Poetry Forms

The 160

It was given as writing prompt in a Dutch writing group: "Write a 160".

The 160 is a 21st century poetry form. Adapted from the number of characters that can be placed in an SMS; the 160 is challenging the poet to write compact, using exactly 160 characters, including spaces, commas etc. It is limiting, but also challenging...

My try:


Cute little man, with silver hair,
Lounging on my lap,
Are you afraid that,
When you wake up,
I might have disappeared?
Rest assured, I'll watch over you.
I promise.

© Bianca 31-1-2008

Word count in MS is a helpful tool to create your 160. Give it a try if you like!