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For the Inverse Challenge

By Babs IversonPublished 3 months ago 1 min read
21
RISK
Photo by Stéphane Mingot on Unsplash

Lost

The quick pick ticket

Selected lotto numbers and

Waited for drawing

Ticket

Won.

$ $ $ $ $ $

Author's notes: Had fun writing my second reverse poem. Winning and losing, it's a gambler's risk.

The Prompt

Write a poem that takes on a different meaning when you read the lines from bottom to top.

Your task is to create a reverse poem—an enchanting composition that unfolds with one meaning when reading the lines from top to bottom, and an entirely different meaning when reading the lines in reverse from bottom to top. Carefully choose words to construct lines that reveal hidden depths and unexpected twists in both directions. Your poem does not need to start and end with repeated lines.

This challenge invites you to explore the creative boundaries of expression, playing with the reader's expectations and delivering a unique linguistic experience. Craft a poem that seamlessly transitions between two distinct perspectives, offering a literary dance where the verses gracefully pivot to convey contrasting meanings. This dual-layered exploration in form can be tricky, but when it works, it's magical.

Mahalo!

performance poetryfact or fictionexcerpts
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About the Creator

Babs Iverson

Barbara J Iversen, also known as Babs Iverson, lives in Texas and loves her grandkids to the moon and back. After writing one story, she found that writing has many benefits especially during a pandemic and a Texas-size Arctic Blast.

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Comments (18)

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  • The Dani Writer3 months ago

    Your content and execution: 5 Stars!!! Great job, Babs!

  • Daphsam3 months ago

    A great poem!!

  • Heather Hubler3 months ago

    Oh, clever one, Babs!!

  • Denise E Lindquist3 months ago

    Great inverse Babs!😊💕

  • Hannah Moore3 months ago

    What a great topic for this form!

  • Jess Boyes3 months ago

    This is really well done, Babs 💜

  • I love how it gives two very distinct meanings when read forwards and in reverse! Well done!

  • Colleen Millsteed 3 months ago

    Love this as it’s all too relatable Babs 😊

  • Shirley Belk3 months ago

    Brilliant!!! Topsy-turvy, just like gambling, too!

  • Ali SP3 months ago

    I loved the idea for this piece. It’s very relatable and a fun to read! Nice work, Babs! ❤️

  • sleepy drafts3 months ago

    Ouuu, very nicely done, Babs. 💓💓

  • Nicely done, Babs.

  • Lamar Wiggins3 months ago

    Nice! Keep playing and writing!

  • L.C. Schäfer3 months ago

    Good luck in the challenge Babs! I still haven't finished one of these!

  • Nice take on the challenge

  • Mother Combs3 months ago

    nice

  • Cathy holmes3 months ago

    Very clever. Well done, my friend.

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