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Monday, August 23, 2010

SIX WORD MEMOIR

For We Write Poems


If you haven’t come across this site yet, you should have. It’s an initiative by SMITH Magazine asking people to write their life story in six words. There are now expanded sections with categories to base your memoir on, such as Childhood, Travel, or Revenge, but my favourite is the original life story six-word memoir.
Click the link to see examples from famous people and unknown names alike, and spend the week trying your hand at six-word memoirs. See if you can write one for every category on the website. Possibly one will inspire you to write a longer poem–will it be one of your own, or a stranger’s that you read on the site? This prompt doesn’t require you to write many words, but it does involve some deep thinking and manipulating of words. Let it inspire you to write more, or less, than you usually do in a given week. And definitely come back on Wednesday to share your favourite six-word memoirs (or other, longer material you’ve written out of this prompt) with your poeming-friends!


NO SHORT CUTS; ALWAYS SCENIC ROUTE

Yesterday; a day of broken promises
Ineffective guarantees, followed immediately by disclaimers

Same old same old Rat Race
Old too soon? Long time Dying?

Life is tough; deal with it!

Today, I choose a different path
No short cuts; always scenic route

As sure as day follows night
Tomorrow follows today, bringing fresh hope

The best is yet to come
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23 comments:

  1. JinksyAugust 23, 2010 at 1:13 PM

    Like the positive attitude in this succinct piece.

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  2. Stan SkiAugust 23, 2010 at 4:38 PM

    Thanks Jinksy; What came before had its plusses too.

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  3. AnonymousAugust 25, 2010 at 2:16 PM

    I like your philosophy.

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  4. Stan SkiAugust 25, 2010 at 2:27 PM

    Thanks TLH; There's always tomorrow.

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  5. robkistnerAugust 25, 2010 at 4:22 PM

    these are great Stan, I savor the scenic route...

    ...rob

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  6. UnknownAugust 25, 2010 at 5:27 PM

    Always take the scenic route; couldn't agree more, Stan.

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  7. Stan SkiAugust 25, 2010 at 6:58 PM

    Thanks to:
    Rob; No half measures - live life to the full.
    Derrick; You only get one life, so make the most of it.

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  8. Diane TAugust 25, 2010 at 9:10 PM

    I like the scenic route, too. No shortcuts, LOL.

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  9. flaubertAugust 25, 2010 at 9:36 PM

    Stan I am with you on the scenic route, life is too short!
    Excellent post!
    Pamela

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  10. barbaraAugust 25, 2010 at 10:05 PM

    no half measures; or extraneous words

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  11. Stan SkiAugust 25, 2010 at 10:15 PM

    Thanks to:
    Diane; Scenic sounds lazy, but short cuts are idle.
    Pamela; Tell me about it.
    Barbara; Keep it simple.

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  12. PeggyAugust 26, 2010 at 12:39 AM

    Skillful combination of six-line memoirs! I like the spirit of your words. I may have mentioned before that I like your elephant web-site design. And thank you for your comments on my site!

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  13. AnonymousAugust 26, 2010 at 12:57 AM

    Love your 6-words, every one! Ok, if I had to choose one, perhaps Old too soon? Long time Dying? ;)

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  14. MaryAugust 26, 2010 at 4:00 AM

    It is on the scenic route that one finds the most treasures along the way, I think. And yes, the best is yet to come!

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  15. ElizabethAugust 26, 2010 at 5:05 AM

    Actually, I like "Life is tough, deal with it." I think I've said that in some form to a few individuals,

    Elizabeth

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  16. LindaAugust 26, 2010 at 5:09 AM

    Love the scenic route

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  17. Stan SkiAugust 26, 2010 at 10:42 AM

    Thanks to:
    Peggy; Light at the end of every tunnel.
    Gospelwriter; Appearances can be drceptive.
    Mary; There's always room for improvement.
    Elizabeth; There's always someone worse off.
    Linda; Sometimes it's the only way.

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  18. Ron.August 26, 2010 at 11:32 AM

    Couldn't have written it better myself. (6)

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  19. Stan SkiAugust 26, 2010 at 1:41 PM

    Thanks Ron; Here's to tomorrow!

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  20. gautami tripathyAugust 26, 2010 at 8:06 PM

    Like it.

    Always strive for the best..

    That's what I think.

    reaching out

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  21. Stan SkiAugust 26, 2010 at 10:55 PM

    Thanks Gautami; And rest assured, the best is attainable...

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  22. Wayne PitchkoAugust 27, 2010 at 11:52 AM

    nicely done Stanski...thanks again for sharing your words

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  23. Stan SkiAugust 27, 2010 at 6:10 PM

    Thanks Wayne; You're welcome.

    ReplyDelete

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