Gavin Bennett's Blog: 2016 April PAD Challenge: Day 6

Believe it or not, we’ll be 20% of the way through this challenge after today’s poem. It amazes me how quick the month flies by every year.

For today’s prompt, write an ekphrastic poem. An ekphrastic poem is a poem inspired by art. You can pick your own favorite piece of art if you wish. Or you can use one of the examples below:

Michelangelo’s First Painting

“Roots,” by Frida Kahlo

“Age of Love,” by Alfons Mucha

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Poet’s Market 2016

Publish Your Poetry!

The 2016 Poet’s Market, edited by Robert Lee Brewer, includes hundreds of poetry markets, including listings for poetry publications, publishers, contests, and more! With names, contact information, and submission tips, poets can find the right markets for their poetry and achieve more publication success than ever before.

In addition to the listings, there are articles on the craft, business, and promotion of poetry–so that poets can learn the ins and outs of writing poetry and seeking publication. Plus, it includes a one-year subscription to the poetry-related information on WritersMarket.com. All in all, it’s the best resource for poets looking to secure publication.

Click to continue.

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Here’s my attempt at an Ekphrastic Poem:

“The First”

The first is often the worst,
but there’s usually more

feeling, more stealing other’s
ideas. Why do we bother

taking that first leap of faith
when we know it will not stay

in our greatest hits? Maybe
it’s because we have baby

demons pulling us off cliffs
& we must consider if

we don’t create, then who will?
After all, if we are still

alive, we might as well strive
to let all our visions thrive.

There’s a boat on the river,
and my faith is a shiver.

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Robert Lee Brewer loves April, especially this year, because the challenge has been a little more his speed. And speaking of speed (or lack of speed), he’s been running this month in addition to breaking lines. It’s been nice to get up each morning, write a few lines, and run a few miles.

Brewer is Senior Content Editor of the Writer’s Digest Writing Community, which means he gets to do a million things to help writers find more success with their writing (including this blog). He’s also the author of Solving the World’s Problems (Press 53).

Connect with him on Twitter @RobertLeeBrewer.

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