What Have You Lost? Writing Prompt

Start by freewriting on the topic of things lost. After writing for ten to fifteen minutes, turn your freewrite into either a story or a poem.

The idea for this exercise originated in Naomi Shihab Nye's anthology What Have You Lost?; when I've used it in workshops, I'm always impressed by what the topic evokes for people.

For a bonus exercise, write next about something found, or choose a different writing prompt.