And now for our prompt (optional, as always)! Many years ago, "didactic" poetry was very common – in other words, poetry that explicitly sought to instruct the reader in some kind of skill or knowledge, whether moral, philosophical, or practical. Today, I'd like to challenge you to write the latter kind of "how to" poem – a didactic poem that focuses on a practical skill. Hopefully, you'll be able to weave the concrete details of the action into a compelling verse. Also, your "practical" skill could be somewhat mythological, imaginary, or funny, like "How to Capture a Mermaid" or "How to Get Your Teenager to Take Out the Garbage When He Is Supposed To." Happy writing!

It sparks from a conversation, or something that I've seen

The idea enters my head then there's a beginning for the scene

For today's prompt I thought it apt, to share my thoughts on how I write

Everyone has their own ways, no one is wrong, no one is right

We all have our ideas, and places where we create

At the moment it's the beer garden, where I'm sat to contemplate

What I'll include in this rhyme, words to help a fellow poet

What works for me, may not work for you, but it may do, though it

Doesn't always look clear at the start

Don't think too hard, let it flow from the heart

Just let your mind run free and see what comes out

You can edit it later if you're in doubt

Not everything that you pen

will be amazing but then again

You never know until you write

The pen is mightier than the sword alright

I've moved now to my garden, sitting in the sun

Whether this is good or bad, I sure am having fun

And there's one thing to think of, are you enjoying it or not?

When your developing your characters, or dreaming up a plot

If the answer to this is no, or you have to think too hard

Maybe you're not cut out to be, the next best selling bard