We used the following prompt: “Write a poem about Croydon” and put it into ChatGPT to find out what it was going to say.
ChatGPT was publicly launched in late 2022 and has become a revolutionary tool, transforming the way people interact with AI and access information.
The poem references the Whitgift Centre’s former vibrancy and the modern-day green spaces of Croydon.
Here’s what ChatGPT had to say about Croydon.
In Croydon’s heart, where the trams still glide,
A tale of change, where old and new collide.
The Whitgift’s echoes, once bustling with cheer,
Now whispers of memories, fading year by year.
From Centrale’s heights to the shopping lanes,
Once filled with life, now silence reigns.
The hustle and bustle, a thing of the past,
As empty storefronts stand tall, steadfast.
Yet, still there’s hope in the streets of this town,
Where the market hums with an urban sound.
A community strong, its spirit runs deep,
In Croydon’s arms, the people still leap.
The parks, lush and green, where children play,
The library’s warmth on a cold, cloudy day.
The food, the culture, the vibrant life,
A blend of beauty amidst the strife.
But the roads can be clogged, the air sometimes thick,
Traffic that makes the quick turns feel slick.
The buildings grow taller, but the charm slips away,
As the city reshapes, day by day.
Croydon, my love, with your highs and your lows,
In your streets, the future and past both glow.
A place of contrast, a place to thrive,
In your heart, we will always survive.
When asked about the reasoning behind its choice of style, ChatGPT said: “I wrote that poem to reflect the complexities of Croydon, capturing both the positive and negative aspects of the area.
“Croydon is a place undergoing significant change, with a mixture of urban development and decline.
“I wanted to highlight the nostalgic side—like the fading vibrancy of shopping centres—and contrast that with the ongoing strength of the community and the beauty of its parks and diverse culture.
“The poem blends those elements, showing how Croydon is a place of both challenges and resilience, much like any evolving place.”
