The Poetry Stash: 23April2025

When the Burning Begins by Patricia Smith

Today’s selection is “When the Burning Begins” by Patricia Smith. To listen to the reading and read the text, click here.

Prompts:

1.	Begin with “when you smell the burning…”
2.	Begin with “she branded me…”
3.	Draft a poem exploring a childhood moment with a parent or sibling.
4.	Draft a poem detailing the first time you ever tried a new activity.

5. Photo by Geraud pfeiffer via pexels.com. Use the image as a writing prompt.

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