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Kellie Elmore, poetics, poetry, poetry prompt, poetry sharing, Poets, Sheila Moore, taboo, Writing
Can you keep a secret? I hope not today because I (Sheila Moore) am excited to introduce you to Kellie Elmore, who is providing this week’s Poetics prompt.
Hello, everyone! My name is Kellie Elmore and I host a blog called Magic in the Backyard. I am extremely passionate about writing and encouraging others to write. I believe that the simple act of putting pen to paper and playing with words is such a wonderful way to express feelings, to heal and to keep your imagination alive. This is why I created Free Write Friday (FWF.)
One of my more recent FWF prompts was a challenge for writers to step out of their comfort zone and expand their play on words in order to confront those taboo subjects we fear. When Sheila asked if I would offer up my prompt for the dVerse crowd, of course I said, yes! I’m always thrilled to assist in sparking one’s Muse any chance I get! I look forward to reading what you create and please stop by my blog to read the amazing contributions already received in response to this fun prompt.
There are many reasons writers will edit/censor their work and I am guilty of doing the same, for example:
• Fear of being politically incorrect
• Personal issues that may be too clear and might expose something you’re unwilling to share
• Worry of what someone might think; touching on sensitive subjects or it just makes you uncomfortable
And the worst mistake any writer can make…
• Trying to appeal to everyone; playing it safe
Are you guilty of censoring your pen for the sake of status, personal opinion and/or judgment? Are there times when you would love to just go crazy and spill the beans (or ink) on a topic that you know may offend and/or scare away your readers?
It’s easy to write about love, heartache, memories, nature, fairies …all the mushy-wushy and ooey-gooey things we love. However, what about those other things? What are those taboo subjects that make you cringe when you, even for a split second, entertain the notion of writing about them?
Here are the Top Three:
Sex- (shhhh…that’s a bad word, right?) The sexual practice and, God forbid, its pleasure should not be written about! Are you serious? I think the reason some people stay away from this is because poetry is extremely revealing and we don’t want to expose that part of ourselves to strangers.
War/Politics- Yes, we all have our own opinion when it comes to foreign affairs, war and/or the leaders who send us to war but we don’t want to write about it.
Religion- There are more than 80,000 registered religions in the world, so chances are…we all can’t be right. Expressing your beliefs when it comes to (your) God(s) can be scary but writing and religion have something in common – confessing is the first step toward healing.
This weekend, I would like for you to choose a taboo topic and pen out your thoughts. Be as open and honest as you possibly can. If what you are writing begins to make you uncomfortable…good. The point of this exercise is to free your mind, expand your voice and challenge yourself to explore new ideas within description. This is an opportunity to learn how to overcome the uncomfortable and teach yourself how to use your words to define those things in a new way so that next time you are faced with one of those “taboo” prompts, you can go forth and be…
Thank you, Kellie, for such an inspiring prompt.
I must admit I was apprehensive about completing Kellie’s challenge last month but I did and it had such an impact on me that when trying to think of a topic for today’s Poetics, her taboo prompt kept jumping up and down in my brain, waving its arms and yelling, “Pick me, pick me!” 
I can’t wait to see which taboo topic you pick to write about today. Please note that you do not have to limit yourself to Kellie’s top three. Depending on your cultural, moral, spiritual or religious beliefs, nationality, ethnicity, social class (or sense of humor :P) what is taboo to you may not be to someone else. So, what have you got to lose? Are you ready to be fearless?
Here are the steps to join in:
~ Write a poem and post it on your blog.
~ Click the Mr. Linky button below and when the new window opens enter your name and the direct URL of your poem.
~ Visit some of the other participants’ links.
~ Since we are asking you to write about taboo or “uncomfortable” topics, please be sensitive when commenting on the other poems as this is meant to be a writing exercise and not necessarily a forum for debate. Thank you for your willingness and open-mindedness.
