In a paragraph or more, employ symbols, metaphors, and other figures of speech to write a poem that looks like a short story — but isn’t. It’s either both or just a poem hiding in a paragraph, or a paragraph hiding in a poem, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing or a sheep in wolf’s clothing. It’s hard to decide which. If it does become multiple paragraphs, then it will really try to fool you into thinking it’s actually the mini bar of a story you never asked for but got, kind of like the person at a party that just went on and on about the weather (or some superfluous fact you just weren’t listening to). Smile and nod until the whole thing is done and it’s made its point. Then, go grab some punch.
This poem is copyright 2026 by Jessica McLean. File sharing is encouraged.
“In writing choose the common words; avoid rhapsody and eloquence—yet, it is true, poetry is delicious; the best prose is that which is most full of poetry.” — Virginia Woolf, from her essay, “Montaigne“
Welcome to The Rose! This is my literary corner of the internet, dedicated to all things creative writing. Here is where I keep a collection of my work. This includes everything from poems to short stories to writing tips, aka my collection of AD-Libs. I hope you enjoy what I have written here and are able to relate to my work. But ultimately, I hope this site inspires you to love writing as much as I do!
Writing Like a Rose: With Beauty, Thorns, Addiction, Dedication, and Inspiration. Please see the “About” pages for more information!!
Feedback: Criticism is welcomed!! And, feel free to leave comments if you like or dislike something.
What’s here: See the different categories for different poem formats! They include sestinas, villanelles, sonnets, etheree, semi-perfect sonnets, haiku and others.
Most recently published: “I found a grocery list in my driveway.”, a sestina, and “In a text message,”, a double etheree.
In case you missed it last month: “Forked!”, an etheree. See the “Forked! Story Key” for an author’s note on this poem! You can find this under “Other Work” and then “Story Keys”. Also, “Waystations”, a sestina, and “Why I always stay up late” and “How to write a prose poem”, both prose poems, are up.
Important: Due to the story’s sensitive nature, the sestina, “Coming to America”, is password protected. If you would like the password, please email me at magnoliamclean@comcast.net.
AD-Lib is here! Make sure you stop by the AD-Lib section! You can view previous AD-Libs under the “AD-Libs” tab to get some great tips on your writing and find out what is going through my head as I write. You can also view old Ad-Libs by year under the “Archived Entries” tab.
Coming soon: You’ll be surprised! ;) I always try to keep this site updated, so there’s always something new here!
The fine print: Finally, please read IMPORTANT copyright information before proceeding; however, I do encourage the file sharing of my work.
Again, welcome! And, enjoy your time at “The Rose”!!
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