"Most cliches are over used for a reason."
-Nick Hale "In Defense of Cliches"
-Nick Hale "In Defense of Cliches"
The prevailing thought in many circles is that one should avoid using cliches in one's writing. While avoiding cliches may be a useful rule of thumb, it can sometimes be the anchor that holds good writing back. There are some instances when a cliched word, phrase fits better than any of the non-overused alternatives. If the glove fits, you must (read, should) use it. Those who hold the "hipster," extreme anti-cliche attitude close themselves off to great options just as their counterparts on the other side of the spectrum do by insisting on forcing tired old phrases into their writing.
Some people stuff their writing with so many cliches they could have written Mr. Freeze's lines in Batman and Robin. Not only is their writing filled to the brim with cliches, but those words and phrases often stick out like sore thumbs. They feel contrived and unnatural. They are the reason why so many people are religiously anti-cliche.
Some people stuff their writing with so many cliches they could have written Mr. Freeze's lines in Batman and Robin. Not only is their writing filled to the brim with cliches, but those words and phrases often stick out like sore thumbs. They feel contrived and unnatural. They are the reason why so many people are religiously anti-cliche.
The Prompt: Cliches are OK
Write a poem using at least three cliched words, phrases, topics, or situations in a way that makes them seem natural and not contrived.
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