good things to write odes about

How To Write an Ode (7 Easy Steps & Examples)

If you want to know how to write an ode, this article is going to show you exactly how to do it, step-by-step.

Here’s how to write an ode:

To write an ode, choose a topic (a person, place, experience, idea, or thing) that lights you up with passion. Next, choose an ode format—short, long, rhyming, or nonrhyming. Outline and write the ode with writing sprints. Finally, polish and publish the ode.

In this guide, I’m going to give you all of the tools, tips, and tricks to write perfect odes right out of the gate.

Keep reading to learn how to write an ode in 7 easy steps with examples.

What Is the Definition of an Ode?

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If you are a regular poem writer, you may have written odes in the past without ever knowing it.

That’s because odes are simply a lyrical poem, written in regular or irregular verse, that pays tribute to the love you have for one specific person, experience or object.

Odes can rhyme but they do not have to rhyme.

The ode conveys the love of the writer for a singular subject, while usually being sung or read lyrically. Many people write odes in the heat of inspiration. After all, an ode is a Greek word for “sing or chant”.

This is the most basic definition of an ode.

I find that starting from a basic framework often allows me to start, to get practice, and to make quick progress when learning a new form of writing and poetry.

How Long Is an Ode?

One of the most hotly debated aspects of writing odes is the proper length of an ode.

Even several centuries after the original ode was created, some writers will insist that they be no more than four to eight lines. Others argue that some of the most famous odes are well over 30 lines long.

Therefore, the length of an ode varies. There is no clear consensus.

To me, that means you have complete freedom of expression in how you write your odes. The key to a great ode is passion, not poem length.

Types of Odes

There are many shapes and forms of odes:

Odes also differ in specific format, structure, and style.

To write the perfect ode, it’s important to know the types so that you can choose the right one that makes the most sense for you.

Pindaric Ode

Pindaric odes were first used in the 5 th century BC by the Greeks, usually in stage plays by performers.

Employing the triadic movement, Pindaric Odes usually consist of three parts, allowing the performers to move as they sing one verse, then the next, with the third and final verse sung center stage.

These odes imbued more than just the passion for an object, as they conveyed story and emotions through song while continuing the plot of the play.

Some of the best odes written into story form in the 1500s were originally Greek stage plays.

One good example of the Pindaric Ode is the Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood , by William Wordsworth.

Here is a selection of this ode so that you can clearly see the structure in action:

There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream, The earth, and every common sight To me did seem Apparelled in celestial light, The glory and the freshness of a dream. It is not now as it hath been of yore; Turn wheresoe’er I may, By night or day, The things which I have seen I now can see no more. Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood, by William Wordsworth

Horatian or Irregular Odes

These odes originated in the 1 st century BC from the Latin Poet Horace and are a lot more intimate and personal than the epics told by Greek Pindaric odes.

This also meant that the size and structure of these odes were vastly different.

They can be considered a lot more romantic if read to a loved one in private.

Horatian and irregular odes are also not limited by the same rhyming schema of other ode forms. This does not mean they cannot rhyme. Horatian odes often do rhyme and are typically written with two or four stanzas.

You can follow these guidelines when you write your ode to ensure that you follow the Horatian style.  

An example of a Horatian Ode is the Ode to the Confederate Dead by Allen Tate.

“Row after row with strict impunity The headstones yield their names to the element, The wind whirrs without recollection; In the riven troughs the splayed leaves Pile up, of nature the casual sacrament To the seasonal eternity of death; Then driven by the fierce scrutiny Of heaven to their election in the vast breath, They sough the rumour of mortality.” Ode to the Confederate Dead by Allen Tate.

English Romantic Ode

Simply put, this is the type of ode that you likely will be most familiar with and the type that I recommend that you write first.

English Romantic odes can be nothing more than four lines speaking intimately about one person, or they could be 30 lines talking about the author’s favorite pet, mountain trail or ballpoint pen.

This does not make the ode any less important than other ode types or structures.

However, it has meant that these are the more popular odes used by both writers and singers. As these odes are usually prone to more rhyming in the English language, they are popular inspirations for full songs.

Starting as epic tales in the middle ages, you can hear them now as the latest pop songs.

Sapphic Ode

The sapphic ode is probably the most structured type of ode.

It was first introduced during the Roman era, and is one of the most difficult ode styles to write because of the strict structural requirements. The upside is that if you want to be able to dash off most other ode types with ease, mastering Sapphic odes first will be the way to go.

Sapphic odes consist of quatrains (four lines), with three 11-syllable lines, and then ending with a five-syllable line.

These odes are usually unrhyming.

I recommend that you put off writing these odes until you master some of the other, easier styles. There is a developmental progression to mastery of any craft.

Odes are no different!

The Step-By-Step Guide for How to Write an Ode

You can consider this your “how to write an ode for dummies”.

We’ll start with a quick review of the steps, then drill down into each step so that you know exactly how each step works to create the perfect ode.

• Choose a format or structure.
• Choose a topic (a subject of your ode).
• Word & Image Mapping
• Emotional Flooding
• Writing Sprint
• Polish and Shine
• Share your ode!

If you’d rather watch a video about how to write odes, then check this one out:

1) Choose an Ode Poem Structure

Your first task is to choose an ode format, outline or structure.

Different types of odes use unique structures, so choose the one that best fits your personality, style and needs.

As mentioned earlier in this article, I recommend that you start with the English Romantic Ode. You might be most familiar with this type of ode (even if you don’t realize it) and it can be written in as few as four unstructured and nonrhyming lines.

There are no hard-and-fast rules for writing an ode.

But, when you first start writing odes, it’s helpful to follow a specific pattern (that you can break later as you scale up your skills in this poetic form).

Here is an example ode structure you can use for your first ode:

• Write an ode with four lines
• Use a short fourth line
• Odes do not need to rhyme

I’ll do you one better and give you an exact Ode outline you can use.

First Line: Second Line: Third Line: Fourth Line: (Short punchy line)

Download your free Ode Outline:

2) Choose Good Ode Topics: Who or What Should You Write Your Ode About?

The next most important step in writing an Ode is to choose a topic or subject.

The topic is the focus of the ode – whether that be star-crossed lovers, the missing object, or even an unforgettable landscape. The critical element of your subject is that it must be praiseworthy to you.

An ode is a celebration of a subject.

The subject is completely up to you. It can really be anything! Heck, English poet John Keats wrote a famous ode about urns! (Hey, we don’t judge 😊)

If you are still wondering what to write an ode about, here are some examples of topics, people, and things that you can consider when brainstorming an ode topic.

• Kids: This can be your children, the children you wish to have one day, or even just the children you remember playing with when you were young. Some of the greatest odes are written by parents who have lost their children or are writing for their future children they hope to have one day. Remember, love is not limited to romance – it can be longing, missing, caring, or proud.
• Significant Other: A common ode written with passion is an ode you write to the one you love. Many great Greek tragedies include odes to the characters the hero loves. Writing about your significant other can be about the one you lost, the one you are looking for, or the one you have found.
• Animal: Many odes sing the praise of a loyal animal companion. You can write an ode that celebrates the friendship and utter cuteness of your pets. Like our human counterparts, our pets can strike us with a rich tapestry of emotions from love to fear to loss.
• Nature: Some would say that nature is in every ode, usually because it is happily used as a comparison (with figurative language). However, some of the most popular modern-day odes are made to the beauty and grace of nature and the natural world around us. As we have come to learn how fragile life can be, many people have gone out of their way to write odes to explain just how much we love and admire the natural wonders of our world.
• Friends: You can also write an ode to a friend. Usually, these types of odes reveal why you love them, what they mean to you, and just how much you would miss them if they were gone.
• Family: This is one of the strongest and most sure ways you can write an ode that is emotional and on point. Your family can be a rich source of inspiration. There will likely be many ways your family can inspire effective odes. Emotions about family range from love to anger, to indifference, and to the hopes you have of starting your own family one day.

Other sources for Ode topics:

• Answer the Public : This is by far my favorite topic-finding tool. You simply put in a keyword like “pets” (or anything) and the tool generates a shocking amount of topical ideas.
• Keyword Sheeter (Yes, that’s the actual name): Crazy name, but as of now, this is a free and effective keyword tool that can give you a crazy amount of topical ideas.

3) Word & Image Mapping

Once you have your Ode topic, the next step is Word and Image Mapping.

Word & Image Mapping is a way to generate language and emotion as you prepare to write your ode.

You can start by simply listing as many words and phrases you can think of to describe your topic or subject. You can make an organized list, but I think you can get even more creative by making a messy brainstormed list on a piece of paper without lines (think of a collage of words).

Speaking of collage, that’s where the images in Image Mapping come into play.

Collect images online or in magazines (do you still have magazines in whatever year you are in? 😊). Find any images that remind you of the topic (storms and mountains for nature, for example, or pictures of your loved one).

What’s the purpose of Word & Image Mapping?

The simple process perfectly primes your mind and heart to write an ode. Your words and images are visual symbols that trigger the passionate emotions needed to write in this poetic form.

