Today, I'd like to challenge you to write a poem that begins with a line from a another poem (not necessarily the first one), but then goes elsewhere with it. This will work best if you just start with a line of poetry you remember, but without looking up the whole original poem. (Or, find a poem that you haven't read before and then use a line that interests you). The idea is for the original to furnish a sort of backdrop for your work, but without influencing you so much that you feel stuck just rewriting the original!. For example, you could begin, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day," or "I have measured out my life with coffee spoons," or "I miss them, but it wasn't a disaster," or "they persevere in swimming where they like." Really, any poem will do to provide your starter line – just so long as it gives you the scope to explore. Happy writing!

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I was never there for I do creep

In the shadows cast by the moon's beams

Do not sleep I will haunt your dreams

Daylight is the time you'll find

It's harder to penetrate your mind

But as soon as night falls that's my domain

I'll afflict torment and misery in your brain

I'll pursue you everywhere you go

Regret and suffering I'll bestow

My aim to make you stop and think

Not to drive when you've had a drink