I like writing workshops where the presenter discusses a strategy and gives ideas on writing. I especially like it when they provide plenty of time to write on the spot, and then writers get to share their first drafts. 
 
I had written my first draft of "Killer Letter" on Writer’s Digest and then, revised it for the Nightmares Anthology in October. As you look for my poem, you’ll see a great collection of poems from various authors whose creativity on the subject made Halloween worthwhile. 

So, now that the festivities are over, you may find some time to browse them here.  
 

​It's hard to get your money back, especially if you let others borrow it. Here's my attempt at this prompt. Only, don't expect dialogue tags to take up residence here. You might try it as an exercise, too. The voices of the characters is what counts.
 
Getting Your Money Back
 
Usually, I wouldn’t be caught dead this early in the morning. If it wasn’t that the rent is due for my new apartment, I wouldn’t be sliding this plastic into the ATM. Hmm, that’s funny. Let me try this again. Maybe the machine is waking up, too, or is frozen. No cash? Just yesterday I took out $40 for the freaking gas. I had $5,000 in the bank! Ugh! Of course, the bank is closed at the moment. There is only one person I know who would be responsible for this. I’ll have to confront her before she leaves for work. 
 
“Open up, you skunk!” 
I keep knocking on the door, but no one answers. I know she’s home because the kitchen light is on. You could see it from the living room window. Not to mention her car is parked upfront. My mother warned me against opening a joint account with her. 
“Come on!” 
“Alright, already. Oscar? What are you doing here... so early?”
“I’m coming from the bank. Where’s my money?”
“Your money?"
'Don't you lie to me."
"You must be crazy. What would I do with your money?”
“Where is it?”
“Stop! What are you doing to my things? If you don’t go, I’m going to have to call the police!”
“Tell me why you did it?”
“You’re hurting me…”
“Why?”
“Enough, Oscar.”
I turned in the direction of the voice. “Mother?”
“That’s right. Now, let your hands fall off Toni’s arms.”
“But she took my money-”
“I said: ENOUGH!”
I released the grip on her shoulders. A red mark remained. 
“You do not need money, son. I received the call last night. I knew you would come here."
"What call?"
"Now, sit on the sofa with me. I will drive you home.” 
"Drive me?"
Then, she shot me.

Here is another poem that was published on May 17, 2022 at Al-Khemia Poetica: Climate Change for Starters.

I'm thrilled that my poetry was showcased on Fevers of the Mind.
Take a look at this great online journal for: Window in the Dark, Spider’s Mess, This is What Faded Love Looks Like, May 6, 2022

"A poet should always have a beginner’s mindset when writing." -Michael Torres
 
This perspective will help the image form in our poetry clearly and specifically. The use of the five senses: taste, smell, touch, sound, sight can provide enough details so the reader can picture what’s happening. For example, he said to think of a poem as a photograph and not as a snapshot. You can describe a photograph, whereas the latter doesn't provide the whole picture.
The next time you sit down to write that inspiring thought, make sure to use as many senses to form the picture you want others to see. Oh, and it’s okay to let your imagination guide you.
 
Take a look at my published poem, “Matches.”