4) Emotional Flooding

Emotional flooding is focusing on your subject or topic until your entire body is awash with emotion.

You can use your words or images to concentrate on your topic of nature, lovers, friends, family or urns.

As you concentrate, recall memories of the subject. Use your imagination to visualize yourself at the place or with the person. Allow all the strong emotions – pleasant or unpleasant (depending on what kind of ode you are writing) – to fill your entire being.

Like Word & Image Mapping, the step of emotional flooding positions you to launch into your ode.

Word & Image Mapping, however, can be done days or hours before you actually write your ode. Emotional flooding is most effective immediately before you start to write.

5) Writing Sprints (How To Write an Ode)

I’ve written at length about writing sprints in another article.

In this post, I’ll summarize.

Writing sprints are timed writing sessions. You set a timer on your phone or with another device like a clock or egg timer. You can set any time you want, but for writing your ode, I would suggest giving yourself at least 20 to 30 minutes.

The trick is that the timer offers you a sense of urgency so that you don’t overthink the writing process. You just get worlds on paper or on the screen. You can even use voice-to-text apps on your device to record words even faster.

The process is super simple and just as effective:

• Set your timer
• Start writing
• Don’t stop writing until the timer alarm rings (chirps, buzzes, does backflips)

This is the easy way to get your short 4-line ode written quickly. What takes hours for others will only take you 30 minutes max.

6) Polish & Shine

If you guessed that the polish and shine step was all about editing and enhancing your ode, you are exactly correct.

There are lots of ways you can improve your poem now that it is written.

The most powerful ways to enhance your ode include:

• Proofreading for spelling and grammatical mistakes • Combine and cut words, phrases, and sentences • Inject imagery • Read or sing it out loud (this usually helps you correct awkward phrasing)

We’ll cover the editing strategy quickly. You can use free online software like grammarly to help you edit your ode. Definitely read it over a few times to fix any obvious errors like missing words, misspellings, and what I like to call “random acts of punctuation.”

You can combine longer phrases into short words or shorter phrases to save space. This also usually strengthens your language.

If you are looking for a better, punchier word, look no further than the…

Ode Thesaurus & Dictionary

Two tools I highly recommend for writing your ode are thesaurus.com and the Rhyming Dictionary.

• Thesuarus.com
• The Rhyming Dictionary (rhymer.com)

Both resources are free and online. Both are easily accessible and especially useful for writing your perfect ode.

At thesaurus.com, you can find tons of synonyms for any word. At Rhymer.com, you can find 6 different rhyming schemes – end rhymes, last syllable rhymes, double rhymes, triple rhymes, beginning rhymes, and first-syllable rhymes.

Inject Imagery

One of the hallmark characteristics of odes is the use of figurative language. That is: abstract language, metaphors, similes, and other symbolic or comparative language.

In case you missed that day in English class, here’s a rundown of some of the most common types of figurative language you can use to infuse your ode with earth-shattering imagery:

• Metaphor – Statement that two separate things are the same (She is Superwoman, or He is a snake).
• Simile – Compare two separate concepts using the words “like” and “as” (I slept like a log, or She’s as tall as a skyscraper).
• Personification – Gives human traits to inhuman objects (The leaves danced in the wind).
• Allusion – When one piece of writing (like an ode) references another text (like the Bible)
• Idioms – Common phrases in a group or culture that are not literal(Let’s hit the road).
• Hyperbole – Extreme exaggeration (One kiss of her lips is like a million firework finales of shooting rainbows and shimmering silver unicorns)
• Onomatopoeia – Words that describe sounds and that often sound like the experiences they describe (Bam, Pow, Tick-Tock).

To be safe, go ahead and run your ode through a poetry plagiarism checker .

7) Share Your Ode

The last and final step is to share your ode. You have put a lot of time and effort into this lyrical poem.

Now it’s time to share your gift with the world (or at least the special people in your life).

Perhaps your ode is to a special someone, so you want to share it privately with them. You can handwrite your ode on a letter, type it, create a graphic with free online software, or even make a video of yourself reciting or singing your ode.

For more public sharing, you can post your ode to social media, even creating a video of yourself reading or performing your ode.

For reference, here’s an infographic for the 7 steps of how to write an ode:

Famous Odes

Sometimes reading the best classical poems inspires us. This is in no way a comprehensive list. You can simply Google the names of the Odes below (and many others) to read samples or the full poems. Perhaps the most striking characteristic of these odes is that most of these examples are written to ideas or emotions. Odes truly are a versatile form.

• Ode to Joy: One of the most famous odes that (ironically) rarely includes actual words is the Ode to Joy written by Friedrich Schiller. Many people use the instrumental version, although the full version contains the lyrics.
• Ode to Solitude: This ode was written by Alexander Pope before he turned 12 years old. It was published in 1709.
• Ode to Duty: This ode was written by William Wordsworth and published in 1807.
• Ode to the Confederate Dead: Written by Allen Tate and published in 1928.
• The Bard. A Pindaric Ode: Written by Thomas Gray and published in 1757.

Just for Fun

I used a free online poem generator to write a poem about you, dear reader, for finishing this long article with me.

This is my “thank you” gift!

(Disclaimer: I only added three basic words and the generator magicked out the rest, so I stake no claim to the prose or underlying structure, which I believe is borrowed from a Mr. Robert Frost).

The Kind And Determined Patience A Poem to You, Dear Reader Whose patience is that? I think I know. Its owner is quite happy though. Full of joy like a vivid rainbow, I watch her laugh. I cry hello. She gives her patience a shake, And laughs until her belly aches. The only other sound’s the break, Of distant waves and birds awake. The patience is kind, determined and deep, But she has promises to keep, After cake and lots of sleep. Sweet dreams come to her cheap. She rises from her gentle bed, With thoughts of kittens in her head, She eats her jam with lots of bread. Ready for the day ahead. Poemgenerator.com

Final Thoughts: How To Write an Ode

By following the simple steps in this article blueprint, you are now a bona fide Ode writer extraordinaire!

Now that you know how to write odes, here’s what to read next:

• H ow To Be a Writer for SNL (The Ultimate Guide)
• How To Be a Fortune Cookie Writer
• The Best Thesaurus for Writers

The ode poem is an ages-old poetry form that praises and celebrates people, places, things, and ideas. Poets have written odes to Grecian urns, the west wind, the hymen, and to childhood intimations of immortality. If you’re looking to write a poem in praise of something, you might want to learn how to write an ode poem.

The ode dates back to Ancient Greece, but while the classical form has strict requirements, contemporary odes sing the praises of the things they describe without the restrictions of form. As such, this article looks at ode examples both classic and contemporary.

What is an ode, and how do poets wield the form effectively? We’ll look at how to write an ode poem, but first, let’s define the form and find inspiration in different ode poem examples.

What is an Ode?

Technically, an ode isn’t a singular poetry form : it can take the shape of a sonnet , a ghazal , a villanelle , an elegy, or (most contemporarily) a free verse poem . What unifies each ode is the desire to celebrate the minute and mundane: to praise the little beauties in life.

What is an ode? A poem that celebrates beauty in life, often focusing on the minute and mundane.

Take, for example, the poem “Ode to the Electric Fish that Eat Only the Tails of Other Electric Fish” by Thomas Lux. Read it here, in Poetry Magazine . The poem finds beauty in specificity, paying close attention to the way eels feed on only what they need in order to survive as a species. Language like “I defer to biology’s genius” both praises the eels and lets the poem lean into the mystery of nature.

Such is the art of the ode poem: focusing the poetic lens to dissect, understand, and communicate the beauty and mystery of life. Let’s see this in action through different ode examples.

Ode Poem Examples & A History of the Form

The ode has evolved a lot since the first pieces were written (approximately 2,500 years ago). As such, we’ll give ode examples from each iteration of the form through history, but we’ll emphasize the contemporary ode poem, as the advice we give on how to write an ode poem corresponds with the contemporary form.

1. The Pindaric (or Grecian) Ode Poem

Pindar (ca. 518-438 B.C.) is one of the most well preserved poets of Ancient Greece, and his lyric poetry established the form of the Grecian Ode.

The Pindaric ode is irregular in length, meter, rhyme, and construction. What unifies the form is a three part structure:

• Strophe—the first stanza. It presents the first half of a debate or argument and is usually sung by a chorus.
• Antistrophe—the second stanza. It presents a counterargument to the strophe, complicating the argument and obfuscating the correct decision a character should make.
• Epode—the concluding stanza. It uses a different meter than the first two sections, and it resolves the conflict established by the strophe and antistrophe.

This form of poetry was developed for Ancient Greek plays, such as Antigone or Oedipus Rex . As such, the ode is interwoven with the story itself, and since it is only sung by the chorus, it reflects on the journey of the protagonist through verse.

For a while, the form was lost to obscurity. However, the Renaissance reinvigorated interest in European antiquity, and English poets adapted this structure to write their own Pindaric ode poetry. As such, you can see strophe, antistrophe, and epode in the following poems:

• “A Song for St. Cecilia’s Day, 1687” by John Dryden
• “Alexander’s Feast” by John Dryden
• “The Bard” by Thomas Gray

Revival of the Pindaric Ode didn’t last, but it did create a lasting interest in the Irregular Ode form, which we’ll discuss shortly.

