Singing in the West

Poetic Forms Template…. Emma Vickers

TYPE: ODE

Definition and “How to”…Explanation for this type of poem:

Definition:
"Ode" comes from the Greek language, meaning to sing or chant.
It is a type of lyrical stanza. Greek odes were originally poetic pieces accompanied by music and dance. As time passed on, they gradually became known as personal and romantic poems. the ode can be generalized as a formal address to an event, a person, or object.

Explanation:
-There are three typical forms of odes: the Pindaric, Horatian, and irregular.
-A classic ode is structured in three major parts: the strophe the antistrophe and the epode.
-Consider the subject matter that you wish to write about, and remember that beauty can be found in the least expected places.
-Write a 10-line stanza

Follows the rhyme scheme:
A-B-A-B-C-D-E-C-D-E

Example of Chosen Poem Form:

From Ode to Sir Lucius Gray and Sir H. Morison

Ben Jonson (1572-1637)

It is not growing like a tree
In bulk, doth make man better be;
Or standing long an Oak, three hundred year,
To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sear.
A Lily of a day
Is fairer far, in May
Although it fall and die that night;
It was the plant and flower of light.
In small proportions we just beauties see;
And in short measure, life may perfect be.

My Original Piece:

I miss the sunshine on my face
The way life rolls at a slow pace
I miss the sand between my toes
The tan on my skin grows and grows
I miss wasting my days away
Sitting on the beach day by day
The sweet smell of the salty sea
Will the warm weather come to me?
I miss my home New Symerna Beach
Not to worry though it’s within my reach

Explanation of How Form Affects Theme

If chosen correctly rhyming simply helps you remember the lines and words within them. It even adds to the overall effect of the poem. Using a rhyme scheme in an Ode forces the reader to incorporate tone, voice and subject to the poem. If you wanted to write a lighthearted poem for your lover (which is generally what Odes are) you'd choose a rhyme that is easy to remember, but one in which it held their attention and made them think towards the next rhyme. The rhyming words themselves have in-depth meanings to them, that aid in portraying that passionate love feeling. Even think back to “Roses are red/Violets are blue” poem, which has simple stuck in the majority of our heads. This is an example of a rhyme that is remember and carries much meaning behind it that adds to the over theme of the poem. The overall form of an Ode; 10 lines and the rhyming pattern creates a short intense poem that sticks in your mind and really gets the readers attention. This is exactly what the theme of Odes needs, as they are generally written as a poem about love.