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If you have been writing to the prompts regularly, well done. If you haven’t followed any prompts yet and you’re here now, this is what matters. Be brave, give it a go and be present. Write and pour your heart on to the page. Write by hand if you can. When the time is up type it up. Explore a new genre if you wish. Look at today’s theme and write what first comes to your mind. If you are an artist who prefers to draw or create other pieces than writing that’s ok too.
Writing is about what you see and how you see it. Others may not want to see what you have to share. It’s your job to tell the story that’s burning inside, even if the pages get to carry too much. Your job as a writer is to write it.
If you use these prompts to make a post or other work please say what inspired you to create and link it back to this post and the Writer Pilgrim by So Elite publication.
If a prompt doesn’t work, make it work for you. Pick an element, a word or an angle and try again and well done for persevering. Be gentle and be kind to yourself.
Previous prompts are available on the Prompt Station starting page. Give all prompts a chance. While you may be inclined to pick and choose, you may want to look more closely at the ones you’re avoiding. It may be that those prompts can offer you some guidance or discovery as you set out to write. Don’t always go for the safe option. Try new things in your writing. That’s what a prompt is for, to play, explore have fun and be silly or serious without planning.
Today’s prompt is:
Set your timer to 5 minutes. If you feel like writing more after the 5 minutes have passed carry on.
This is a 5 minute exercise in writing in long hand and letting your pen lead your words on the page. No judging, no editing, just a stream of words coming out.
These prompts started for the participants of writing workshoppers and have continued to include everyone. You may choose to write to the prompt and keep it private on your notepad. If you decide to post your writing in comments, you may get a comment or like from someone other than me! Can you handle it? This page is online, so only share what you are comfortable with.
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England is a strange place
The royal seal sets the pace
And even an opera house
Like a silly little mouse
Wants to have that royal nod
Though all who walk on same sod
But it must be twilight
The lights are bright
Traffic is heavy in London town
And the sun is going down
Just got back from time on the beach
And now the ocean is out of reach
I don't mean to make fun
Of customs that people have done
And I am sure England laughs
At how America can be so daf
But let's be friends
So close to the end
Til Jesus comes again
And sets up a world without sin
So people can do what they want
But consequences will surely haunt
Everyone has a choice
God is the still, small inside voice
Thank you , Writer Pilgrim!
Being Stuck In Traffic
The driver rolled down his window to let some fresh air into the cab of the truck. Being stuck in traffic was a daily grind. He was transporting production items from storage to the backstage door. Already boredom was setting in.
“These construction sites really put a grind in my gears,” Luciano reflected as he picked up a bottle of water.
As his ears detected snatches of music thumping from behind closed windows Luciano turned his focus towards his delivery. Thoughtful period pieces were needed to fill out the set. Before long he started humming a Libretto from last night's opera. He found himself pausing often, his eyes narrowing, his foot steady on the brake. Luciano looked left and then right, checking his mirrors for some unknown reason as different road sounds demonstrated the aching some people faced. Glancing in the distance he saw little movement.
An idea glimmered causing him to find words to explain the situation. Luciano opened his mouth and began singing.
Stuck in traffic I must confess
Is nothing short of a holy mess
Vehicles idling, droning noise
Adults playing with hand held toys
Breathing in much filthy air
Some drivers dream in vacant stares
Phones raised as in days of old
Discussions tense to be retold
Being alone has people scared
Their lives aren’t moving anywhere
Honking horns distract my song
I have to be moving on.
Luciano checked which gear he was in before releasing the clutch as thunderous applause filled the air. He looked around, first in shock, before waving at the gathered crowd. A young woman stepped onto the running board and said,
“I will see you at the Opera.”
He smiled as the line ingloriously inched forward.
“I just wish this would end,” he sang softly in Italian.
As he placed his foot on the brakes again, all hope slowly evaporated of an imminent arrival. Luciano turned his thoughts towards writing his next Libretto.
“Maybe being stuck in traffic isn’t such a bad thing,” he mused, taking in everything around him.