2. The Horatian Ode Poem

The Horatian Ode, named after the poet Horace, is a poem that dwells on more intimate themes like love, friendship, and art. It is a reflective poem, often written in couplets or quatrains, and it more closely resembles the contemporary ode poem.

The Horatian is considered “nonce stanzaic” or “homostrophic”—meaning, in essence, that the stanza form is not prescribed, but is developed for the purpose of the poem itself, and is consistent throughout the entire piece. If the poet decides to write in tercets of trochaic tetrameter, for example, that form is specific to the poem and used throughout the piece.

The Horatian is a direct Roman descendant of the Greek Aeolic.

Like the Pindaric, the Horatian Ode eventually found its way back to modernity when European poets looked to antiquity for inspiration. Here are some examples:

• “Upon Cromwell’s Return from Ireland” by Andrew Marvell, retrieved here
• “The Ship of State” by Horace, retrieved here
• “Ode to the Confederate Dead” by Allen Tate, retrieved here

3. The Contemporary / Irregular Ode Poem

The popularity of the ode poetry form in Victorian England led to the Irregular Ode. Poets like Wordsworth and Keats frequently experimented with this form, and in contemporary poetry, ode poems are often irregular as well.

“Irregular” simply means that the poem has no consistent form: it is written in free verse, rather than with a formal meter or rhyme scheme. You can find many examples of the Irregular Ode in Romantic poetry—for example, “Ode to the West Wind” by Percy Bysshe Shelley ( Poetry Foundation ), “Ode on Solitude” by Alexander Pope ( Academy of American Poets ), “Ode to my Socks” by Pablo Neruda ( AAP ), and ”Ode on a Grecian Urn” ( PF ) and “Ode to a Nightingale” ( PF ), both by John Keats

However, let’s look at a few contemporary examples that showcase the many possibilities of how to write an ode poem.

“Ode” by Ray Amorosi

Retrieved from Poetry Foundation. 

How glorious

is this strange muscle in my mouth.

Child’s tease, lips’ balm, baton of speech

unless it’s tied.

What’s forgotten is on the tip.

Sides slip out the truth. The root

is how far a kiss can go.

One can lose it when guilty.

Be lashed by another’s.

Feel it twisting over rooky woods and wordless

hear it swinging in a bell, sliding through a groove

or placed firmly in a cheek. Beware it

should be held most often for most often

a forked one has no friend.

This short, simple ode poem is a clever exploration of the tongue. By examining the tongue’s biology, uses, and colloquialisms, the speaker highlights the many possibilities our tongues present to us. Note that this is also a contemporary sonnet poem, with 14 lines and a volta, or “twist,” occurring in the middle.

“Ode to Friendship” by Noor Hindi

Retrieved from Jellyfish Magazine .

Edgewater Beach, 2019

The night so warm I could fall in love with anything including myself. My loves. You are the only people I’d surrender my softness to. The moon so blue. And yes, what’s gold is gold. What’s real is us despite a country so grieved, so woke, so death. Our gloom as loud as shells.Listen. Even the ocean begs. Put your hands in the sand, my friend. It’s best we bury ourselves. What’s heavy.      What’s heavy? Becomes light.

The speaker in “Ode to Friendship” wants to stay tender-hearted, despite despite despite . Although the world is often heavy and hard to live in, it is the speaker’s friendships that make living possible, and this poem captures that softness with swift, stunning lyricism.

“ode to the flute” by Ross Gay

This poem showcases how poetry can lean into mystery. In short, simple language, it blurs the lines between the man and the flute, then offers that striking final like: that a flute might pray for wind to enter it. If this is the case, what might we pray to enter us, make us beautiful or complete?

Other Contemporary Ode Poems

Below are a handful of the many different odes published in contemporary poetry. Notice the wide variety in form, structure, and language, and how the subject of the poem influences the way the poem is written.

• “Ode to Shea Butter” by Angel Nafis, in Prelude Mag
• “Ode to a Yellow Onion” by C. Dale Young, in Poetry Foundation
• “Ode to the Midwest” by Kevin Young, in Poetry Foundation
• “Late Night Ode” by J. D. McClatchy, in Academy of American Poets
• “Ode To Kanye West In Two Parts, Ending In A Chain Of Mothers Rising From The River” by Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib, in Poetry Society
• “Ode to History” byMary Jo Bang, in The Paris Review
• “Ode to the Beloved’s Hips” by Natalie Diaz, retrieved here
• “Ode to the First Time I Wore a Dress & My Mother Did Not Flinch” by torrin a. greathouse, retrieved here
• “Ode to Branca” by Valzhyna Mort, retrieved here
• “Ode to Northern Alberta” by Billy-Ray Belcourt, in This

4. Other Forms

If you’re interested in investigating other types of ode poetry, you may be interested in the following forms:

• The Aeolic , which is the Greek precursor to the Horatian.
• The Qasidah , a pre-Islamic Arabic form often used for panegyrics and elegies, though later replaced by the more popular ghazal.
• The Anacreonic , a lesser known form from Ancient Greece that is built with heptasyllabic couplets.
• The Ronsardian , a form developed by the French poet Pierre de Ronsard. It consists of 9 line stanzas (nonets) arranged in a particular syllable and rhyme scheme. The syllables for each line are, respectively: 10-4-10-4-10-10-4-4-8. The rhyme scheme is ababccdcc. It can have any number of stanzas.

How to Write an Ode Poem in 5 Steps

There are countless ways to write a poem , and no singular article can tell you the process your work should take. In truth, each poem requires its own process, because form, language, and process are all indelibly intertwined.

Nonetheless, here’s one process that has worked well for me and for some poets that I’ve known. You can use this process again and again and again, each time discovering something novel and beautiful about the world.

1. How to Write an Ode Poem: Turn to the Small and the Everyday

It’s easy to praise the large and life-altering, but we praise those things all the time. If anything, a poem in dedication to the sky, to sunlight, to God, to love, or to your winning lottery ticket might be cliché and restrictive.

Rather, turn to the small and the everyday. What’s minute and quotidian will likely provide fertile ground for your ode poetry. What beauty can you find in your tea cabinet? Your favorite shirt? The smell of lavender?

Turn to the small and the everyday.

Think of something that’s meaningful in your life. Spend some time on this: the best poetry often slows down and meditates on the little things. Don’t be afraid to be granular, either: you can write an ode to your hairbrush, or you can write an ode to the hair trapped in your hairbrush, too.

Finally, you can turn to the conceptual, just recognize that this is a harder poem to write effectively. Praising concepts like “free will” or “democracy” will require you to use a lot of visual language and concrete imagery , otherwise the message and impact will get lost on the reader.

2. How to Write an Ode Poem: Write a List of Praises

Once you’ve found where to focus your poetic lens, write a list of praises. This doesn’t have to be “poetic”—it just has to be honest and heartfelt.

Try to make your praises both global and granular. In other words, focus on the entire thing you’re praising, but also get lost in the details.

For example, let’s say I was trying to write an ode to my toothbrush. Here’s a quickly written list of praises—things I’m grateful for, find beautiful, or otherwise want to focus the poetic spotlight on.

• Keeps my teeth from falling out (obviously).
• Keeps my tongue from turning yellow (obviously).
• Keeps my left bicep moving (which it so rarely does!)
• Its bristles stand like tiny redwood trees.
• Analog or electric, catalogs the eclectic library of soot, smoke, and bacteria fermenting my mouth.
• My own private fortitude of mint and spit.
• Rub a clean one on the fur of a cat’s head and it feels like the scratch of their mother’s tongue.
• Lasts many months after I should have thrown it out.

Note, also, that an ode poem does not have to be universally positive. We can dislike aspects about the things we love, and the best poetry embraces nuance.

3. How to Write an Ode Poem: Consider Form and Structure

Every poet has their own relationship to form and structure. You might figure out the structure of the poem beforehand, or you might figure it out as you write it. Either is fine!

For now, just take a moment to consider the form your poem could take. Is it a sonnet, a villanelle, or a ghazal? Is it free verse or iambic pentameter? Do you dare write an acrostic ?

Consider, also, whether you might speak to the object itself or write about it abstractly. Should I write to my toothbrush, or just about my toothbrush?

Finally, think about recurring lines, something which ode poems often have. Repetition helps emphasize the importance of the topic you’re writing on, and it often juxtaposes interesting ideas. For inspiration, read “Praise the Rain” by Joy Harjo .

4. How to Write an Ode Poem: Stitch Language Together

You have your list, your form, and maybe some recurring lines. Now, start stitching things together!

Take your list and start weaving your ideas into the poem. You don’t need to use every item in the list, and you can certainly write in new ideas as you come up with them.

Fiddle with language until it starts to say what you mean, then fiddle even further.

