August 2011

August 1st is National Kid’s Day, so for today write something about a child, whether it’s a child you know, have seen, or maybe you as a child. Have fun!

The Lincoln penny was issued in the United States on August 2, 1909. In honor of this, write about coins, money, presidents, or rulers.

Columbus set sail on his first voyage August 3, 1492. Write about a trip or voyage.

PHOTO PROMPT: Driftwood on a Beach

This is an experiment. It’s haiga time! Please create a photo-haiga using the photo supplied. Remember, the haiku does not need to interpret the photo, but rather complement it and evoke the feeling it conveys to you.

Today is National Beer Day! Write about your beverage of choice. This should be fun—cheers!

Today—Saturday of all days—is Work Like a Dog day. So, write about your job, work in general, or . . . a dog!

Today, write about feeling tired, sleep/naps, laziness, restlessness, rest, rejuvenation . . . you get the idea . . . YAWN! :^O

PHOTO PROMPT: Sunflower

Tonight is Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Front Porch night. So, tomorrow you open your front door—what’s on your porch? Write about it.

Challenge yourself! Today write a one-line haiku. Here’s an essay by William J. Higginson for inspiration: “From One-Line Poems to One-Line Haiku.”

It’s Son and Daughter Day, so write about your son or daughter, someone else’s son or daughter, or yourself as a son or daughter.

In 2005, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter launched and in 1977 the space shuttle Enterprise made its first atmospheric flight. Write about anything that has to do with space.

Construction on Berlin Wall begins in East Germany. Write about this wall or any other wall, literal or figurative.

Today is National Garage Sale Day. Write about a specific item you’ve found at a garage sale or antique shop, or something you would like to find.

PHOTO PROMPT: Snow-Covered Statue

Today is National Tell a Joke Day. Write a humorous haiku or senryu!

Okay, I realize this prompt may be something few of us here have attempted (I know I haven’t). But breathe deeply, shake it off, and give it a shot. You never know what you may come up with. Write an experimental haiku. Here is an essay by George Swede to help you: “Tracks in the Sand.”

Today is bad poetry day. So, come on, be brave . . . just for fun, share one of your worst haiku. I have so many to choose from. Who knows, maybe someone else here can help you transform it. But then again, maybe not. :-)

It’s National Aviation Day in the United States, in honor of the birthday of aviator Orville Wright. Write about flying or something that flies!

It’s National Radio Day. Write about the radio, or music or something similar. La-la-la-la-la!

On this date in 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre. Write about something stolen, or write about a smile. :-)

Today is my niece’s 16th birthday. In a couple weeks, I’ll be 52. We are both going through transitionary times in our lives. Today’s prompt is to write about a transition.

PHOTO PROMPT: Moths on a Milk Thistle

On August 24 in 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted in Pompeii. Write about a devastating natural occurrence, such as a hurricane, volcano, tornado, fire, or flood.

Today is Second-Hand Wardrobe day. Write about something second-hand or used. It does not have to be clothing.

I’m feeling evil and a bit silly this evening—so, for tomorrow’s prompt go to this website, take the generated “haiku” and turn it into something worthy of the genre. It ain’t gonna be easy folks. Hehehe! Be sure to post the original along with your rewrite!

Today is Just Because Day, so write something frivolous—just because!!

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Today, write about a dream or write about an injustice.

Write an environmental haiku.

Today is National Toasted Marshmallow Day! Write about a campfire or a camping experience.

PHOTO PROMPTS: Flowers by a Cracked Wall and French Winery

You know I had to leave you all with a photo-haiga prompt! Today I will leave you with two. You may choose one or write one for both of them, but please don’t write any more than one per each. The photo-haiga that gets the most “likes” [on Facebook] will receive a copy of my haiku book A Ladybug on My Words (lucky you, huh?). It’s been a blast guys, Keep writing!