In dawn’s soft light, the boys run free,
With tangled hair and hearts like streams,
Their laughter spills through fields of green,
Where wild horses race like whispered dreams.
Hooves drum steady, steady beats of hope,
Mane and muscle, sun-soaked and bright,
The world feels vast, their spirits wide
The future gallops in morning glow.
But dusk pulls down its heavy veil,
The pasture fades to muted gray,
Silent shadows stretch and bend
The boys, now still, must leave their happy place.
In twilight’s chill, the reins grow cold,
Not all dreams ride on open plains,
Yet in the dark, beneath the stars,
Their quiet strength remains untamed.
I was inspired by the contrast between childhood freedom and the way growing up gradually changes our perspective. The imagery of the boys running freely in nature felt like a powerful way to explore innocence, hope, and the passage of time.
I used imagery and symbolism throughout the poem such as “horses, dawn, and dusk” to represent energy growth and change. I also used alliteration and rhythm to create a sense of movement mirroring the galloping of the horses and the lively spirit of the boys. The poem explores themes of your transition and the lingering strength people carry even when life becomes more difficult. It reflects how joy and resilience stay with us, even as our surroundings or circumstances shift.