The Prompt Coffee House: Prompt Challenge Round 4: Random Phrases

The Coffee House Prompt Challenges are a series of contests featuring different types of prompts. This round is random phrases. The contests are open to anyone apart from round 10 which is invite only for the trophy and HM winners of the previous rounds.



The Challenge Programme:

Round 1: Picture Prompts. Closed 2nd August 2008
Trophy winners: Gold: Providence by Blazor, Silver: A Busy Day by Cricketjeff, Bronze: Respite by BellaD

Round 2: Titles. Closed 18 August 2008
Trophy Winners: Gold: The Broken Soul by xJustifiablyMex, Silver: Wild Spirits by wildfiredreamer, Bronze: Wild Spirits by King-Ben

Round 3: Word Banks. Closed September 12 2008
Trophy Winners: Splintered Farewells by xJustifiablyMex, Silver: Responsibility for Lyrical Art ... by waydownuponjoy, Bronze: Cherokee Eyes by chiefmac

Round 4: Random Phrases.

Round 5: Poetic Lines.

Round 6: Quotes

Round 7: Random stimuli

Round 8: Opening/closing lines.

Round 9: Cliches

Round 10: Grand Final (a mix up of all the above).


All the above are prompt styles I post in the group so if you want to practice please feel free to join. We can be found at The Coffee House

The form of poetry, genre is entirely at the writers discretion but please label appropriately.


Ju and I are looking for creativity and imagery so a free verse has as much chance of winning as a structured rhyming verse. Spelling and grammar count too.


There is a poem length limit of 10 to 30 lines.


This challenge is about creativity, imagery and artistry. The use of metaphorical and figurative language is strongly encouraged.


One of us will acknowledge your entry but no indication of preference or comment will be given until after judging.



In this round we are giving you a selection of random phrases to use as inspiration for your poetry and want you to show us where they take your muse. Be descriptive, use vivid imagery in your words.



You may enter as many times as you like but you can only use each option once.



A few boring rules:

1) No dirty pretty please.

2) nO tYPING sillY its impossible to read.

3) Label your write appropriately.

4) Please keep to the 10-30 line limit.

5)Please put the option number in your notes

Your random phrases selections are:

1) The kiss of emerald; Swamps of pavement; Keep life from spilling

2) Falling stars and eagles; A stream edged; Nothing gold

3) Snow spring; Floated like prayers; Drowned in rain

4) Slick and sleek; Flowers fold; Snarled and rattled

5) Nectar thoughts; Melting flakes of snow; By doubling and redoubling

6) Deep dark gold; Stray shafts of sunlight; Star almost shining

7) Marbled words, Bottomless bed, New built city

8) Dappled drab, wind was a thin whisper, Song and speed

9) A darkness dwelt, bell-clear morning, like frantic fish

10) A room of silver, Catch more glitter, Ripples over rocks


Good luck!!


Jem and Ju