Contradiction Prompt

Begin a poem with a phrase that contains a contradiction, something like:

1. Let me say it again: I never repeat myself.
2. Deep down, you are really shallow.
3. My brother is jealous of me because I am an only child.
4. I don’t like any fish at all, but I like tuna and flounder.

Or, begin with an oxymoron, like:

1. historical present
2. seriously funny
3. working vacation
4. alone together

Once you have a contradictory statement or oxymoron that feels like a fruitful beginning for a poem, build on it by adding a narrative with plenty of concrete, sensory details.

In the process, be sure to move your narrative back and forth through time (past, present, future).

Conclude your poem with a declarative statement that states a fact, opinion, observation, or explanation using plain language.

Poem for Inspiration:

“What is Lost is Not Lost” by Peter Mladinic from Zingara Poetry Review, March 2021