A month ago, if someone said, “The news feels all-consuming right now!” they could have been referring to any number of stories. But right now, people all over the world are consumed with coronavirus-related news. And New York City is the epicenter.

WNYC is inviting listeners to reflect on what’s happening in a different way. April is National Poetry Month, and in past years WNYC has held poetry challenges and prompted listeners to share their own original poems. We’re reviving that idea this month, while acknowledging that we’re all in a very different place compared to years past. Every week we’ll introduce a new prompt, one that nods to what’s happening in the world but is open to interpretation. We’re hoping it can be whatever you need it to be: a chance to document this moment or to escape from it in a way. 

Your first prompt: “What a difference a month makes.”

Write an original poem that relates to that prompt. Poems can be any length. You can share yours on Twitter or Instagram using #PAUSEpoetry or email mywnyc@gmail.com. We may share your poem on the air or online. And we’ll have a new prompt for you sometime next week.