Josie’s prompt guidelines
Inspired by Frank O’Hara’s “Metaphysical Poem” (below), where nothing is decided and the talk itself becomes the drama…
Write a poem (up to 20 lines) as a conversation, text thread, or inner dialogue. Let the two voices go back and forth — negotiating, hesitating, contradicting — but never quite landing on a plan. Play with repetition and everyday details to build tension and show who these people are. Slip in small observations that make the moment feel real. And when you get to the end… leave it unresolved.
Dialogue between my conscience and my lazy mind
Let me stay a bit more in this cosy nest
Morning sun invites, quit taking rest
I’m retired, so there is not much to do
Stop making excuses, you know it’s not true
Leaving the warmth of bed makes me sneeze hard
The sun provides enough warmth, bring your squad
They are all in bed, no one gets up so early
Make friends with those who are not silly
Please don’t get on my nerves, I’m sick and old
Staying long in bed will make you lazy several-fold
I’ll die of cold, and you’ll be sending a wreath
Just shut up, sit on the bed and take a deep breath
It seems you will not leave me, if the bed I don’t quit
You are right, lazy bones, bed you quit, or I quit
Please, stay with me, don’t let me be dim-wit
Dim wit as you are, you don’t know how to keep fit
Sharing Thoughts 