Have fun with this process. Experiment with how different lines sound next to each other. Experiment with line breaks, stanza breaks, and punctuation. Fiddle with language until it starts to say what you mean, then fiddle even further. Push language to its breaking point; let sunshine leak through the cracks in words.

5. How to Write an Ode Poem: Edit for Clarity, Originality, Vibrancy

Once you have a first draft, take a breath, a step back, go for a walk, clean your cat’s litter box, clean my cat’s litter box, etc.

Then, come back to the poem with a fresh set of eyes. Read how the reader might. Continue to tinker with words until they fit right. Make sure that each image is crystal clear, that no words are unnecessary, and that you’ve said all you need to on the topic.

Finally, don’t edit too much. Let your poem embrace mystery. In my opinion, a “perfect poem” couldn’t move the reader: it needs a little imperfection to stay human.

Master the Art of the Ode Poem at Writers.com

What will you sing the praises of? When your ode poem is ready to workshop, consider taking a poetry writing course at Writers.com. Praise poetry, praise language, and praise the act of creation.

Sean Glatch

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How to Write an Ode: 6 Tips for Writing an Ode Poem

An ode is a poem that is about one specific thing that you think is truly amazing and praiseworthy. This type of poem can be centered upon a person, an object, or something abstract like a feeling or an idea. Here are some tips to help you get started if you’re interested in learning how to write an ode (and be sure to check out awesome ode examples on Power Poetry! ):

• Just get emotional.  What really makes you emotional, either in a positive or negative way? Think of a person, concept, place or thing that you are deeply connected to. This will be a potential topic for your ode poem. Remember, an ode is focused on the many nuances of a  single thing , so make sure that whatever you pick is something that you feel strongly about, so you have enough to write.
• If you feel something, say something.  When someone brings up the thing you have chosen to write about in conversation, how do you react? Write down what you would say in such a situation, and even more importantly, how you would (or do) feel. You may end up needing many words that have the same definition or meaning, so checking out a thesaurus can be hugely useful. Learning how to write an ode poem is all about digging deep into your emotional and descriptive vocabulary.
• Size matters.  How long do you want your poem to be? Odes are traditionally very long, and chances are, if you’ve picked a topic you really feel passionately about, you will have a lot to write. Start by splitting up your poem into groups, or stanzas, of ten lines. Many traditional odes have three to five of these stanzas, but if you want to write more, by all means do!
• To rhyme or not to rhyme?  Do you want your poem to rhyme? Most odes do, and making your ode rhyme would be a fun challenge, but you can also write irregular odes, which don't have to rhyme or maintain a perfect rhythm. If you  do  decide to make your ode rhyme, think about how you want to format the rhyme scheme of this poem. You can make every two lines or every other line rhyme. You can also make up your own pattern -- just commit to it, and use it in every stanza of your ode poem.
• Share your poem! If your ode is written about a particular person, you could give it to them as a gift. You can recite your ode, or put it to music and sing it. Don't forget to share it with your community here at Power Poetry -- post your ode so we know what matters to you!
• AND.... Don't forget that your options for how to write an ode are pretty infinite. One of our favorite examples is this: the poet Friedrich Schiller first published his "Ode to Joy" in 1766. Composer Ludwig van Beethoven set it to music in his Ninth Symphony in 1824. Clergyman and author Henry van Dyke wrote the poem "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" in 1907 intending for it to be a hymn sung over the music of Beethoven's Ninth. And in 1993, that hymn was adapted into a song for a gospel choir and performed by Lauryn Hill in the movie  Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.  So there you go!

Ready to get started? You can find more topic inspiration and tips on how to write an ode from our action guides , your Fellow Power Poets , and the famous poets and rappers in our Poetry Genome . 

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Step into the enchanting world of odes, where structured verses become a canvas for your deepest emotions. Discover the art of celebrating life’s beauty and wonder through the magic of words .

An ode is a profound and passionate form of poetic expression, a timeless tradition of celebrating life’s beauty and profundity through verse. It provides a platform to channel your innermost emotions and admiration for a subject of deep significance, be it a person, an object, nature, or even an abstract concept.

This poetic form is characterized by its elevated language, rich imagery, and structured format. Odes typically consist of distinct sections, such as the strophe, antistrophe, and epode, each with its unique role in the overall composition.

One of the most critical aspects of crafting an engaging ode is selecting a subject that genuinely moves and inspires you. The choice of subject serves as the heartbeat of your poem. It’s the emotional connection that fuels your verses and makes them resonate with authenticity.

Within an ode, you’ll find room for creative expression, embracing metaphors, similes, and vivid descriptions to convey your admiration. Odes traditionally adhere to specific rhyme schemes and meters, but contemporary interpretations allow for flexibility.

This guide will help you embark on this poetic adventure, teaching you how to write an ode and all the essential techniques along with examples and other information.

Table of Contents

What is an ode: Unveiling the passionate world of praise

An ode represents a distinct and timeless genre within the realm of poetry. More than just a mere poem, it stands as a sincere and jubilant form of artistic expression, a means of commemorating something of great significance. 

But what precisely constitutes an ode, and how does it distinguish itself from other poetic forms? Let’s explore different odes to gain insight into this exquisite mode of creative expression.

The structure of odes

Structural elements of odes, adapting to contemporary expression, ode’s thematic depth.

In its essence, an ode is a lyrical poem designed to extol and exalt a person, place, object, or even abstract ideals such as love, beauty, or freedom. The very word “ode” finds its origin in the Greek term “oide , “ signifying “ song .” This etymology offers a crucial clue to the nature of odes, for they often exhibit a melodic quality intertwined with profound emotion akin to a song.

An integral characteristic that sets odes apart is their structure. Traditional odes consist of three distinct sections: the strophe, the antistrophe , and the epode , each possessing a designated role in the progression of the poem. The strophe establishes the groundwork, the antistrophe reacts or elaborates upon the central theme, and the epode harmoniously consolidates these elements, offering resolution or deeper insights.

Odes frequently adhere to a specific rhyme scheme and meter, intensifying their musical attributes and setting them apart within the landscape of poetry. However, it is worth noting that contemporary odes tend to embrace more flexibility in their structure, often adopting free verse or experimenting with variations in rhyme and meter.

What further distinguishes odes is their thematic content. They are characterized by profound emotion and commonly center on subjects of reverence, accolade, and affection. Whether dedicated to a beloved individual, a scenic vista, or a cherished reminiscence, ode’s grant us the opportunity to articulate our emotions in an orderly and artistic manner.

Odes have been composed for centuries by illustrious poets such as John Keats , Pablo Neruda , and William Wordsworth. Their verses have celebrated a broad spectrum of subjects, encompassing Grecian urns, the season of autumn, love, beauty, and even ordinary items like a crimson wheelbarrow. The versatility of odes allows poets with a potent tool to convey their passions and their profound associations with the world that surrounds them.

What is an ode poem: An exploration of this timeless art

An ode is a form of lyrical poetry that’s been cherished for centuries, known for its emotional depth, structured nature, and the heartfelt celebration of a subject. At its core, an ode is a poetic tribute, a way to express profound emotions and admiration for someone or something. Let’s explore what is an ode poem and what makes it special.

Expressing deep emotions

Structured and musical, rhyme and meter, diverse subjects, vivid imagery, notable ode writers.

Odes are a powerful medium for conveying intense feelings. These emotions can range from love and admiration to gratitude, and they are poured onto the page with sincerity. Odes serve as a vessel for expressing the poet’s genuine passion for the subject.

Odes have a particular structure that sets them apart. Traditionally, they consist of three main parts: the strophe, the antistrophe, and the epode. Each part plays a distinct role in the poem’s development. This structure lends a musical quality to odes, making them read like a song.

Odes traditionally employ specific rhyme schemes and meters. These structured patterns contribute to the poem’s musical and organized nature. However, modern odes allow for more flexibility in this regard.

Odes can celebrate a wide range of subjects, from people and places to abstract concepts like love, beauty, or freedom. This versatility allows poets to pour their emotions into their work, whether it’s a cherished memory, a loved one, or even a picturesque landscape.

Odes are renowned for their vivid imagery. Metaphors, similes, and descriptive language are used to create powerful visual and sensory descriptions. This makes odes come alive with detail, evoking emotions in the reader.

Throughout history, many celebrated poets have embraced the ode form. From John Keats to Pablo Neruda and William Wordsworth, these poets have crafted timeless odes that continue to captivate and inspire readers.

In essence, an ode is a lyrical love letter to something that holds a special place in the poet’s heart. It’s a structured and artistic way to express deep emotions, often with a musical quality, celebrating the wonders of life.

Odes are not just poems; they are expressions of love, admiration, and gratitude in a lyrical and structured form. They invite readers to share in the poet’s passion and to see the world through their eyes.

So, the next time you’re moved by a breathtaking sunset, a loved one’s smile, or the profound beauty of a moment, consider writing an ode. It’s a creative and heartfelt way to express your deepest feelings and to celebrate the world around you.

