Poetry Prompt Weekly: The New King's Coronation.
Today is the new King's coronation, and you've been tasked to write a song in his honor. So, what will you write?
Hey everyone, it’s a new week now, which means it’s time for a new poetry prompt. Last time we received a ton of responses— and the enthusiasm towards this feels wonderfully rewarding. So thank you for being a part of that.
Last week’s prompt post concluded with a poll to help decide what this week’s prompt would be. The winner ultimately was “Write a ballad or an ode!”
The poll to help shape next week’s post will be at the bottom of this one, so make sure to read through everything. First, we’ll go over today’s prompt, my entry for it, and then cover some highlights from last weeks.
But before we get into all that, did you know I’m hosting a giveaway? No, you didn’t? Well, it’s time to change that! Enter now for a chance to win a copy of Inside the Sun and Moon, a ISM themed bullet-journal, and a gift-card!
Don’t wait! The giveaway ends soon, so get your entries in ASAP. Winners will be announced on the 28th, so hurry on over. Just click the button below to learn more.
Your Poetry Prompt: Today is the new King's coronation, and you've been tasked to write a song in his honor. So, what will you write?
And for this prompt, your poem should be written as either a ballad or an ode. You can click either of those words to learn more about them.
Below is my poem for this prompt. You can use it as an example or reference for writing a ballad.
Ballad of the King Salamander
To our conspicuous tail; the forlorn King,
We commence together to praise this day.
For without it, our future would cease to be lit,
By the plight of the toad’s crushing sway.
To this moment, lo behold, a golden ring,
Worn around his crest, his neck, for full display.
His slithering legs lead us away from the pit,
Bringing us back to prosperity’s way.
To our new lord, to which of whom we sing,
Hoping he listens to what we really long to say,
That truth be told, he is a counterfeit;
And to his game, his lies, we shall no longer play.
So alas, let’s rise, fellow newts, against this wring.
Together to overthrow, to restore color to our gray,
To show there’s no room for a hypocrite,
Who desires corruption to grow further in our bay.
To our conspicuous tail; the forlorn king,
We commence together to show him on this day
That only we can make change to it—
The poverty and sickness which is his way.
Image from Judy Goldwyn, via Patch.
Some Highlights from Last Weeks Prompt: One of your Favorite Child-hood Toys.
Once again, there were a ton of responses to last week’s prompt, which was amazing to see. However, while I can’t highlight everyone’s posts here, I wanted to highlight some pieces that really resonated with me.
Every week I plan on putting about three or so shout-outs here, so don’t worry if yours doesn’t get picked. I’ll still make sure to like, comment on, and re-stack your piece.
1. Baxter by
This poem is a sweet reminder of how comforting it is to have a stuffed animal, especially as a kid. This plushie is your friend, companion, and protector from the scary things. You can subscribe to him here to see more of his work.
2. Biobugs by
As one of my favorite writers here on Substack, it was an honor to see
participate in last week’s prompt! While his piece has a similar concept as mine, you can really feel his nostalgia and love for those biobugs. You can subscribe to him here to check out more of his stuff.3. Mr. Grumps by
I don’t know why, but the idea of a cigar smoking dog named Mr. Grumps just really stuck out me. However, the poem itself is really good and carries the embodiment of a childhood memory wonderfully. If you want to read, Annieguile’s piece, you can do so here. You should also subscribe to her!
Honorable Mention: The Game Master’s War by
While this is a short story and not a poem, I felt like it had to be included here. T.P takes the game of risk and turns it into a daring tale of war and battle, fueled by the imagination of a kid playing by himself. Truly worth the read, you won’t be disappointed. You can subscribe to them here for more of their work.
Before we wrap things up, here’s your chance to influence next week’s prompt:
Choose carefully though, as you’re shaping the outcome of next week’s prompt. Anyway, it’s time to bid you all farewell. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with! Buh-bye now!
The Coronation
Red hats bob and weave
to a tune by a one hit band
they don’t know they're deceived
too poorly educated to understand
The irony is lost on this small crowd
a song celebrating all they hate
waving their arms, singing aloud
truth be damned this auspicious date
Choosing themselves a vain, vain king
with a rapist and a spy in his court
at coronation they’ll kiss the ring
a fete we wish we could abort
Choosing themselves a vain, vain king
with a sociopath in his court
tonight he breaks all our dear things
a feat we are helpless to abort
Red hats’ dance is frenzied now
evil prime ministers heil their salutes
marionette’s strung from Moscow
brainwashes yet more young recruits
Here he comes, the narcissistic ruler
selling Crypto copies of his crown
here he comes the 21st century Fuhrer
his hubris will burn us all down
I am so excited for this prompt! I am going to make another short story though! I don't think I could do an ode or a ballad the justice it so deserves.
Such a beautifully written ballad! The play on words is masterful, this "to restore color to our gray" lit up my entire imagination! Thank you!
All the great stories highlighted this week! Bradley and Annieguile are so talented. I need to go read the other story!
Thank you so much for highlighting my little story of a child's dreams coming to life! I will never get used to anyone calling out my work!
Everyone be sure to enter the giveaway! I have! I'm exciteddddd!
Don't forget to chose a theme! I know I did! I need more people to choose it! Not saying what it is, but try to get it!
And if you haven't already subscribe to Hazel!!