Text Prompt
Try and condense the plot of a book, any book, into a poem. It can be very direct and recognizable, or abstract and obscured.
Prompt contributed by Evelyn K. Parrish.
Image Prompt
24 Poems ~ 24 Hours
Text Prompt
Try and condense the plot of a book, any book, into a poem. It can be very direct and recognizable, or abstract and obscured.
Prompt contributed by Evelyn K. Parrish.
Image Prompt
Text Prompt
Write a poem exploring the word normal. It could be in the context of pre-pandemic life and the present, how normal needs to be better,or about how normal has always been different within your family. Any interpretation or interaction with the word normal, works as a response to this prompt.
Idea contributed by Shirley Durr.
Image Prompt
Text Prompt
Write a poem about walking without ever using the world walking in it.
Or
Listen to the song at the link and write with it playing, or after it has played.
Second prompt contributed by Bhasha Dwivedi.
Image Prompt
Text Prompt
You find a time capsule buried in the backyard of your new home (or anywhere else, depends on you). What’s in it? How old is it or its probable story is up to the poet.
Contributed by Bhasha Dwivedi.
Image Prompt
Text Prompt
Grab a book from your shelf. Read the last line in it. You have to use that line as the first or last line of your poem (with credit). If you don’t have any books near you load this page, and scan down till you find the right one.
Image Prompt
Text Prompt
Write a poem that repeats the same line three times, and then end on a variation of the repeated line. It could be a little different, or vary different, depending on what serves the poem best.
Image Prompt
Text Prompt:
Use one of the following titles as a jumping off point:
The Joy of Unseen Things
The Dog
Island
Long Run at Dawn
Coffee & Change
Image Prompt:
For the first time ever we’re trying something a little different this year. The first prompt every hour will be text based (with occasional variations), and the second, if you scroll down, will be image based. You can choose either prompt or not use prompts at all (or only sporadically). All images are either taken from unsplash, or contributed by a poetry marathoner with credit.
Text Prompt
Write a poem about something ending. It could be a relationship, a stage in life, or the apocalypse. The details are up to you.
Image Prompt
Dear Poets,
For those participating in the Poetry Marathon, now is the time to make sure that you are ready. This means being comfortable using the technology, as well as having a plan for the day of the marathon, so that you have the best chance of succeeding without any major hiccups.
Here’s a quick checklist of things you should do to prepare:
Also — keep in mind that we don’t expect anyone to comment on your poems during the Marathon. Comments on poems are encouraged a couple of days after the Marathon, once everyone has had a chance to rest and recover. When it is time to write the comments, please keep in mind that comments should be focused on positive feedback, and not on critiquing a piece.
If you’re in need of technical assistance, please ask on the Facebook Group and tag Jacob Jans, or by sending an email to poets@thepoetrymarathon.com. Keep in mind that we won’t be able to help once the Marathon starts. Ideally, you’ll have everything sorted out the day before.
— Jacob
Now the last day to sign up for the 2021 Poetry Marathon is June 22cd You can sign up here. We will be sending out the final round of acceptances on the 23rd. If you do not here from us on that day please send us an email at poets@thepoetrymarathon.com
The marathon itself will start at 9 AM ET on the 26th of June and go till 9 AM on 27th. Half marathoners can start at 9 AM ET or 9 PM ET on the 26th.
This is an international event with participants from all around the globe. Generally 500 people attempt the marathon. Right now 460 people have signed up. You do not have to be a poet to participate. To find out how to convert your timezone go here.
To learn more go here. To sign up go here.
We will get back to applicants on a rolling basis. Most people who apply will be accepted. If you have not heard from us after applying please send us an email at poets@poetrymarathon.com. Please do not try and contact us through the FB page.