Hands On

How do you…

  • ride a bike
  • bury a pet
  • plant a tree
  • plant your feet
  • recover from a broken heart
  • listen to the ocean
  • clear your memories
  • communicate with an enemy
  • explain your beliefs
  • spell the past

Write a poem with a particular audience in mind using an instruction manual format and tone for guidance. Feel free to use any of the suggestions listed or invent one of your own, or explore a topic you have been mulling over recently.

As an extra challenge, use the instruction manual form to provide direction on how to handle something abstract in a concrete way.

Feel free to include a few imperative sentences and an oxymoron or two.

Here are a couple of “How to” poems from Zingara Poetry Review for inspiration:

How to Baptize a Child in Philadelphia, PA” by Mike Zimmerman

“How My Father Learned English” by Juan Morales

“Woodworking Lessons” by Mike Zimmerman


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Comments

2 responses to “Hands On”

  1. Carol Frischmann Avatar
    Carol Frischmann

    Hi Lisa,

    I haven’t been in touch, but wanted to let you know these prompts are pure kryptonite for me. Thank you for making this opportunity to be propelled through your good offices. Hope you are enjoying your new home and you and yours are well. cf

    Carol Frischmann cfrischma@gmail.com

    1. Lisa Hase-Jackson Avatar

      Good to hear! Stay in touch whenever you are able and you’re always welcome to the write in.

Always nice to connect.