In the words of the masters: Exploring classic ode examples

Here are a few examples of well-known odes from famous poets:

• “Ode to Autumn” by John Keats
• “Ode on a Grecian Urn” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
• “Ode to Psyche” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
• “Ode to the Confederate Dead” by Allen Tate
• “Ode on Melancholy” by John Keats

“Ode to Autumn” by John Keats :

In this ode, Keats beautifully describes the sights, sounds, and sensations of the autumn season, celebrating its richness and tranquility.

“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,

Close-bosom friend of the maturing sun.”        

“Ode on a Grecian Urn” by Percy Bysshe Shelley :

Shelley’s ode is a response to Keats’ “Ode to a Grecian Urn .” He considers the urn’s images and muses on the contrast between its immortality and the transient nature of life.

“Thou still unravish’d bride of quietness,

Thou foster-child of Silence and slow Time.”

“Ode to Psyche” by Percy Bysshe Shelley :

In this ode, Shelley explores the mythical figure of Psyche and her journey, relating it to the imaginative and creative process.

“Yes, I will be thy priest, and build a fane

In some untrodden region of my mind.”

“Ode to the Confederate Dead” by Allen Tate :

Tate’ s ode reflects on the impact of the American Civil War and the soldiers who fought and died in it. It contemplates the enduring legacy of the war.

“Bewildering solitude

Or connected ruin: all things breed

The same need to confuse.”

“Ode on Melancholy” by John Keats :

Keats explores the complexities of human emotions, particularly the inevitability of sadness and how it’s intertwined with joy.

“She dwells with Beauty—Beauty that must die;

And Joy, whose hand is ever at his lips

Bidding adieu.”

These examples showcase the versatility of odes, covering a wide range of themes, from nature and beauty to human emotions and the passage of time.

How to write an ode:10 simple steps

Writing an ode is an artistic way to express deep emotions and admiration for a subject you hold dear. Whether it’s a person, a place, an idea, or even something as simple as a flower, an ode gives you a structured and creative platform to celebrate the beauty in your life.

In this guide, we’ll break down the process of writing an ode into 10 easy-to-follow steps to help you get started.

Step 1: Choose your subject

Step 2: understand the ode structure, step 3: choose your rhyme scheme and meter, step 4: brainstorm ideas, step 5: create powerful imagery, step 6: structure your ode, step 7: write your ode, step 8: edit and revise, step 9: read aloud.

• Step 10:Share your ode

The first step in writing an ode is selecting a subject that moves you. It could be a beloved friend, a favorite place, or even an abstract concept like love or freedom. Your subject should evoke strong emotions, making it easier to express your feelings through your ode.

Odes typically have a three-part structure: the strophe, the antistrophe, and the epode. Each part plays a specific role in the poem. The strophe introduces the subject, the antistrophe responds to it, and the epode sums it all up.

Decide on the rhyme scheme and meter you want to use for your ode. Traditional odes may follow a specific pattern, while modern odes allow for more flexibility. Knowing your rhyme and meter helps create a musical quality in your poem.

Take some time to brainstorm ideas and emotions associated with your chosen subject. Jot down words or phrases that come to mind when you think about it. This will serve as your raw material for the ode.

Odes are known for their vivid imagery. Use metaphors and similes to create powerful and descriptive images that convey your feelings and admiration for your subject. Paint a picture with your words.

Divide your ode into the strophe, antistrophe, and epode. The strophe introduces your subject, the antistrophe responds or elaborates on it, and the epode brings everything together. Each part typically consists of multiple lines, so structure your thoughts accordingly.

Start writing your ode. Begin with the strophe, introducing your subject and expressing your feelings. Move on to the antistrophe, diving deeper into your emotions and thoughts. Finally, the ode should summarize your ode and leave a lasting impression.

Once your ode is written, take the time to edit and revise it. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure the rhyme scheme and meter flow smoothly. Ensure that your imagery is clear and powerful.

Reading your ode aloud can help you catch any awkward phrasing or areas where the flow is not quite right. It also allows you to hear the musical quality of your poem and make adjustments as needed.

Step 10: Share your ode

Share your ode with others. Whether it’s with friends, family, or the world through a blog or social media, let your ode be heard. Odes are meant to be shared and can inspire and touch the hearts of those who read them.

In summary, writing an ode is a beautiful way to express your feelings and celebrate the subjects you cherish. Follow these 10 simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to creating heartfelt and moving odes that convey your admiration and emotions in a structured and artistic form.

So, choose your subject, understand the ode structure, select your rhyme scheme and meter, brainstorm ideas, create vivid imagery, structure your ode, write it down, edit and revise, read it aloud, and finally, share your ode with the world.

The heart of ode writing: Understanding ode structure    

An ode is a type of lyrical poem that typically consists of three distinct parts:

Antistrophe

Each part plays a specific role in the poem’s structure.

The strophe is the first part of an ode, and it sets the stage by introducing the subject or theme that the poet wants to celebrate. It often contains the initial emotional outpouring, expressing the poet’s admiration, love, or reverence for the subject. The strophe establishes the tone and context for the ode.

The antistrophe follows the strophe and responds to it. This part of the ode can be seen as a kind of echo to the strophe . It explores the subject or theme in greater depth, often adding complexity to the poet’s feelings and thoughts. The antistrophe provides a balanced and harmonious perspective.

The epode is the concluding section of the ode. It brings the various elements of the poem together, offering a resolution, reflection, or a deeper insight into the subject. The epode typically sums up the poet’s emotional journey and may include a final message or reflection.

Beyond these three main sections, odes are also characterized by their use of specific rhyme schemes and meters, which contribute to their musical and structured nature. Traditional odes, like Pindaric and Horatian odes, adhere to strict patterns of rhyme and meter, while modern odes may be more flexible in this regard.

Odes often focus on themes of admiration, praise, and love. They are a structured and artistic form of expression that allows poets to convey their deep emotions in a celebratory and musical way. Ode writers use vivid imagery, metaphors, and similes to create powerful visual and emotional descriptions, making the poem come alive.

The structure of an ode, with its three distinct parts, allows for a natural progression of thoughts and emotions. The strophe introduces, the antistrophe deepens, and the epode concludes, creating a satisfying and harmonious whole.

What are the essential elements of an ode?

Odes typically include formal structure, specific rhyme schemes, and meter. They also have a heightened emotional tone, often conveying deep admiration, praise, or love for the subject. Themes of beauty, love, and celebration are common.

How can I convey deep emotions in my ode?

To convey deep emotions effectively, use vivid and descriptive language. Focus on specific details and imagery related to your subject. Use metaphors and similes to create a heightened emotional impact.

Are there any rules for writing an ode, or can I approach it freely?

Odes have a traditional structure, but you have the creative freedom to modify it to suit your artistic vision. Balancing tradition and innovation can result in a unique and compelling ode.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an ode?

Common mistakes in ode writing include being too general, lacking emotional depth, and not adhering to a consistent tone.

When crafting an ode, embracing your passions and celebrating your chosen subject with vibrant imagery and heartfelt words is vital. Odes provide a platform to honor the simple everyday things as well as the extraordinary, transforming them into eloquent expressions of love and admiration. So, step into the world of odes, let your passions take flight, and allow your verses to be a timeless tribute to the beauty that inspires your soul.

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How to Write an Ode

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Writing an ode is a fun task for anyone who wants to exercise both their creativity and their analytical mind. The form follows a prescribed format that anyone—child or adult—can learn. 

What Is an Ode? 

An ode is a  lyric poem that is written to praise a person, event, or object. You may have read or heard of the famous "Ode on a Grecian Urn" by John Keats , for example, in which the speaker reflects on images carved into an urn.

The ode is a classical style of poetry, possibly invented by the ancient Greeks from an older form, who sang their odes rather than writing them on paper. Today's odes are usually rhyming poems with an irregular meter, although rhyme is not required for a poem to be classified as an ode. They are broken into stanzas (the "paragraphs" of poetry) with 10 lines each, typically consisting of three to five stanzas in total. 

There are three types of odes: Pindaric, Horatian, and irregular. ​

• Pindaric odes have three stanzas, two of which have the same structure. It was the style used by the Greek poet Pindar (517–438 BCE). Example: ​ “The Progress of Poesy” by Thomas Gray . 
• Horatian odes have more than one stanza, all of which follow the same rhyme structure and meter. The form follows that of the Roman lyric poet Horace (65–8 BCE). Example: “Ode to the Confederate Dead” by Allen Tate .​ 
• Irregular odes follow no set pattern or rhyme. Example: “Ode to an Earthquake” by Ram Mehta.

Read a few examples of odes to get a feeling for what they are like before you write your own.

Writing Your Ode: Choosing a Topic

The purpose of an ode is to glorify or exalt something, so you should choose a subject that you are excited about. Think of a person, place, thing, or event that you find truly wonderful and about which you have plenty of positive things to say (although it also might be a fun and challenging exercise to write an ode about something you truly dislike or hate!). Think about how your subject makes you feel and jot down some adjectives. Think about what makes it special or unique. Consider your personal connection to the subject and how it has impacted you. Make note of some descriptive words you can use. What are some specific qualities of your subject? 

