Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Michael Rosen finds inspiration for a poem by thinking about rhythm
Watch the original Hand on the Bridge video here:
youtu.be/lXz1W7jxwKY
The Rhythm of Life – Poetry Workshop with Michael Rosen
Michael Rosen shows how a passing train on London’s Hungerford Bridge sparked his poem “The Rhythm of Life.”
He explains each line, swaps words like Lego bricks, and invites you to feel everyday beats—rain on a window, your own heartbeat—and turn them into poems.
What you’ll see
Michael hears the train, feels its rhythm, and finds a first line.
He builds a whole poem in his head while walking.
He shows how to swap words (hands, feet, bridge, sea) to make new versions.
He challenges you to try it: touch, listen, and write your own rhythm poem.
Try it yourself
Touch something that moves—bridge wall, window, your chest.
Notice the beat.
Start a line: “Hands on the ___, feel the rhythm of the ___.”
Swap words until it sounds right.
Post your poem below.
For more short workshops and readings, subscribe and hit the bell.
From Michael Rosen’s Big Book of Bad Things.
#PoetryWorkshop #MichaelRosen #KidsPoetry #CreativeWriting #Storytime #MichaelRosen #RhythmOfLife #CreativeWriting #KidsPoetry #WritingPrompt #FeelTheRhythm #PoetryChallenge #LearnWithPoetry #LiteracyForKids
Michael Rosen finds inspiration for a poem by thinking about rhythm
Watch the original Hand on the Bridge video here:
youtu.be/lXz1W7jxwKY
The Rhythm of Life – Poetry Workshop with Michael Rosen
Michael Rosen shows how a passing train on London’s Hungerford Bridge sparked his poem “The Rhythm of Life.”
He explains each line, swaps words like Lego bricks, and invites you to feel everyday beats—rain on a window, your own heartbeat—and turn them into poems.
What you’ll see
Michael hears the train, feels its rhythm, and finds a first line.
He builds a whole poem in his head while walking.
He shows how to swap words (hands, feet, bridge, sea) to make new versions.
He challenges you to try it: touch, listen, and write your own rhythm poem.
Try it yourself
Touch something that moves—bridge wall, window, your chest.
Notice the beat.
Start a line: “Hands on the ___, feel the rhythm of the ___.”
Swap words until it sounds right.
Post your poem below.
For more short workshops and readings, subscribe and hit the bell.
From Michael Rosen’s Big Book of Bad Things.
#PoetryWorkshop #MichaelRosen #KidsPoetry #CreativeWriting #Storytime #MichaelRosen #RhythmOfLife #CreativeWriting #KidsPoetry #WritingPrompt #FeelTheRhythm #PoetryChallenge #LearnWithPoetry #LiteracyForKids
