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***Announcement***
REMINDER! Two chances to join OLN LIVE this month!
Thursday, February 16th from 3 to 4 PM EST
AND Saturday, February 18, from 10 to 11 AM ESTYou may still link ONE poem as usual for OLN, even if you do not attend a live session.

Hello dVerse Poets! This is Merril, and today is Prosery Monday where we write prose, not poetry. Prosery can be flash-fiction or creative non-fiction, but it is short prose no longer than 144 words in total (not including the title). It must be prose, not poetry (no versification, line breaks, meter, etc), and most importantly, it must include the given poetry line, word for word, within the prose. You may break the line and add punctuation, but you cannot change the words in the line or insert words.
I’ve chosen a line from a poem by Charlotte Mew (1869-1928). I didn’t know anything about her. She lived a sad life. Several siblings died and others were committed to mental asylums. She, her mother, and sister Anne lived in dire financial circumstances. She did not gain financial success from writing, but she did receive recognition and “praise from the literary community, most notably from Siegfried Sassoon, Sara Teasdale, Ezra Pound, Thomas Hardy, and Virginia Woolf who called Mew ‘the greatest living poetess.’”
Read more about her here:
I always struggle in choosing a line for Prosery because I don’t want to choose one that is too well-known, too long, or includes archaic words. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and I’ve chosen a line from one of her poems of lost love titled, “I so liked spring,” which also seems fitting as we in the northern hemisphere head toward spring. I like the poem, matter of fact but elegant.
HERE IS THE PROSERY PROMPT LINE:
“This year’s a different thing, –
I’ll not think of you.”from Charlotte Mew, “I so liked Spring”
Here’s how to take part in the Prosery Prompt:
- Write a piece of flash fiction or other prose up of up to or exactly 144 words, including the given line from the poem.
- Post your Prosery piece on your blog and link back to this post.
- Place the link to your actual post (not your blog url) on the Mister Linky page.
- Don’t forget to check the little box to accept use/privacy policy.
- Please visit other blogs and comment on their posts!
Good evening dVerse poets and thank you for hosting, Merril! The prompt line took me back to a ghostly character I have written about before in various ways and forms; I hope she appreciates it.
Oooo! Sounds spookily intriguing, Kim!
🙂
Hello dVerse poets! Welcome to the pub. Relax at the bar or by the fire. We have an assortment of hot and cold beverages and some tasty treats–sandwiches, pie, cookies.
I can’t wait to read your stories!
Good evening… I will not join you tonight as I will leave early tomorrow for a business trip. I will be back writing for the live session on Thursday
Safe travels, Björn!
Safe travels, Bjorn. See you Thursday! Literally 🙂
Safe travels, Bjorn. See you Thursday – literally! 🙂
Thank you for hosting. This prompt could go in a few different directions. I will give it some thought!
You’re welcome. I can’t wait to see what you decide, Dwight!
:>)
Hello Merril and All. Good line to write to, with mine being a sad story. All set for eats and drinks. Happy Monday!
Hi Lisa! It’s great to see you. Happy Monday to you. I’ll get you something to eat or drink, or you can help yourself–since you know where everything is. 😏
Thanks, Merril 🙂
Thanks for hosting, Merril! This three hours ahead of Boston’s time plays havoc with my dVerse time. I did get my poem posted — and we’re off to walk the ocean’s shores for a bit. Will return early this evening to read and comment.
Enjoy your walk!
I’ll enjoy using this line in prosery but am on the fence about sharing my piece.
Oh, OK. I’m glad you enjoyed the line whether you share it or not.
Nothing better than a great poetry prompt to start your day! Thanks for hosting, dear Merril 😁
Thank you, Jay. I’m glad you like the prompt. End of day here for me. 😊
Great prose prompt as ever, Merril, and another poet to explore… i’m tided over into 14 Feb now, as the witching hour struck a few minutes ago … may I have hot milk and honey delivered to my bathside, and a piece of fruity flapjack?
Lighthearted love to all lingering at the Bar, and a modest { bear hug }
I’m 5 hours aheaad of you, in England today, Scotland next week
I’m finishing up with dinner here, and I will probably see yours tomorrow. I’ve sent your hot milk and flapjack (like a pancake?) up to you! Enjoy!
Hi Merril… 👋🏼 Thank you for hosting today. Wonderful prompt! I was with my wife this morning, meeting again with her oncologist — so I got a late start. But here’s my offering.
Hi Rob, I hope the meeting went well. No problem, the prompt is open for a few days. I’ll probably read yours tomorrow.
I have to admit I’m drawing a blank with this one. But that was kind of my whole day in general. We’ll see how the week goes. (K)
I miss lots of prompts. You can always use it another time, if you want to.
It’s impossible to keep up. It’s on my weekly pile anyway.
It is. I don’t know how some people write and respond to so many prompts in one week!
Thank you for hosting and the interesting line of thought. I will read a few tonight but, I’ll be back tomorrow. It’s late and I have a headache. Be well all!
You’re welcome. I hope you feel better today.
I must chase that link to Mew’s details, what a sad life, but also what a poet! Thank you for introducing her. I think I need a whiskey Merril.
Oh you’re so welcome, Paul. I’m so pleased you like the prompt and poem. Here is your whiskey. It’s morning here. 🙂
Hi Merril,
Thanks for hosting😊 A fitting prompt for Valentines Day.
Happy Valentines Day everyone!
Pat
Hi Pat! Thank you so much!
Hi Merril et all. Just posted the link to my contribution over at Mr. Linky there. Hope ye enjoy the read! 🤞🙏😁📖
I’ll be right over, Ken! Sorry for the delay. I did check early this morning. 😊
Thanks very much Merril!
You’re welcome!
Hi Merril,
Thank you for hosting. I enjoyed writing to this piece. 🙂
Hi Kitty! I’m pleased you enjoyed the prompt!