Writing Prompt

POEM STARTER

Inspired by Maranda Quinn

Write a poem centred around the theme of destruction.

Writings

Sharking

I’m tired of waiting Always waiting Wondering when you’ll notice

I gave you so many signs It’s not hard to understand That I’m not what you Want me to be

When do I have to Destroy the perfect picture Of the girl you think I am

I’m sitting here My world spinning My heart pumping Too fast Too slow My thoughts scattered But you don’t know You can’t see it You won’t see it

“They can find it in anyone” That’s not how it works

When do I have to tell you When do I give up The hope of being perfect Fitting into your box Fitting in

Some people won’t like That I’m saying all of this It makes them feel invalidated Or something like that But when do I get to say That I know myself Well enough to tell

I don’t want to destroy her The dream daughter That you see me as But she never really existed in the first place

When I walked in circles Around Around Around you You told me “Stop sharking” Like I wanted to in the first place That was a sign

When I sast in class And my mind started reeling My heart running When I felt dizzy At the thought of being called on That was a sign

When I wouldn’t eat anything That wasn’t beige And cheesy And simple When I didn’t finish my cereal If it got even a little soggy When I wouldn’t eat anything That I didn’t deem “normal” That was a sign

When I used the carpet To dry my hands Because I hated the feel Of the towels That was a sign

When I couldn’t sleep Unless you held me Read to me At the same time every night In the same place The same voice Or I wouldn’t sleep That was a sign

How many signs does it take To break the box To free myself To get what I need

How many signs does it take To destroy the person You think I am

"Echoes of Ruin"

Beneath the weight of shattered skies,
The earth ignites, the silence dies.
In crumbling streets, the ashes fall,
A broken world, no voice to call.

a place so pretty, now in ruins. nobody sure what to say. will the world continue after this day.

people work, people sleep. but the world they once had, is now obsolete.

they try to fix it. they try to ignore but this place is now unfit.

they try to apologize. they beg for forgiveness. the world is a lie. the world is a mess.

they try their best to fix it all. but humans, their world is simply meant to fall.


analysis

Theme

Central Idea: The poem explores themes of destruction, loss, and the futility of human efforts to restore a world that has been irrevocably damaged. It reflects on the consequences of human actions and the deep sense of despair that accompanies the recognition of a broken society.

Subject Matter: The subject matter revolves around a post-apocalyptic scenario where the environment is in ruins, and humanity grapples with the aftermath of its own choices. The imagery suggests a once-beautiful place now devastated, highlighting feelings of helplessness and remorse.

Language

Word Choice: The language used in the poem is stark and evocative. Words and phrases like "shattered skies," "ashes fall," and "broken world" create vivid imagery of devastation. Phrases such as "a place so pretty, now in ruins" juxtapose beauty with destruction, emphasizing the loss.

Literary Devices:

  • Imagery: Vivid descriptions create a strong visual representation of decay and destruction.

  • Personification: The earth "ignites" and "silence dies," attributing human-like qualities to nature to emphasize the emotional weight of the scene.

  • Repetition: The use of "they try" emphasizes the futile efforts of humanity to mend what has been broken, reinforcing the theme of despair.

  • Contrast: The poem contrasts the past beauty of the world with its current state of ruin, highlighting the depth of loss.

Sound and Rhythm

Syllabic Patterns and Stresses: The poem does not adhere to a strict meter, giving it a free verse feel that aligns with the chaotic themes presented. However, there are moments of rhythmic emphasis, particularly in lines that convey strong emotional weight (e.g., "A broken world, no voice to call"). The varying syllable counts create a disjointed rhythm, reflecting the disorder of the subject matter.

Structure

Framework: The poem consists of several stanzas of varying lengths, which contribute to the overall feeling of fragmentation.

  • Stanza Breaks: The breaks between stanzas allow for pauses, giving space for reflection on each part of the narrative.

  • Rhyme Patterns: There is an irregular rhyme scheme; some lines rhyme while others do not, creating an unpredictable flow that mirrors the chaos described within the poem.

  • Punctuation: The use of periods and commas contributes to the poem's rhythm, with periods signaling finality and despair at the end of thoughts. The absence of punctuation in certain lines allows for a more fluid interpretation.

Context

Who: The poem could be interpreted as a collective voice of humanity grappling with its failures and the consequences of its actions.

What: It reflects on the state of the world following destruction and the struggles of individuals to come to terms with the new reality.

Where: The setting can be imagined as a dystopian landscape, representative of any place affected by war, disaster, or environmental collapse.

When: The poem speaks to a timeless theme of human suffering and resilience, but it could be particularly relevant in contemporary discussions about climate change, conflict, and societal breakdown.

Why: The poem serves as a reflection on the fragility of human existence and the impact of our choices, urging readers to consider the consequences of their actions on the world around them. It highlights the emotional turmoil faced by individuals in the wake of collective failure.