Around 10,000 performers took part in the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Over 90,000 fans crammed into the new national stadium, called the Bird’s Nest owing to its steel lattice construction, and cheered on the performers. It began at eight minutes past eight on the evening of 8 August, reflecting the belief widespread in Asia that eight is a lucky number. Funnily enough it is also my own lucky number.
‘The Olympics’ is this week’s poetry prompt theme. I’ll add quickly that if you have no interest in sport or the Olympics being in China, do not worry, you can write about the spirit of the Olympics, or how you avoid the television at all costs when coverage is being shown. Perhaps you have memories of your parents, grandparents or children watching previous Games over the past decades. If you love sport, then write a poem about which events you will be watching and your various heroes of the track, pool or field. Naturally, you can also write a political poetic statement regarding China’s treatment of Tibet in relation to the Olympics. It’s completely up to you.
When you have completed the poem, post the direct link in the ‘auto-links’ box below and also make a comment in the comment’s section. Before or following this, take time over the coming week to visit other entries from fellow poets and add a friendly comment or two regarding what you felt about their poem. This last part is vital if we are all to gain value from this exercise.
Next Thursday evening* I will create a round-up of my personal favourite pieces but remember, this is not a competition. If you need any help or advice, then either contact me or pose a question in the comments section and I’m sure someone will be available to give you a hand.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I chose to focus on running in the Olympics (and symbol of it in life) for this prompt, using a double acrostic.
Thanks again for all the fun.
the higher you go
the lower i feel inside
the deeper i would hide
the faster you run
the more i want to make my stay
nearby this lovely decay
the stronger you fight
the more i need to be the coward
of a dirty movie seeking for no award
the madder you are
the best i feel inside
this madness has no time to hide
tiniak from ‘pavupapri’ – f** OL
I wrote a tanka (again). I seem to have a fixation on them at the moment.
Well, there is a ton of controversy over the ages of the women in the Chinese Olympic Gymnastic Team. Sixteen is the youngest age when they allowed to compete but some of the women may be as young as 14.
Actually, I only found out about the controversy when I was searching for a suitable photograph to go with my poem An Olympic Sized Burden
-Bev
Thanks for supplying the motivation to write about the Olympics. I wouldn’t have thought of doing it. My poem is about the girls gymnastic competition last night and my sympathy for one young woman on the US team.
There once was a swimmer called Mike,
Who tried to do lengths on his bike,
He broke the right pedal,
But got the gold medal,
Next time he’ll be back with a trike.
Sorry to miss your cut-off. Kool idea. Fun site. Kudos to all the entries and your hosting them. I’ll be back to read more.
Thanks,
Scott
I’ll come round soon to see the latest entries. Thanks for taking part.
My Olympic poem was written about Olympia, site of the first Olympic Games … hope this is OK.
Blog: http://carolinegillpoetry.blogspot.com
Web: http://www.davidgill.co.uk/cg/poetry/
Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I am honoured to be a part of this prompt with such great poets. I only started writing poetry in October last year and I am having a blast with it…even if my poems are a little on the shorter side.
Also I wanted to point out that the link Caroline at Coastcard provided didn’t work.
You should find my poem about Olympia, site of the early Olympics on my blog (url above).
Caroline at Coastcard again: if you type ‘global’ into my search box, the Olympia poem should come up. Thanks!
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