We predict that you’re either spewing poems like the proverbial bards of old, or you are sitting there staring at a blank screen, notebook or restaurant napkin not knowing where to start.

If you are in the first category then well done and keep going! There is only a lower limit to this challenge and the more the merrier!

To help with that inevitable creative block we suggest you find a candle or oil lamp or even a torch, and light it (or switch it on). This will be your muse flame. Now write about it – about the way the light judders, the shadows, or the smell of hot molten wax, or about the drizzling clear molten gloop that oozes down the wine bottles in your favourite restaurant.

Do not stop to think about form or spelling or alliteration or any of the rest of it; that can be sorted out later – here you are aiming for the essence of the poem.

Now go write or type and keep that hand/fingers moving!

If it feels short then let it be a short poem. If it feels long let it flow until you run out of steam or your hand cramps 🙂

Happy writing.