Word Play Writing Prompts

Monkey, a photo by eirikref on Flickr.

For today's creative writing prompts, I would like you to use at least 5 of the words or phrases below in a short story, essay or poem.

Enjoy!

Words:
essence, stern, concrete, sorrow, flying ball, shadows, curve, conquer, tangled, contortion, life, worn out, bubble, hula-hoop, neck, root, pressing down,
cut flowers