Choose Your Format 

Although a rhyming structure is not an essential component of an ode, most traditional odes do rhyme, and including rhyme in your ode can be a fun challenge. Test out a few different rhyming structures to find one that suits your subject matter and personal writing style. You might start with an ABAB structure, in which the last words of every first and third line rhyme and so do the last word in every second and fourth line—the A lines all rhyme one another, the B lines do the same, and so forth. Or, try out the  ABABCDECDE structure used by John Keats in his famous odes. 

Structure and Write Your Ode

Once you have an idea for your subject matter and the rhyme structure you want to follow, create an outline of your ode, breaking each part into a new stanza. Try to come up with three or four stanzas that address three or four different aspects of your topic to give your ode structure. For example, if you're writing an ode to a building, you might devote one stanza to the energy, skill, and planning that went into its construction; another to the building's appearance; and a third about its use and the activities that go on inside. Once you have an outline, start filling in the ideas using your brainstorm and chosen rhyming structure.

Finalize Your Ode 

After you've written your ode, step away from it for a few hours or even days. When you return to your ode with fresh eyes, read it out loud and make a note of how it sounds. Are there any word choices that seem out of place? Does it sound smooth and rhythmic? Make any changes, and begin the process again until you are happy with your ode. 

Although many traditional odes are titled "Ode to [Subject]", you can be creative with your title. Choose one that embodies the subject and its meaning to you.

Need more help when writing poetry? A number of smartphone apps are available.

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How To Write A Ode Poetry

The ode is a type of lyric poem, typically characterized by a serious tone and a formal structure. Odes are typically written in honor of someone or something, and often contain heartfelt expressions of praise.

If you’re looking to write an ode of your own, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose your subject matter carefully. The ode is a celebration, so make sure that whatever you choose to write about is worthy of your praise.

Once you’ve chosen a subject, take the time to carefully consider its attributes. What makes this person or thing special to you? What unique qualities does it possess? Once you’ve brainstormed a list of qualities, choose the ones that are most important to you and focus on them in your poem.

The structure of an ode is also important. Odes typically follow a specific pattern, with each verse building on the one before it. Be sure to stay true to this pattern as you write your poem.

Finally, when it comes to tone, be sure to stay serious and respectful. The ode is a serious form of poetry, and should be treated as such. Write with reverence and admiration, and be sure to let your readers know why the subject of your poem matters to you.

What is an ode poem example?

An ode poem is a poetic form that typically celebrates or commemorates a person, object, event, or experience. Ode poems often exhibit a heightened level of rhetoric and are usually written in iambic pentameter. The most famous ode poem is perhaps John Milton’s “Ode on the Morning of Christ’s Nativity.”

Does an ode have to rhyme?

There is no one answer to this question as it depends on what you consider to be an ode. For some, an ode must rhyme in order to be considered such, while others believe that rhyme is not necessary. Ultimately, it is up to the individual writer or poet to decide whether or not to include rhyme in their odes.

There are many famous odes that do not rhyme, such as John Keats’ “Ode to a Nightingale” and Percy Shelley’s “Ode to the West Wind.” However, there are also many odes that do rhyme, such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s “Ode to a Knight” and Robert Browning’s “Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte.”

Whether or not an ode has to rhyme is ultimately up to the writer or poet. Some find that rhyme helps to emphasize and strengthen the message or feeling of the poem, while others find that it is not necessary. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what works best for their own poem.

What are the 3 types of odes?

An ode is a type of poem that typically honors or praises a person or event. Odes are typically written in lyric poetry form and typically follow a specific structure. There are three main types of odes: lyric, Horatian, and Pindaric.

Lyric odes are typically short, and their main purpose is to express the poet’s thoughts and emotions. Horatian odes are longer than lyric odes, and their main purpose is to provide commentary on life. Pindaric odes are the longest of the three types of odes, and their main purpose is to honor a person or event.

How do you structure an ode?

An ode is a form of lyric poetry that typically addresses a person, object, or event. Odes are typically structured in three parts: the strophe, the antistrophe, and the epode. The strophe is the first section of the poem and typically introduces the subject of the ode. The antistrophe is the second section of the poem and typically provides a response to the strophe. The epode is the third and final section of the poem, and typically provides a conclusion or resolution to the subject of the ode.

What is an example of an ode?

An ode is a type of lyric poem that typically honors or praises a person, event, or object. Odes often exhibit a heightened level of rhetoric and poetic devices, and they often explore philosophical ideas and concepts.

One of the most well-known odes is John Keats’ “Ode to a Nightingale.” In this poem, Keats waxes poetic about the nightingale’s song, describing it as a “madrigal of delight.” He praises the bird’s ability to make him forget his troubles and to fill him with a sense of joy and wonder.

Another well-known ode is Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Ode to the West Wind.” In this poem, Shelley implores the wind to carry his words to the ears of the people of the world. He asks the wind to help him spread his ideals and to awaken the people to their own potential.

Odes can be about anything, from the beauty of nature to the power of love. They are a powerful tool for exploring the human experience and for giving voice to our deepest emotions and thoughts.

What makes a good ode?

The definition of an ode is a lyric poem of personal expression, typically one in which the speaker reflects on a personal experience or recalls a loved one who has died. What makes a good ode is subjective, but there are a few key things that make them memorable and effective.

One of the most important elements of a good ode is its ability to evoke strong emotions in the reader. The poem should make the reader feel something, whether it’s sadness, happiness, love, loss, or nostalgia. Odes often have a powerful effect on readers because they offer a more intimate glimpse into the author’s personal life and emotions than other types of poetry .

Another key element of a good ode is its lyricism. The poem should be lyrical, with strong and evocative images that capture the reader’s imagination. Odes often use nature as a metaphor to express human emotions and experiences, and the best ones are able to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.

Finally, a good ode should be well-crafted and have a strong sense of rhythm and melody. It should be easy to read and flow smoothly from one sentence to the next. The author’s choice of words and language should also be poetic and evocative.

How many lines should an ode have?

An ode is a type of poem that is usually longer than a sonnet and has a more serious tone. Odes are often written in honor of someone or something, and they typically have a number of lines that is divisible by three. There is no definitive answer to the question of how many lines an ode should have, but most odes have between nine and eighteen lines.

What is a odes poem?

A odes poem is a lyrical poem that is typically addressed to a person or thing. Odes poems are often romantic in nature and express the speaker’s admiration or love for the object of the poem. Odes poems are often written in iambic pentameter and are typically about 500 lines in length.

What is the famous example of ode?

An ode is a type of poem that is typically written in honor of someone or something. Odes often emphasize the greatness or beauty of the subject of the poem. One of the most famous examples of an ode is John Milton’s “Ode on the Morning of Christ’s Nativity.” This poem celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and highlights His divine nature.

What is an example of ode in a sentence?

An ode is a type of poem that is typically lyric and often formal. It often celebrates or praises a particular person, thing, or event. Odes can be written in any form, but the most common is the Petrarchan sonnet. An example of an ode in a sentence is “I can’t believe he finally asked me out – this is such an ode to happiness!”

What are the rules for an ode?

An ode is a poetic form that typically celebrates or praises someone or something. Odes follow a specific set of rules, which vary depending on the type of ode. Generally, an ode consists of three stanzas, each of which contains a different number of lines. The first stanza typically contains one line, the second contains two lines, and the third contains three lines. Odes may also be written in other forms, such as sonnets or triptychs.

Do ode poems have a rhyme scheme?

Do ode poems have a rhyme scheme? This is a question that has been asked by many poets over the years. The answer to this question is not a simple one. There are many different types of ode poems, and each one may have its own rhyme scheme.

An ode poem is a type of poem that is typically written to honor someone or something. Ode poems can be written in many different styles, and they may or may not have a rhyme scheme. Some ode poems have a very strict rhyme scheme, while others are more free-form.

If you are looking for a rhyme scheme that is specific to ode poems, you can try the ababcdcdd rhyme scheme. This is not the only rhyme scheme that can be used for ode poems, but it is a common one.

Can an ode be free verse?

Can an ode be free verse? This is a question that has been debated by poets for many years. Some believe that an ode must be written in a specific form, while others believe that an ode can be written in free verse. Let’s take a closer look at both sides of this debate.

On the one hand, some argue that an ode must be written in a specific form. This is because an ode is a poem that is specifically written to commemorate someone or something. It is supposed to be a formal, structured poem that follows a specific set of rules.

On the other hand, others argue that an ode can be written in free verse. This is because an ode is simply a poem that is written to commemorate someone or something. It doesn’t have to follow any specific set of rules, and can be written in any form that the poet chooses.

So, which is right? Well, the answer is that it depends on your personal preference. There is no right or wrong answer, and it is up to each individual poet to decide which form they want to use for their ode.

What are the 3 parts of ode?

An ode is a type of lyric poem that typically celebrates or praises an individual, event, or object. Odes can be divided into three main parts: the strophe, the antistrophe, and the epode.

The strophe is the first part of the ode and typically consists of a series of lines that are repeated. The antistrophe is the second part of the ode and typically consists of a series of lines that are in response to the lines in the strophe. The epode is the third and final part of the ode and typically consists of a series of lines that are in contrast to the lines in the strophe and antistrophe.

