Poetry, Poetry Everywhere – Poetry Topics

Sometimes poets are asked, “Where do you find things to write about?” Everything is a possible subject, although there are some topics you might want to refrain from tackling. Below is a list that offers some ideas for your next poem.

Possible poetry topics

1. Describe something. Paint a picture with words – mountains, a stream, a new vehicle, etc.
2. A response to something – a rebuttal about something directed at you or a cause you support.
3. The scent of something – baking cookies, cinnamon, roses, hay, etc. It could also be a bad scent such as decay or death, the smell of medicine or a hospital. Along with scent don’t forget the other senses of touch and taste. Think of the creamery coldness of ice cream or the feel of silk.
4. A special occasion such as Christmas, a birthday, an anniversary.
5. An emotion – love. hate, fear, excitement, joy, etc. 6
6. Someone you love. Children make good subjects.
7. A pet or other animal. Describe its fur, eyes, teeth, or intelligence.
8. A color, its scent, how it makes you feel. What would the color look like if it were a person?
9. Religion or a lack of.
10. Personify a disease. For example, describe arthritis as an old man.
11. Ravages of time, an age. This could be a place or a person reflecting on his life.
12. Write about your first something – kiss, job, child, pet, etc.
13. Look to history – select a time or historical subject to write about.
14. Books can offer inspiration. For example, the Bible is full of great ideas.

Have fun. Use the above suggestions to spark your own poem.

Darlo Gemeinhardt writes middle grade novels. She believes that there is a story in every dog. In her spare time she takes care of 1 husband (of 40 years), 29 dogs and trains with TALLAO, K-9 SEARCH AND RESCUE. Visit her at From the dog pen.com