There are empty seats at the table
my heart sits there, too, breaking for
what could have been, but my eyes
will be raised to feast on
my loved ones gathered
all together –
contentment
fills me
now
Copyright ©2026 Lisa Paul. All rights reserved.
Written in response to the W3 Prompt, hosted by Carol Anne
Carol Anne’s prompt guidelines
Write a Nonet about the new year — 2026. How does this year feel to you so far? Are you hopeful, uncertain, energized, reflective? Have you set any goals or intentions? Are there resolutions you’re excited (or nervous) about?
Let your poem capture your thoughts, expectations, and emotions as we step into this new year.
How to write a Nonet
The Nonet poetic form is simple and structured. It’s a 9-line poem, where each line follows a countdown of syllables:
- Line 1 — 9 syllables
- Line 2 — 8 syllables
- Line 3 — 7 syllables
- Line 4 — 6 syllables
- Line 5 — 5 syllables
- Line 6 — 4 syllables
- Line 7 — 3 syllables
- Line 8 — 2 syllables
- Line 9 — 1 syllable
You can write your nonet in any tone — reflective, hopeful, funny, anxious, determined — whatever feels true for you as 2026 unfolds.
A Little Bit of Everything, With Love 