The Zingara Project

Write a poem about a profession which does not exist anymore or which is phasing out.

If you like, you can aim for an ode, a lament, a diatribe, a docu-poem, narrative poem, or found poem with your chosen profession as the central image, setting, or source.

Examples of extinct professions:

• ice cutter
• elevator operator
• milkman
• lamplighter
• switchboard operator

Examples of professions phasing away:

• farmer
• travel agent
• mason
• tailor
• literary translator

Professions at serious risk:

• teacher
• librarian
• journalist
• writer

For Inspiration:

“Barnwork We Didn’t Talk Much About” by Charles A. Swanson, Zingara Poetry Review

“Stay at Home Mom” by  Sabina M. Säfsten, Zingara Poetry Review

“Fugitives” by Stephen Mead, Zingara Poetry Review