Poetry Prompts for August 2025

“Breathe the sweetness that hovers in August.” –Denise Levertov

Please tag me @jenmillerpoetry on Instagram and/or BlueSky if you use these prompts.

1. Write a poem using all of the following words:

   • husk

   • tremulation

   • roseate

   • unbridle

   • rootless

   • saunter

     
     

2. Read "The Whole Mess...Almost" by Gregory Corso and write a poem about what you would throw out.

   
   

3. The dahlia is Mexico's national flower, representing pride, inner strength, elegance, beauty, and creativity. Every color of dahlia also has a specific meaning. Research the colors of dahlia and their meanings, and choose one as the focus of your poem.

Dahlias