(Title provided by ChatGPT)
Step 1: I prompted ChatGPT to “Write a poem for me about the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore that captures the unique character of the neighborhood.” (I lived in this neighborhood for 8 years, and was curious how it would capture the uniqueness of the area.) The result included some local character, but was fairly vague.
Step 2: I prompted ChatGPT “That’s a good start. Can you make sure to include local landmarks?” This version shouted out some of the most obvious local landmarks, although I’m not sure anyone would call Roosevelt Park either a green expanse filled with laughter, or a landmark beyond compare.
Step 3: I asked ChatGPT to rewrite the poem in the style of Amanda Gorman. It returned a poem only slightly different from the previous one, and not at all in the style I associate with Amanda Gorman. I’m including this final poem below.
In Hampden’s heart, where row homes align, A Baltimore jewel, unique in design. Beneath the painted “Hon” and neon lights, A tapestry of stories takes its flights.
On The Avenue, a vibrant display, Local landmarks shaping the urban ballet. Atomic Books, a haven for the literary flame, Pages turning, kindling minds without shame.
Café Hon, a refuge where coffee swirls, A local landmark, where warmth unfurls. Hon Bar’s neon glow, a beacon so bright, Hampden’s heartbeat in the city’s nightlife.
Murals on brick, a living, breathing art, Tales of Hampden etched from the heart. Hampden’s clock, ticking with urban grace, A symbol of time, an ever-present trace.
The Rotunda, where history and modernity blend, A landmark where narratives intertwine and transcend. Beneath the giant flamingo’s whimsical gaze, Hampden’s character finds its maze.
Miracle on 34th, lights aglow, Landmarks of brilliance in the winter’s snow. Neighbors gather, sharing in the delight, Under the holiday’s enchanting light.
Rolling down the hill to Roosevelt Park, Green expanses where laughter sparks. Children’s joy on swings in the air, A Hampden landmark, beyond compare.
Hampden Skatepark, where paint scents the breeze, Skaters carving lines with effortless ease. Graffiti Bridge tells stories bold and untold, A landmark of expression, free and bold.
So here’s to Hampden, with landmarks so dear, A poetic narrative, crystal clear. In every corner, on every urban street, Landmarks and stories, a community heartbeat.
I was surprised that it was able to name so many specific places in the neighborhood, but disappointed that it ended up being a fairly bland poem in the sense that it did not really capture the history nor the dynamism of the neighborhood, and the changes that it’s gone through in the last 20 years.