Poetically yours,
Sheila
dVerse 
nice..thank you sheila and keelie for a very fun prompt…i can not wait to see what people come up up with for this! haha…gonna be a hot time in the ole pub tonight.
great prompt sheila and kellie – so looking forward to see what brave and courageous poets we have in the pub..smiles
Welcome to the other side of the bar, Kellie. Now I have to safari into my head and heart and see what’s hiding in there. If you see a poem, you’ll know I found it. If you hear screams and/or moans, you’ll know IT found ME.
If it’s what I think it is, either way it’s a win-win situation.
lol – your sense of humor makes me smile, Joe
yes, no wallflowers tonight – unless of course you’re more of the voyeur type (oops – we can’t talk about such things – oh, wait…yes, today we can!) lol
A challenging prompt, but one with rewards. I’m linked in, but am now forced to attend to the chores I’ve been neglecting all morning–back later to read and comment.
dig this… saw a tweet while managing tweet deck for work. Working all weekend but really hope to get something in the fire! great prompt~
Hi Kellie, I think there are distinctions between writing fearlessly and blogging fearlessly. Somehow it is easier to write and perhaps even publish a finished work that includes taboo aspects, but it is harder to blog about them. People are very quick to view blogs almost as diaries–about the blogger, and if you are a professional person, you do feel some pressure to take a certain amount of care. Oddly, this does not seem to apply quite as much with a more finished type of piece. Although I found, even in that case, after publishing a book of poetry that had a fair number of sexual poems, that there were several people in my office who could not look me in the eye! (Men!)
That said, to write powerful work, you do have to push the honesty envelope. At any rate, it’s a great prompt and a very interesting subject/problem. K.
i hear you…i used to feel that tension when i worked in the church…have always gone by my name which means people can find me if i really want…even got black listed at the local christian university at least once…so you do have to take it into consideration…i am glad you played…smiles.
Thanks, Brian.
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Mine is more in the nature of a taboo treatment of the subject. I am a pretty fearless poet when it comes to the big taboo subjects, but today’s post had me cringing about what I think people may think of me.
Ok, here’s a link to the only poem I’ve ever written about sex. As a spoken word piece it helps if you listen to the recording. It is dedicated to Hypatia, a woman that broke many taboos in her time. Therefore, I think it qualifies for a couple reasons, that and I will be hesitant to show my face at the pub after linking it. I hope that qualifies as sufficiently uncomfortable. Thank you for the thought provoking prompt.
oooo! Taboo!
Okay. I’m in (just hope I don’t Piss anyone off!)
http://wp.me/p102ON-x
Fine prompt, Kellie. How can we find magnitude without exceeding? As Emerson wrote, “there is a great pubic power on which ((the poet)) can draw, by unlocking, at all risks, his human doors, and suffering the ethereal tiedes to roll and circulate through him … the poet knows that he speaks adequately then only when he speaks somewhat wildly…” Kinda takes out of the suburban poem, I’d say — and add that it will be interesting to see what risks are taken here in this prompt, what doors willl open. I was going to post a really obscene pagan poem, but that’s hardly taboo enough for this daffy saltwater poet. So instead I run with the whale … farts. – Brendan (p.s., love your blog, your poetic, your poems–)
I love this… mine is the taboo truth… unfortunately.
fabulous comments, everyone. Snakypoets cringing, Anna’s hiding around the bar’s corner or maybe in the ladies room afraid to show her face, tinkwelborn is hoping not to piss anyone off – sounds like you guys rose to the challenge. Now, I am off to read what all the hype is about 🙂
Brendan, thanks for the awesome Emerson quote – so true.
Hmm – is my taboo your taboo!
Barkeep, set me up with a double because if I write for this, I need all the courage I get. Of course, I can choose a second-best taboo and leave the trigger topic alone.
Quite a challenge.
Here’s a double with a beer chaser, Beth. Now, hit us with that trigger topic! lol 😉
Trigger it is. Hit me again and leave the bottle. Thanks!
LOL!
i wont let you drink alone beth…smiles.
