June Poetry Prompts: Self-set, self-sustained.

At the end of May I submitted my dissertation, and University drew to a close. I found myself out in the world for the first time without any deadlines, and quite unsure of what to do.

I knew it would be a while before I could find a stable job, and even longer for me to write, edit and publish my first novel. In the tradition of turning into a mess without structure, I decided to create my own.

I planned out 30 prompts, one for each day of June, and took an oath to upload one per day onto my instagram, @jfhadfield. So far, it's been going well. Having something to focus on, a deadline, even something as small as writing a poem a day, helps to keep a sense of purpose. Truthfully, writing a novel seems like nothing more than a dream, but with disciplined daily writing, it feels like something that is achievable.

Here are the first ten poems, based on the first ten prompts.

1. Pearls

Pearls upon her collarbone,

held like secrets to her chest,

each a bubble of a moment,

a memory of love, of fear,

they held her truth, her bitterness,

cleansed with sea salt and tears,

yet never would she remove them,

though their weight

burned through her skin,

they kept her wise throughout her freedom,

wise from dusk till dawn,

a painful, pure reminder,

and through pain she found her power;

they granted choice when she grew blind,

and through choice she had sound mind.

2. Strawberry

Strawberry lipstick,

smeared, supple and sticky,

she drives me crazy.

3. Hidden Kisses

Can you see it?

The love he left on my skin

in the alcove next to town.

We ran like children

from the prying eyes

to our private hideout.

We jumped at every whisper,

please, don't catch us here,

and melted against graffitied brickwork.

One day, they'll find us,

but for now, undercover,

we are immortal.

4. Ocean Breeze

I pull loose the tie

and free my mane,

it shimmers in the wind,

blows back a magic curtain

of black strands, waist length.

I release tension that

I had not known I'd held,

brows ease 'til my eyes

sway shut;

I relax into the sand,

and slowly, it blankets me,

both pillow and quilt,

the waves my lullaby,

and under starlight I fall, soundly.

5. Mixtape

I made a mixtape last night,

every song reminded me of you,

like sweet torture,

I pressed repeat and closed my eyes,

my watery, aching eyes,

and let myself pretend

you were listening with me,

laying beside me,

like it used to be.

6. Sea Salt

I was not made for fresh water

but by oceans side,

to sea salt, and sweet breezes,

to the depths of the tide.

Where no man dare venture

here, where merfolk slumber,

at Poseidon's right hand,

where we rule, asunder.

In dreams I delve deep

of where wild currents flow,

and I wish for the day

I will float down below.

7. Freedom

It was like breathing for the first time.

I knew my mind, my body,

chains fell and I ran,

no destination, no preset, no goal,

I wandered back and forth,

here and there,

allowed myself to listen,

and like a soaring bird,

I sang, unashamedly,

joyful,

felt no guilt for being heard,

I took up a space in the world,

and finally, with no apology,

felt my space was deserved.

8. Luminescent

Watching the jellyfish dance

round and round, twirling,

sparkling aquatic fireflies,

no cares besides their voyage,

one day, I will join them,

floating, flying.

9. A Thousand Stars

A thousand stars in your eyes,

each a passion not yet burned out,

maintain their shine,

don't let them die,

because the sparkle that you carry,

has reignited mine.

10. Campfire Stories

I don't know the time,

we've been sat here so long,

the flames have nearly died,

side by side, huddled for warmth,

you tell tales of forest beasts,

I pretend that I'm scared,

and you play the protector,

a saviour, warrior against

your words that come to life

in the shadows and smoke,

swirling horrors,

mind tricks, imagination,

your arm tightens across my shoulders,

and I've never felt safer

in the midst of a nightmare.

I'm still in the middle of this challenge, but I feel positive about it. If you'd like to keep up with me on this journey, please take a look at my instagram!