20 October Poetry Prompts
To get in the fall writing spirit, I’ve decided to have a fall-themed poetry challenge! In my last post, I talked about my fall writing goals and the key areas I aim to improve: my consistency, my writing skills, and completing drafts. I thought this would be a cool and motivating way to focus on my goals while also having fun with my craft. So, I have curated a list of 20 poetry prompts to get my creative juices flowing. I am not going to use all 20 prompts but I have chosen 10 prompts that I resonated with and have shared them on my Instagram!
October Poetry Prompts
Golden Hours – Write about the changing light in autumn, and the warm glow of the season’s sunsets.
Haunted Memories – Explore a memory that lingers, one that haunts you, or write from the perspective of a ghost.
Falling Leaves, Falling Apart – Compare the falling leaves to moments of letting go or personal change.
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice – A playful poem about the comforts of fall, from flavors to cozy moments.
Whispers in the Wind – Write a poem inspired by the sound of the wind through the trees, perhaps as a message or a secret.
The Witching Hour – Describe an encounter or transformation that happens when the clock strikes midnight.
Crisp Mornings – Capture the essence of early October mornings, the cool air, and the promise of change.
Masks We Wear – Write about the metaphorical or literal masks people wear, especially during Halloween.
Bonfire Nights – Write a poem about warmth, community, and storytelling around a fire.
The Last Rose of Summer – Write about the last bloom or something that holds on even as the season changes.
The Full Harvest Moon – Explore the magic and mystery of the October full moon.
Cobwebs in the Corners – Use the imagery of cobwebs to write about neglect, forgotten spaces, or hidden thoughts.
Forest Mysteries – A journey into the woods that reveals more than just the beauty of nature.
Trick or Treat – A poem about deception, surprise, or unexpected kindness.
The Chill in the Air – Capture the feeling of coldness, both physical and emotional, that comes with the season.
A Letter to Autumn – Write a love letter or a farewell to the season.
Old Scars, New Stories – Use October as a metaphor for the resurfacing of old wounds or the start of new growth.
Candles and Shadows – Focus on the interplay of light and dark, both literal and figurative.
The Silence of the Season – Write about the stillness that can come with autumn as nature slows down.
Spirits of the Past – A reflection on ancestors, history, or forgotten souls during Halloween.
I hope these prompts inspired you to write some cozy and spooky new poems this month. Share your poems with me on Instagram or in the comments!
