In 2025, we’re putting the Celebration of Poetry Contest on pause. We are remaking the program for 2026 to offer new ways for young creatives to express themselves… so stay tuned for updates!
In the meantime, we encourage you to keep writing and sharing your ideas. Here are some tools to help get the creativity flowing!
To the right: Click to read how-tos on “Writing a Haiku” and “Poetry Prompts” from sarahallenbooks.com
Idea Generators:
Try writing poetry inspired by one of these ideas (from ThinkWritten.com/PoetryPrompts)
15. Under 25 Words: Challenge yourself to write a poem that is no more than 25 words long.
40. The Letter D: Make a list of 5 words that start with all with the same letter, and then use these items throughout the lines of your verse. (This can be any letter, but for example’s sake: Daisy, Dishes, Desk, Darkness, Doubt)
45. Do you like sweaters? Some people love their coziness, others find them scratchy and too hot. Use your feelings about sweaters in a poem.
51. Locked in a Jar: Imagine you are a tiny person, who has been captured and put into a jar for display or science.
77. Listen Up: Write a poem telling someone they are better than they think they are.
94. Defying Gravity: Use words that relate to being weightless and floating
Online:
Try the online version of the Magnetic Poetry kit! Explore here