Poetry Writing Prompts

If you love to write but aren’t sure where to begin, these poetry writing prompts are the perfect spark. Whether you’re a teacher searching for classroom inspiration, a cozy writer with a warm mug beside your notebook, or simply someone who wants to capture a feeling in words, you’ll find plenty of ideas here.

Poetry doesn’t have to rhyme or follow rules—it’s about noticing the world, expressing your heart, and playing with words. These 120 poetry writing prompts are divided into four creative sections so you can explore nature, emotions, imagination, and everyday life from brand-new angles. And if you’d like to take them offline, don’t miss the free printable download at the bottom of this page!

Want more? Checkout my printables shop!

Nature & Seasons Poetry Prompts

The world outside is filled with stories waiting to be written. From gentle raindrops to whispering winds, these prompts help you explore how nature mirrors our moods and moments.

1. Describe a rainy day without using the word rain.
2. Write a poem that begins with “The wind remembers…”
3. If spring had a scent, what would it smell like?
4. Describe summer as a color.
5. Write a haiku about falling leaves.
6. Pretend the moon is writing a letter to the ocean.
7. Compare yourself to a tree in winter.
8. Write a poem from the perspective of a snowflake.
9. Describe dawn waking up the world.
10. Imagine you could speak to animals—what would the birds tell you?
11. Write a poem where each line starts with a season’s name.
12. Describe thunder as a personality.
13. Write about the moment before a storm begins.
14. Describe the scent of freshly cut grass as a memory.
15. Compare a sunset to something unexpected.
16. If flowers could sing, what would they hum?
17. Describe the feeling of walking barefoot on cool earth.
18. Write a poem about stars trying to stay awake.
19. Imagine fog as a storyteller.
20. Write about the sound of wind through tall grass.
21. Describe a mountain’s dreams.
22. If rain could draw, what picture would it paint?
23. Write about a leaf’s journey from branch to ground.
24. Compare morning dew to a secret.
25. Describe a snowstorm as a dance.
26. Write about the smell of autumn spices.
27. If lightning had a laugh, how would it sound?
28. Describe a garden that never stops blooming.
29. Write about the calm after the storm.
30. Imagine the seasons having a conversation.

Emotions & Reflections
Poetry Prompts

These prompts help you put feelings into words—joy, sadness, hope, love, and everything in between.

1. Write about happiness as if it were weather.
2. Describe a memory that feels like sunlight.
3. If sadness could sing, what would the song say?
4. Write a poem about the moment you felt brave.
5. Compare love to something you can hold.
6. Write about laughter as a ripple in water.
7. Describe what “peace” looks like to you.
8. Write about a time you felt invisible.
9. Compare a broken heart to nature.
10. Write about gratitude as a color.
11. Imagine your future self writing you a poem.
12. Write about an emotion that changes shape.
13. Compare joy to a small animal.
14. Describe a moment that felt endless.
15. Write a poem using only kind words.
16. Write from the perspective of your favorite feeling.
17. Describe what it feels like to be understood.
18. Compare patience to something in nature.
19. Write a poem about letting go.
20. If hope could glow, how bright would it shine?
21. Describe the feeling of starting over.
22. Write about courage hiding in ordinary moments.
23. Compare forgiveness to an open window.
24. Write about the comfort of being home.
25. Describe kindness as a person.
26. Write about something small that makes you smile.
27. Compare sadness to rain—but give it a happy ending.
28. Write about the warmth of friendship.
29. Describe your favorite moment of calm.
30. Imagine joy and fear having a conversation.

Imaginative & Fantasy Poetry Prompts

Let your creativity soar! These prompts invite you to explore magical worlds and unexpected perspectives.

1. Write a poem from the moon’s point of view.
2. Describe a world where words grow on trees.
3. Write about clouds that dream of being dragons.
4. Imagine your shadow has a secret life.
5. Write about a forest where time stands still.
6. Describe stars as if they were storytellers.
7. Write a poem about a book that whispers.
8. Imagine a door that only opens for poems.
9. Write about colors that don’t exist yet.
10. Describe a magic spell made of kindness.
11. Write a poem from a dragon’s perspective.
12. Imagine a poem that turns into a bird.
13. Write about a bridge that connects dreams.
14. Describe a fairy’s first sunrise.
15. Write about a library that floats on clouds.
16. Imagine your pencil has a personality.
17. Write about invisible cities in the sky.
18. Describe a star teaching the moon to dance.
19. Write a poem that begins with “Once upon a dream…”
20. Imagine time as a sleepy giant.
21. Write about forgotten wishes.
22. Describe a castle made of sound.
23. Write about rain made of glitter.
24. Imagine your imagination as a character.
25. Write about a mirror that shows emotions, not faces.
26. Describe the moment magic wakes up.
27. Write about a story that refuses to end.
28. Imagine you could write poems that change the weather.
29. Write about a creature who collects dreams.
30. Describe the sky as if it were alive.

Everyday Life Poetry Prompts

Find poetry in the ordinary—the moments that often go unnoticed.

1. Write about a cup of coffee as if it were a friend.
2. Describe the rhythm of a morning routine.
3. Write about the feeling of clean laundry.
4. Compare your favorite sound to a memory.
5. Describe your shoes’ daily adventures.
6. Write about the hum of a refrigerator as a song.
7. Compare your handwriting to your mood.
8. Write about waiting in line.
9. Describe the scent of your favorite meal.
10. Write about something that always makes you smile.
11. Describe what silence sounds like at night.
12. Write about your favorite chair as a storyteller.
13. Compare a grocery list to a dream.
14. Write about a day that felt perfectly ordinary—and perfect.
15. Describe the feeling of turning a page.
16. Write about something you’ve lost and found again.
17. Describe the sound of laughter from another room.
18. Write about a simple moment that mattered more than you realized.
19. Compare a rainy window to your thoughts.
20. Write about your favorite scent as a poem.
21. Describe the world from your pet’s point of view.
22. Write about a tiny joy in your day.
23. Compare sunlight on your floor to something magical.
24. Write about an old photograph speaking to you.
25. Describe a walk around your neighborhood.
26. Write about what “home” means to you.
27. Compare breakfast to a promise.
28. Write about your favorite time of day.
29. Describe kindness as something you can touch.
30. Write a poem about noticing small things.

Download Your Free
Poetry Writing Prompts Printable

Love these prompts? Take them with you! Download the free poetry writing prompts printable to use in your classroom, writing journal, or cozy creative time at home. It includes all 120 prompts in an easy-to-print format, organized by theme so you can find inspiration whenever you need it.

👉 Download Now – Free Poetry Writing Prompts Printable

120 Poetry Writing Prompts

Other Writing Prompts

Coming soon!

Support This Site!

If you enjoy all the free printables provided on this site, please consider showing support by purchasing from my website store or one of my other shops.

Words Are Fun, Cozies Are Fun, Inspired Illustrations, Jennie B Essentials, Paw-sitively Adorable Books, Teachers Pay Teachers

If you would rather donate directly, click (or scan) the image below.

Buy Me A Coffee

Support Your Local Associations!

Cancer

Lupus

Alzheimer's

Your Puzzle Hub Awaits

Sign Up Today

Receive a special FREEBIE when you sign up!

Seasonal Spotlight

Fall & Autumn Word Puzzle Bundle

Silly Drawing Prompts for Kids: Fall

Silly Writing Prompts for Kids: Fall