Write a poem about (or to!) an inanimate object that has little or no monetary value.
In 2009, Rob Walker and Joshua Glen conducted an experiment in writing and perceived value. They coaxed 100 writers to pen stories about nearly-worthless objects – tchotchkes, trinkets, cheap souvenirs, you name it – and then they sold the stories with the focus item on eBay.
That little collection of miscellanea, purchased for “a total of $128.74, sold for a whopping total of $3,612.51 — a 2,700% markup. (The most highly valued pairing in the entire project, bought for $1.49 and sold for $197.50, was a globe paperweight with a moving handwritten story by the magnificent Debbie Millman…” (You can read the full story about the project HERE)
The challenge this week requires you to find that Kid’s Meal toy, Cracker Jack prize, or 1972 carnival souvenir and:
Write a poem about (or to!) an inanimate object that has little or no monetary value.
Let’s see if you can raise the value of an object just through your words!
This is my poem, based on a silver elephant that sits atop my desk…
Raja
Little King
How often I have looked at you
With unseeing eyes
As I ponder some lost word or phrase
Until finally,
Your quiet grace begs an audience
And I remember the cinnamon hands
of the child who placed you in mine
that last day of school.
Add your poem below in the comments, or link to your site and be sure to visit other writers and support their work!
(Happy Frog link system is taking a temporary leave of absence. The Frog Keeper is tired of sorting out its script.)
Be a regular in the Reason 2 Rhyme Poetry Ring (here’s how that works…)
- Monday Poetry Prompt – check this site for the week’s inspiration
- Share your poem in the comment section, or link to the site where you have it posted
- Visit other circle members and comment, like, or share their post
- Friday Feature – one participant will be randomly drawn from the circle to be featured on this site
That’s it! Haiku, Cinquain, Sonnet, Villanelle, Blank Verse, Free Form, Limerick… it’s all welcome!
Related articles
Like this:
Like Loading...
Karen B. Nelson 