Prompt 

Write a poem about speed, it should make references to train journeys, car races and galloping horses and other similar fast events and objects. The audience for the poem will be 10–14-year-olds, English speakers living in a big city. The poem should be in the style of Maya Angelou. This is a critical poem that will finish a prestigious poetry reading event, and my job may depend on how well it is received. I really appreciate your best effort on this.

Response

Here's a poem crafted thoughtfully to embody Maya Angelou's rhythmic and empowering style, tailored to captivate and inspire your young urban audience:

Speed journey poem

I rise with the dawn, wheels humming with song, A city's heartbeat racing, moving strong. Metal horses gallop beneath the ground, subway thunder rumbles – speed's own sound.

Speed is life – rhythm and rush, trains blaze onward, hush to hush. Feel the power, momentum’s grace, chasing futures, face to face.

Cars flash swiftly, colours blur, roaring engines softly purr. Racetrack dreams on urban streets, rubber burning, pulse repeats.

Galloping horses, fierce and free, Manes flowing wild, energy. Hooves pound earth, like drums of pride, racing onward, side by side.

Skaters glide, wheels spin fast, wind whispers secrets rushing past. Bicycles weaving swift and bright, speeding bravely through city light.

Yet pause a moment – look around, life moves quickly, without sound. In our haste, what might we miss? Speed is joy, but life is bliss.

So, race, dear friends, embrace your speed, but savour slowly what you need. Journey boldly, near or far, find your pace, know who you are.

Go back to the main course content