way. Here’s mine.
SAT Test Prep
If thistle is to
sea anemone
as bee is to
clown fish
What cananyone l
earnfrom this?
Love your unique take on the photo with test analogies. Ha!
Perfect, Linda! Love the test prep angle and the inherent frustration!
Excellent question!
Is the answer to stay clear of tests? Love your take.
So many great responses already! Thanks, Margaret!
Thistle
bee-greeter
seed-breeder
finch-feeder
bare-foot-retreater
All those just right rhymes describe the thistle perfectly…bare foot retreater, for sure!
I love the assonance here – and the last line made me smile.
I love it!
Wonderfull Molly! Great tongue twister challenge too— and watch out all “bare-foot(ers)”
Love the two word lines…. and bare-foot retreater for sure! Lots of fun.
Oh, this is great fun! I think I must still have “prickles” in my feet from childhood.
I love this–that’s one of my favorite ways to construct phrases!
Ok – I can’t resist. Trying my hand at this…
Stuck in a prickly
situation I cannot
see the beauty
that will unfold
Such a universal message. We often can’t see the beauty of a situation or of a weed. Great response. Thanks for joining in.
Amanda, I love the resonance for human beings you’ve found here! Nice job!
Perfect Amanda! I was struck by the contrast between beauty and those intense spikes. Great message!
To see the beauty that will unfold is such a great out look . Nice messaging.
What an interesting photo and responses, Margaret. Thank you for taking up the baton. I am on my way to Virginia so I hope to try my hand at this post later.
Pink fuzz draws in bees
But keeps out most clubhoppers:
No bouncers needed
Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Ha! No bouncers needed, indeed!
Last line is a laugh out loud one.
super cute! I can picture this
Margaret, I love your poem, and I love it that you’re carrying this on! I love a good photo prompt! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Love it, and laughing from your humor! Guess the “clubhoppers” aren’t drawn to pink…
So happy you are picking up this poem challenge on your blog Margaret! Love the image you have on your mast head for it—It would be fun writing a poem on all those 🦢 and birds 🦅 and I love the title too!
I like your playful poem! Here’s my rough draft:
What Am I…
Pincushiony like
watch out I sting,
But brave me
for I’m a gorgeous thing…
Brave me is a wonderful invitation to notice nature.
Delightful voice…I’m a gorgeous thing. Oh, yes you are!
In plant sprits the thistle is known for forgiveness. Watch out I sting- makes me think of both the plant and the bee.
Stopped in via #clmooc and couldn’t resist!
To many I am a weed,
And not a thing of beauty,
But to a bee,
I am beloved.
The alliteration of beauty, bee, and beloved make this small poem sing.
More milk thistle for the bees. Love the first person voice of the thistle.
Yes. beloved.
I agree with Margaret, your poem sings!
spiny
purple crown
of thistle
gentle wild, free
beckons bees
to drink its healing
energy
Beckons bees and energy! Thanks for joining the poetry party.
Oh, Margaret’s right….”beckons bees” lovely
I love “beckons bees.”
Thanks for having me. I am ready to Come Buzz and Play as your inviting poem did.
So many fun and little poems! I’m having fun poking through these and seeing the energy of gratitude to keep a Thursday morning tradition going. Hugs to you all
In all thorny days,
a dash of softness,
a kind word to perch on
–Laura Purdie Salas, all rights reserved
Whee! Lovely to see this, Margaret:>)
“a kind word to perch on” That’s exactly how I feel about this posting, perching on your years of 15 words. Thanks!
Oh, I love this, Laura. We all need ” a kind word to perch on.”
I love this!
[…] « This Photo Wants to be a Poem […]
Love the invitation – “Come. Buzz. Play.”
It’s what you’re inviting with this new weekly prompt.
Thank you Margaret, for the invite. I will check in to your blog next Wednesday!
[…] Wednesdays, I post a photo on my blog as a writing prompt, This Photo Wants to be a Poem. Teacher-writers and students write a small poem in response to the photo. This is low stakes […]