*patting the stool next to me* The next round is on Brian. 🙂
Oh, what a fun night at the pub 🙂
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Thanks for the great prompt, Kellie. I never did follow through when I first saw it on your blog, but couldn’t resist this time. 😉 Although my poem was fairly easy to write, hitting that “publish” button was scary. Now it’s out there for anyone to read, even possibly the person who is the subject of the poem and those we both know. But that’s okay. Life without risks is boring! Here’s to the challenge to write what we think, believe, and feel. Peace, Linda
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Looks like things are heating up in the Pub. Keep those taboo fires stoked for me. I am off to some early Halloween activities with the kiddos. Be back later to catch up.
Thank you, Kellie and Sheila. This one scares me but, hey, I did it. Now I guess I’ll stand back and watch my followers unsubscribe. lol
haha its great to be scared isnt it….smiles.
Thank you – Sheila and Kellie – Great post – I spent more time than I thought. This sort of thing isn’t easy to post on a blog – had to create it as a jpg and then post and that wasn’t easy either. Aaarrrrgh. Hope it gives you guys a bit of a giggle!
gay, i bow….great job tonight…
Thanks Brian and for the comment on my blog. Much to learn about this stuff – but you gotta know I love e.e. cummings too. Never could quite channel him though. I’m working on something along these lines for FormForAll. We shall see.
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Thanks kellie for the prompt ….hope I don’t offend too many people !
Kellie…this is awesome! Sheila…tell me you didn’t have alternative motives in getting her to play with us today! 😉 I’m late to the party…AGAIN, but I do hope to get a little ‘somethin, somethin to spew from my pen…there’s really only one thing that makes me blush…as some of you may have seen in various comments…don’t know if I’ve got the nerve to tackle it or not! Off to find my neglected note book!
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I’ve written about a few of these subjects, but I went with racism this time. Neat topic.
that was awesome val
back in the Pub…making some more rounds. Keep them coming, you guys are doing an awesome job of being FEARLESS!
This is definitely a hard one for me, but I really want to participate. I really struggle with censoring myself because I grew up in the church, and until a few years ago, I worked in the church. I have ruffled more than a few feathers already without even trying, but with every push I feel more free to express myself. I think it’s very true that what is offensive to one is tame to another. I know that is the case with the varied group of people I know. I have some cheering me on, and others looking down in disapproval as far as what I’ve chosen to post on my blog. I find myself not advertising certain pieces on FB, etc. because sometimes I don’t want the trouble that will come.
Having said all of that, I’ve had a piece sitting for awhile that I think I’m going to post. So, if I lose more people, you guys better not quit on me, too, lol. Just kidding . . . kind of 🙂
woohoo! i feel you on this lori…you know my story…and i have pushed that line as far as i can then kicked it out further some days…find freedom at your pace..and i will def cheer you on..
I’m back from a recital and looking forward to more fun (though I may have to dash back into the bathroom from time to time to hide :)). Thanks again Sheila!
welcome!
reading 39 & 40 and calling it a night…dont set the place on fire tonight…ha…great stuff today!
Arriving a little late, but looking forward to a drink and some great poetry.
never late – glad you are here.
This prompt should provoke some interesting responses. I’m in awe of the courageous ones so far. Mine pales in its conmparative cowardice. I am cursed with
a reticence which is so subtle that it’s almost invisible.
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rallentandallentanda, it is all relative to your own experience – not to the experiences of others. Can’t wait to read what you brought 🙂 But, I will have to finished up in the morning –
I made it through 38 (I think) and now my brain has shut down. The Pub doors, however, remain open so keep the party going, start a tab (honor system) and I’ll see ya on the flip side. Thanks, all.
My favvorite subject?
Hey thanks for this great idea and Have a beautiful Sunday ALL of you!!!!
That was a terrific prompt, Kellie Elmore.
(I posted “Southern Baptist Conventions”.)
I am fearlessly in, but I fear I have stayed up too late! So am checking out and will begin reading in the afternoon. This was a remarkable prompt, Kellie. Thanks for thinking of asking her, Sheila.
