yellow dry maple

Reflections of Hope in “My Mother’s Eyes”

Welcome to day 4 of the October open write for educators! We are so glad you are here. Read the inspiration, process, and mentor poem below, and then scroll to the bottom to compose your poem. Please respond to at least three other poets. Inspiration …

variety of pumpkins

Abecedarian Poem

Welcome to day 3 of the October open write for educators! We are so glad you are here. Read the inspiration, process, and mentor poem below, and then scroll to the bottom to compose your poem. Please respond to at least three other poets. Inspiration …

fallen leaf on wooden surface

20/20 Vision Poem

Welcome to day 2 of the October open write for educators! We are so glad you are here. Read the inspiration, process, and mentor poem below, and then scroll to the bottom to compose your poem. Please respond to at least three other poets. Inspiration …

autumn decoration fall field

Mixing Them Up Today: Anagram Poetry

Welcome to day 1 of the October open write for educators! We are so glad you are here. Read the inspiration, process, and mentor poem below, and then scroll to the bottom to compose your poem. Please respond to at least three other poets. Inspiration …

full frame shot of stadium
#openwrite: Lists

We Love Lists

Friends, this is the final day of the September Open Write. Big, big thank you to Barb and Allison for hosting this month, offering such rich inspiration and encouragement along the way. We will be back here in October (16-20) with writing hosts Anna, Cara, …

three men standing near window

A Poem to a Student

Inspiration: A Poem to a Student Hannah.James.Kenny.May. I recently wrote a sonnet about meeting a past student in the grocery store and forgetting her name. Like many of you, I have taught thousands of students over the years, and I cannot hold them all firmly …

a person sitting on wooden planks across the lake scenery

Shimmer of Being Alive

Inspiration Today’s inspiration for writing comes from Teach Living Poets (Illich & Smith) and the many living poets they celebrate in their book. There is this moment that happens in poems when the poet or speaker suddenly captures a shimmer of being alive that is …

close up photo of bee in flower

An Out of Body Experience for “Sunday, Fun Day”

Welcome to day 2 of the September Open Write! Below is your writing inspiration, some ideas for getting started, and a sample poem. When you are ready, post your poem in the comment section below. Join us tonight at 5pm CT to meet other Open-Writers …