Childrens Lonely Planet Kids Travel

How to Write a Poem about a City

How to write a poem about a city

Anyone can write a poem. You just got to pick up your pen. As part of my 2016 #LPKidsPoetry residency with Lonely Planet Kids I was asked to help kids to write poetry about cities. What better way to do it than in a poem, I thought. So, I wrote one. You can read more about it on my other blog, in a post called How to Write a Poem with Kids. But for now, here’s the poem about writing the poem.

Start off by imagining… 

Start off by imagining yourself in a space.
If you’re stuck maybe choose a familiar place.
Consider the weather, the hour of the day.
Will the colours be golden, or will they be grey?

How to write a poem about a city Stanza 1

Think big and think teeny

A landmark, a grand park, a street filled with people?
Squashed in a church pew, or perched on a steeple?
Think big and think teeny, go dreamy or real.
Try figuring out how this space makes you feel.

How to write a poem about a city Stanza 2

Run through your senses

Now run through your senses. Smell, touch, and hear.
If others are present then are they too near?
Poke one. Is it friendly? Family or stranger?
Are you feeling ok or do you sense danger?

How to write a poem about a city Stanza 3

Imagine it freely

This fantasy creation or city you know
imagine it shrinking and then make it grow.
Shoot it to Jupiter, spin it around,
could it thrive underwater or under the ground?

How to write a poem about a city Stanza 4

Play with the volume

Turn down the volume, or set it to loud.
Make it deserted, then add a big crowd.
Flush it with colour, pump up the light
until day is endless. Now switch on the night.

How to write a poem about a city Stanza 5

Do as you please

Gunk it and junk it, try making it freeze.
This your city so do as you please.
Inflate it. Invade it. Bury or burn it.
If it isn’t your favourite, why not return it?

How to write a poem about a city Stanza 6

Now pick up your pen

When you’ve tossed it and turned it inside out
and you know this place and what it’s about,
where it’s been, what it’s seen, well only then,
I invite you to write it. Pick up your pen…

How to write a poem about a city Stanza 7

About the author

Kirstie Pelling

Kirstie is the creative force and chief poet in residence of poetinmotion.org She is available for residencies, as a conference poet and wedding poet. She is also co-founder of The Family Adventure Project and a regular contributor to many online travel communities.

About Author

Kirstie Pelling

Kirstie is the creative force and chief poet in residence of poetinmotion.org She is available for residencies, as a conference poet and wedding poet. She is also co-founder of The Family Adventure Project and a regular contributor to many online travel communities.

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