A Cup of Honestea (and fearlessness)
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hey – just sneaking in to say hi… it’s my husband’s birthday today – so won’t manage to visit all of you as we’re having guests…but read quite a few and really some brave and thought provoking poetry out there on the trail…thanks to sheila and kellie again for a cool prompt and… wishing you all a lovely sunday
good morning everyone…just playing catch up with your pushes to the envelope…nice stuff…on my way out but will stop in shortly to catch others that join…
happy birthday to your hubby claudia…
Thanks Sheila. Great post. I’m a bit late to the party, but I decided to post something I wrote a few years back. This piece is a statement of where my religious views were (or rather, weren’t) at the time, and it was something I really needed to write. Thanks for the opportunity to share.
thanks for sharing Stephen, I am off to read some more. I think I left off last night at #39. You guys, rock!
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Hello everyone! I’ve been absent from the online scene for quite some time, but of course that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped writing. This early Fall afternoon was a perfect time to relax and catch up with some of you who know me, and find some new faces as well. I loved the “Taboo” prompt, and it reminded me of a poem I wrote a few months ago about personal relationships. While I usually don’t post things online that are personal, I thought this to be the perfect opportunity to open up a bit. So I give to you, “On My Sleeve”
http://quillsandquasars.blogspot.com/2011/10/on-my-sleeve.html
See you on the blogs!
-Pounds
I like this place. I did not know that it existed. This is a marvelous prompt! And a bit of what I am all about!
I am happy to introduce you to this wonderful community. Happy day ~
thank you both…enjoyed my trip to your place Old Raven…and thank you Heaven….
Thanks to Sheila and Kellie for their attempt to bring everyone into the realism around us all. Well then, you only have Luke Prater and Brian Miller to thank for my bravery although mine is not all that very deep and in just plain words, I have posted a small news and education poem on the OWS. I had written a while back so a start up of sorts. We will go a little deeper later. The whole thing is not over…sorry to say.
http://seeworldhere.wordpress.com/2011/10/16/our-world-today-they-know/
you put me in good company there with LUke…smiles…ah but very nicely written….and strong as well…
A great prompt to light some fire under our fannies! Thanks Kellie and Sheila.
I don’t believe in taboo subjects , or in self censorship due to fear of offending someone. I will never be critical of those attributes which we cannot control, like our skin colour or our physical appearance, but don’t expect the same tolerance for beliefs.
How long do I have to “play along?”
Okay, I’ve signed up. This is my first time, so be gentle. 🙂
welcome, Silver Fox. Glad to have you aboard! Mr. Linky will close at midnight eastern time tonight.
woohoo great to see you David! i know David from way back…nice job on the storytelling piece my friend….
“David?” Oh, thanks, Brian, you just blew The Silver Fox’s secret identity! No, seriously, I thought I’d give this a shot, bouncing my own type(s) of poetry off of other people who specialize in poetry themselves. Let’s hope I can keep up!
That is one tough prompt and it dragged me kicking and screaming into writing something that is usually only expressed in private thoughts.
The widget for submissions seems to have expired, so I guess I will just have to leave a link here instead.
http://pspacer11.wordpress.com/2011/10/17/for-the-love-of-daddy/
hey tino – great to see you…jumping over to read…
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I’m so happy to see so many of you participate in this prompt! Thank you to Sheila for bringing some backyard magic over here to dverse and sharing all of you amazing people with me! Just astounded at the talent gathered here each week on link nights. I get si much inspiration from all of you.
This was fun and I hope to see everyone write for me sometime soon for free write friday 😉
Here is my contribution, I missed the expiration on Mr. Linky 😦
http://magicinthebackyard.wordpress.com/2011/10/17/spinning-bottles/
Hugs!
Kellie
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I think you are misusing the word taboo if those are your “taboo” subjects. Sex, politics, and religion — if uncomfortable to some — are not taboo. Taboo subjects are things like eating human flesh, having sex with children, or talking about the negatives of ownership. Also, promoting and working toward true anarchy in public forums is often near taboo.
Pull of the Sun – The Motor Base Poems
K. Shawn Edgar
Capitalist countries are inclined to raise their boys to have sex with their mothers and kill their fathers. When there’s nothing else to eat, we eat each other.
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