41. There is always anticipation before a first date or an important meeting. Anticipation can even precede watching a movie. Write a poem in which anticipation is the main emotion and include a detailed description of the setting. Don’t forget to stimulate the five senses.
42. Use all of the following words in a poem: humanity, hunger, equality, power, greed, redemption, freedom.
43. Write a poem honoring something that can’t be seen or touched: honor, passion, curiosity, or loyalty.
44. Write a poem using the following image: a partially deflated basketball.
45. Even though it’s freezing outside, people are out and about, bundled up and chattering among themselves. Write a poem about pedestrians in the winter.
46. Use all of the following words in a poem: ball, surf, concert, barbecue, sand, over, net.
47. Write a poem to or about someone you despise or believe is evil. What hap- pens when you look at your enemy and search for his or her merits? Can you see the good in someone you view as bad?
48. Write a poem using the following image: a circus clown removing his or her makeup.
49. You’re digging your fingers through a box of hot, buttered, salted popcorn in a dark movie theater. Describe the sensation in a poem.
50. Use all of the following words in a poem: forward, song, dip, along, race, pick, surge.
51. Write a poem about a band on a tour bus after a show.
52. Write a poem using the following image: an oxygen tank.
53. The heat is sweltering and everybody’s indoors. The lucky ones have air conditioners. Everybody’s trying to stay cool. Write a poem about what it feels like at the height of a scorching summer.
54. Use all of the following words in a poem: curse, manner, impatience, thought- less, slow, apart, bully, down.
55. Write a poem about a situation that makes you uncomfortable or anxious.
56. Write a poem using the following image: sea life dying in waters that have been poisoned with toxins or littered with dangerous waste.
57. Describe bumper-to-bumper traffic on the through way during evening com- mute—it’s like a pack of hungry wolves sprinting and braking in their rush to re- turn to the den for their evening meal.
58. Use all of the following words in a poem: car, king, interested, laughing, hit, blame, cup, gold.
59. Has a total stranger ever helped you? Have you ever thought about all the people in this world you’ve never met but who have affected your life? Write a poem about strangers.
60. Write a poem using the following image: a pile of old, dusty electronics.