Happy Tuesday, my friends! Here at dVerse, we are back from vacation and back to the business of writing poetry. Melissa here from Mom With a Blog, sharing today’s poetry prompt.

We are about a week away from Shark Week, a weeklong dedication to shark programs and all things shark on the Discovery Channel (available in over 170 countries). Shark Week was established in July of 1987 to educate the public and get people interested in sharks.

For today, I’ve decided: let’s write about sharks, as many others have.

Here is one last example of the rather grim variety.

About the Teeth of Sharks

By John Ciardi

The thing about a shark is—teeth,

One row above, one row beneath.

Now take a close look. Do you find

It has another row behind?

Still closer—here, I’ll hold your hat:

Has it a third row behind that?

Now look in and…Look out! Oh my,

I’ll never know now! Well, goodbye.

from You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You (Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1962).

For today’s prompt, let’s write about sharks. You may choose to include them in your poem however you wish. Perhaps you’re in debt to a loan shark (I hope not), maybe in a past life you were a card shark, or maybe you love the movie, Jaws. Just use the word shark somewhere in your poem.

For extra credit, you may choose to write an ode to your shark subject: “A formal, often ceremonious lyric poem that addresses and often celebrates a person, place, thing, or idea.” This is not mandatory.

If you’re new, here is how to join us:

• Write a poem in response to the prompt.
• Enter your name and a link directly to the post containing your poem into Mr. Linky. Remember to check the box to accept use/privacy policy.
• Read other poets’ work as they enter their links into Mr. Linky. Check back as more will be added.
• Please link back to dVerse from your post.
• Have a wonderful time!🎉

‼️Mr. Linky will remain open until 3pm EST on Thursday, July 17, 2025.‼️