What are three types of odes?

An ode is a lyric poem in which the author celebrates someone or something. There are three types of odes: the homorhythmic ode, the irregular ode, and the Pindaric ode.

The homorhythmic ode is the most common type of ode. It follows a regular meter and rhythm, and typically has a consistent structure. The irregular ode is less common, and doesn’t follow a regular meter or rhythm. It may be more free-form than other types of odes. The Pindaric ode is the most complex type of ode. It is named after the Greek poet Pindar, and is typically very long and complex. It follows a specific structure and uses complex language and poetic devices.

What is ode with example?

An ode (from the Greek ὄδος, “ode”, meaning “a song”) is a poetic form consisting of a variable number of stanzas, each of which is composed of two or three lines. A stanza consists of two lines that have the same meter and rhyme. The second and third lines of a stanza are called a “couplet”. A ode can have any number of stanzas, but typically there are three, five, or seven.

The ode is often used to express high or noble ideas. The ode form can be used to write both serious and humorous poems.

An example of an ode is “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats.

Which of the following types of ode has a three-part form?

An ode is a poetic form that typically has three parts: the strophe, the antistrophe, and the epode. Odes are often about a hero or a great event.

The strophe is the first part of the ode. It typically contains the main idea or theme of the poem. The antistrophe is the second part of the ode. It typically contains a response to the strophe. The epode is the third and final part of the ode. It typically contains a resolution or conclusion to the poem.

Odes often have a three-part form, with the strophe, the antistrophe, and the epode forming a complete unit. However, not all odes have this structure. Some odes have two parts, while others have four or more parts.

How many odes are there in English literature?

There are a number of odes in English literature, but it is difficult to determine an exact number. Some of the most famous odes in English literature include John Donne’s “Death be Not Proud,” Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Ode to the West Wind,” and Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s “Ode on the Death of a Friend.” Each of these odes is unique in its own way, and each reflects the poet’s thoughts and feelings about a particular subject or event.

Although it is difficult to determine an exact number, it is generally agreed that there are at least several dozen odes in English literature. These odes vary in length, style, and subject matter, but all of them share one common characteristic: they are all written in verse form. Odes are often considered to be some of the most challenging forms of poetry, and they require a great deal of skill and creativity on the part of the poet.

Odes are not as popular as they once were, but they continue to be a vital part of English literature. They offer a unique and powerful way to express oneself, and they provide readers with a glimpse into the inner workings of the poet’s mind. Odes are worth exploring, and anyone who is interested in English literature should take the time to read some of the most famous examples.

Emerson McKinney is a 31-year-old mother and blogger who focuses on education. Emerson has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and blogger who writes about her experiences as a mother and educator. Emerson is also a contributing writer for the Huffington Post.

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How to Write an Ode

Last Updated: February 26, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Alicia Cook and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Alicia Cook is a Professional Writer based in Newark, New Jersey. With over 12 years of experience, Alicia specializes in poetry and uses her platform to advocate for families affected by addiction and to fight for breaking the stigma against addiction and mental illness. She holds a BA in English and Journalism from Georgian Court University and an MBA from Saint Peter’s University. Alicia is a bestselling poet with Andrews McMeel Publishing and her work has been featured in numerous media outlets including the NY Post, CNN, USA Today, the HuffPost, the LA Times, American Songwriter Magazine, and Bustle. She was named by Teen Vogue as one of the 10 social media poets to know and her poetry mixtape, “Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately” was a finalist in the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 75,501 times.

An ode is a poem written to praise and celebrate a person, an event, a time, or an object. While this poetic form originated in ancient Greece, it survives today as a popular way to convey passion and strong sentiment toward the subject. With its use of description and repetition, an ode is a relatively accessible poetic form that even beginners can write.

Choosing Your Subject Matter

• When starting out, brainstorm a list of possible topics. You might include your favorite foods, your favorite holiday, or important people in your life.
• Odes about people tend to be more serious, and more sincere, than odes about other things – but they don't have to be. You could write an ode to your mother, for example, that was still light-hearted and full of loving humor.

• For example, if you work in an office, you might consider writing an ode to the copier. In most offices, this is not a machine anyone would think to thank or sing praises to. On the contrary, it is the source of much office frustration.
• An ode to a common object you genuinely appreciate can also draw attention to that object and help others who read your poem see that they may have taken that object for granted. For example, you might write an ode to your coffee maker, or an ode to your headphones.

• The Academy of American Poets has more than 8,000 poems, including odes, that you can read online for free. Go to https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poems?field_form_tid=417 to read some famous odes of all types.
• For a fun ode about an everyday drink, try "Ode to Kool-Aid" by Marcus Jackson. "Ode to My Socks," by Pablo Neruda, is an ode about a common object by a famous poet.
• William Wordsworth's "Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood" is a good example of a Pindaric ode. If you're looking for a Horatian ode, try "Ode to the Confederate Dead," by Allen Tate.

• For example, if you get together with a group of friends and the conversation instantly turns to the latest Star Wars movie, you might consider writing an ode to your favorite character from the films.

Setting Your Structure

• The Pindaric ode starts with a formal opening called a strophe , followed by an antistrophe that mirrors the structure of the opening. It closes with an epode , a longer stanza with an entirely different metrical structure than the strophe and antistrophe.
• The Horatian ode is less formal than the Pindaric ode, and uses a recurring stanza pattern. The Horatian structure may be used to particularly good effect if you're writing a more humorous ode, since the formality of the structure would contrast with the substance of your poem.

• Even when using the irregular form, consistency is the hallmark of an ode. While you're free to choose your own meter and rhyme scheme with the irregular form, whatever scheme you choose should be employed consistently throughout your poem.

• A classic ode is at least 4 stanzas, but you can make yours as long (or as short) as you want.

• It can help to note the rhymes on the margins of the paper where you write your ode. For example, if you've decided you're going to rhyme every other line of a six-line stanza, you might write "ABABAB" to indicate that the first line will rhyme with the third and fifth, while the second line will rhyme with fourth and sixth.

Crafting Your Poem

• It can help to find a quiet place to write where you can be alone with minimal distractions. That will give you the freedom to dive into your subject.
• Depending on the subject of your ode, you may find strong emotional responses rising to the surface. For example, you might find that you start to cry. Don't be afraid to use that emotional response in your poem. Deep passion can evoke some of the best imagery.

• For example, if you're writing an ode to your coffee maker, you might include words such as dark, aroma, rich, bold, hot, and steamy. You could compare the coffee grounds to the earth or the soil.

• To continue with the coffee maker example, you might list verbs such as bubble (up), brew, drip, pour, and steam. You could also include words such as rising or percolating.

• You can be as specific or general as you want. If you're writing an ode to your coffee maker, you could use the brand name of the coffee maker, or you could simply start your poem "Oh, coffee maker" or "Oh, coffee pot." Depending on your rhyme scheme, you may want to choose a name that is easier to rhyme with other words.

• This can be difficult if you're writing an ode to an inanimate object, since you may not be in the habit of speaking directly to inanimate objects. Repeating your first line can help you stay focused on the perspective. For example, you might start every stanza "Oh, coffee pot." If this starts to feel too monotonous, you can always take some of them out when you edit.

• As you read through your lists, you'll likely find that some images or thoughts naturally lead into each other.
• For example, if you're writing an ode to your coffee maker, you might note that the idea that the steam rises from the freshly-brewed coffee flows perfectly into how drinking the coffee helps you to wake up in the morning. You could write "Oh coffee maker, as brewing your steam rises and wafts through the air, so I rise from fitful slumber."

• A line or section that causes you to stumble as you read aloud presents an opportunity to improve the writing so that it flows more smoothly.
• Check your grammar and spelling, and make sure the rhyme and rhythm you established is consistent throughout your poem.

• Sharing your work with others may open you up to negative feedback and criticism. If it's constructive, use it to improve your work and become a stronger poet. If it's not constructive, just ignore it. Try not to take criticism personally.

Ode Examples

Community Q&A

• Don't expect the first ode you write to be a masterpiece. Stick with it and keep practicing the form to improve. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you're having a hard time getting your ode to come together, set it aside and do something else. You may get more ideas if you come back to it with fresh eyes. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about writing poems, check out our in-depth interview with Alicia Cook .

• ↑ https://www.powerpoetry.org/resources/writing-ode-poem
• ↑ https://literarydevices.net/ode/
• ↑ https://www.poetryfoundation.org/learn/glossary-terms/ode
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/brainstorming/
• ↑ https://poets.org/glossary/ode
• ↑ https://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/assessment/Documents/writing_tips_learning_goals_success_criteria.pdf
• ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/ode
• ↑ https://powerpoetry.org/resources/writing-ode-poem

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How to Write an Ode

An Ode is a lyrical poetic form used to celebrate or express strong feelings (or formal praise) for any event, thing, or person NOT present. With its roots in ancient Greece, early odes were formal in structure and rhyme scheme. Of the three types of odes, Pindar, Horace, and Irregular, the latter seems to be the choice of many contemporary poets since it is less restrictive and less formal. However, no matter which ode you choose to write, they should all celebrate the subject with a theatrical song-like approach.  

