Writing & editingPoetic formstext

Write a poem whose middle line changes direction

Builds a formal turn that supports two readings.

Editorial illustration for Write a poem whose middle line changes direction
Editorial illustration for this prompt; the prompt itself does not generate this image.

Ready to use

Prompt

Using [IMAGE OR OBJECT] and [EMOTION], write a 12-line original poem. Line six must be readable as both the end of the first half and the start of the second, shifting the meaning without changing words. Avoid forced rhyme and named-poet imitation. After the poem, show the two readings in plain prose and identify the pivot words. Check the line count, verify that both readings are grammatical, and revise if the pivot relies on punctuation that appears only in the explanation.