Brainstorm ideas for the poem and make a list of topics, thoughts, and themes for the statement as well as the poem. A helpful tool for a poet is the Freudian technique of "free association." In the psychoanalytic context, Freud asked his patients to quickly described ideas that popped into their mind when they focused on a particular topic. The goal is to escape the censoring mechanism of consciousness and to uncover memories and experiences that are embedded in the unconscious. Poets, writers, and artists adopted the technique of free association or free writing to tap into the poetic and aesthetic insights of the unconscious.
Read through the list of ideas and topics and highlight three or four themes or topics that seem insightful and interesting, and that present a unique perspective.
Reread the three or four themes/topics several times. Encapsulate and condense each theme/topic into a powerful and concise statement. Read through the statements and select the one that is the most insightful and original.
Rework the statement to make it poetic. While prose poetry is not bound by the traditional rules of rhyme and meter, prose poets still use other poetic devices to craft their poetry. Make a list of metaphors, symbols, and images that relate to the major ideas and theme of the statement. Try out different word combinations and images until you find the perfect fit between words and ideas.
Write the statement on a piece of paper. Use the statement to set up the context for the prose poem. Elaborate on the various meanings and nuances of the statement as you flesh out the ideas and themes in the poem.