Here are the rules:

• Pick a subject: a thing or a place.
• Choose a title  (Ode to Orange)
• Give your subject praise or thanks. (Oh, orange so sweet!)
• Speak directly to the object.
• Write in rhyme (unless you are writing an irregular ode then either works).
• Be dramatic! Theatrical!
• Use verbs to bring that subject to life.
• Use vivid adjectives to describe your subject.
• Use repetition (single words or entire lines).

Example #1   Horatian ode:  One stanza pattern repeated throughout the poem (the most popular of Odes).  

Example #2 pindaric ode:  originally performed with chorus and dancers the pindaric ode has strict rules containing a formal opening, a complex metrical structure, and a final closing section differing from that of the rest of the poem..

Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood  by William Wordsworth poem  (beginning excerpt)

Example #3 Irregular ode:  Here, the formal rules of structure and rhyme scheme are abandoned and left up to the poet although the tradition of the ode remains intact with a celebratory, theatrical song of praise.

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How to write an ode

A woman ready to write an ode

Writing an ode can be lots of fun and can really get that creativity flowing; it is a great way to celebrate someone or something that you love. Would you like to know how to write an ode? We have brought together some top tips for you on how to get started with this highly enjoyable and expressive form of poetry.

What is an ode?

An ode is a lyrical poem that is dedicated to someone or something; it is written to praise and/or celebrate a person, event or object. Originating in Ancient Greece, odes were originally sung, but over time they became written works instead. Famous ode poets include John Keats, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Thomas Gray.

What is the formation of an ode?

Modern odes are usually rhyming — although that isn’t a hard rule — and are written with irregular meter. Each stanza has ten lines each, and an ode is usually written with between three and five stanzas.

There are three common ode types: Pindaric, Horatian, and irregular. Pindaric odes have three stanzas, two of which are written in the same structure. Horatian odes have more than one stanza, all of which follow the same structure. Irregular odes, as the name suggests, follow no set pattern.

Odes often feature similes, metaphors and sometimes hyperbole to aid the expression of how inspired the subject makes the author feel.

Odes are wonderfully uplifting to read

Choose a topic for your ode

Think of something you are passionate about — whether that’s your pet dog, your favourite football team, or a season of the year. Make sure your subject is something you have plenty to say about. What adjectives come to mind when you think of your chosen subject? Think about how it makes you feel, how you interact with it, and the impact it has on you. Make lots of notes on all of these thoughts, and consider qualities that are specific to the subject matter too.

Choose a structure for your ode

Will you choose Pindaric, Horatian or another structure altogether?

When it comes to the overall structure of your ode, I’d recommend looking through your notes on your chosen topic and seeing where natural grouping occurs. For example, an ode to a football club might naturally separate into four stanzas; one for the past, one for the present, one for a recent game, and one for the future of the club. An ode to your cat might work best as three stanzas; one for the life he/she had before you adopted them, one for life now and a recent incident, and one for the future you will have together.

Your ode doesn’t have to rhyme but if you would like it to, it’s time to think about which rhyming format would best suit your poem.  Play around with various formats until you find the perfect one for your particular ode. You could start out with an ABAB rhyming plan and see where you go from there.

Get writing

Once you have made all of the decisions above, it’s time to write and rewrite your ode until you have produced a poem that’s written in stanzas and has a rhyming format (if you want it to). Once you feel you have done all you can, leave it for a day or so and return to it for some fine-tuning. Once it sounds smooth and rhythmic, your job is done. Think of a suitable title, and your ode is complete. Many odes are entitled An Ode to [subject] or Ode to [subject] , but you can realistically name yours whatever you like.

An example of an ode

A British stamp dedicated to John Keats

The below poem is entitled Ode to Autumn and was written by John Keats, who experimented with many different rhyming structures. I have highlighted the rhyming pattern in brackets at the end of every line.

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, (A) Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; (B) Conspiring with him how to load and bless (A) With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run; (B) To bend with apples the mossed cottage-trees, (C) And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core; (D) To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells (E) With a sweet kernel; to set budding more, (D) And still more, later flowers for the bees, (C) Until they think warm days will never cease, (C) For Summer has o’er-brimmed their clammy cell. (E)

Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store? (A) Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find (B) Thee sitting careless on a granary floor, (A) Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind; (B) Or on a half-reaped furrow sound asleep, (C) Drowsed with the fume of poppies, while thy hook (D) Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers; (E) And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep (C) Steady thy laden head across a brook; (D) Or by a cider-press, with patient look, (D) Thou watchest the last oozings, hours by hours. (E)

Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they? (A) Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,— (B) While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day, (A) And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue; (B) Then in a wailful choir, the small gnats mourn (C) Among the river sallows, borne aloft (D) Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies; (E) And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn; (C) Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft (D) The redbreast whistles from a garden-croft, (D) And gathering swallows twitter in the skies. (E)

If you enjoy writing poetry, find out how to write a sonnet here . A guide to writing haiku can be found here , also.

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Learning to Craft an Ode: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

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Crafting an ode is a beautiful art form that has been around for centuries. It’s a type of poem that is meant to praise or glorify a person, place or thing. If you’re interested in writing an ode, but don’t know where to start, this step-by-step guide is for you. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what an ode is, how to structure it, and examples to inspire your own writing.

An ode is a type of poem that is meant to express admiration or praise. It’s a way to celebrate the beauty of something or someone. Odes are often written about people, places, or things that have a special significance to the writer. They can be written in a variety of formats, but they typically have a specific structure that includes stanzas and a rhyme scheme.

Writing an ode can be a challenging task, but it’s also a rewarding one. It requires a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for the subject matter. In this guide, you’ll learn how to write an ode step-by-step . Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner, this guide will provide you with the tools you need to craft a beautiful ode that will stand the test of time.

Understanding the Ode

Definition of an ode.

An ode is a type of poem that expresses a strong feeling or emotion. It is often written in a formal, elevated style and is usually addressed to a particular person, object, or idea. The ode has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece, where it was used to celebrate athletic victories and other important events.

Historical Context

The ode has been used throughout history as a way to celebrate and honor important people and events. In ancient Greece, the ode was used to celebrate athletic victories and other important events. During the Renaissance, the ode was used to celebrate the beauty of nature and the human form. In the Romantic period, the ode was used to express intense emotions and feelings of love and loss.

Types of Odes

There are several different types of odes, each with its own unique characteristics. The most common types of odes include:

Horatian ode: A type of ode that is more informal and less structured than other types. It is often written in a conversational tone and is used to celebrate everyday experiences and objects.

Pindaric ode: A type of ode that is more formal and structured than other types. It is often used to celebrate athletic victories and other important events.

Irregular ode: A type of ode that does not follow a specific structure or form. It is often used to express intense emotions and feelings.

English Romantic ode: A type of ode that was popular during the Romantic period in England. It is often used to express intense emotions and feelings of love and loss.

Sapphic ode: A type of ode that follows a specific meter and rhyme scheme. It is often used to celebrate the beauty of nature and the human form.

Understanding the different types of odes and their characteristics can help writers choose the appropriate form for their own odes. By selecting the right form, writers can better express their emotions and feelings and create a more powerful and effective ode.

The Structure of an Ode

An ode is a type of poem that is characterized by its formal structure, which consists of three parts: the strophe, antistrophe, and epode. Each part has its own distinct function within the poem and contributes to the overall effect of the ode.

Strophe, Antistrophe, and Epode

The strophe is the first section of the ode and typically presents a theme or idea. The antistrophe follows the strophe and provides a contrasting perspective. The epode concludes the ode and often serves as a summary or resolution to the themes presented in the strophe and antistrophe.

The strophe and antistrophe are often structured similarly, with the same number of lines and a similar meter and rhyme scheme. The epode, on the other hand, may have a different structure and rhyme scheme than the strophe and antistrophe.

Rhyme Schemes and Poetic Form

In addition to its formal structure, an ode may also have a specific rhyme scheme or poetic form. Some common poetic forms used in odes include the sonnet, villanelle, and sestina. These forms have specific rules for the number of lines, meter, and rhyme scheme.

Rhyme schemes can also vary within an ode, with some odes using a consistent rhyme scheme throughout the strophe, antistrophe, and epode, while others may use a different rhyme scheme for each section.

Overall, the structure of an ode is an important aspect of the poem that contributes to its overall effect and meaning . By understanding the different parts of an ode and the various poetic forms and rhyme schemes that can be used, writers can craft their own odes that are both structurally sound and emotionally impactful.

Crafting Your Ode

Crafting an ode is a process that requires creativity, patience, and attention to detail. In this section, we will explore the key steps involved in writing an ode, including brainstorming and theme selection, writing techniques, and polishing and refinement.

Brainstorming and Theme Selection

Before writing your ode, it is important to brainstorm and select a theme that will serve as the foundation for your work. This can involve reflecting on personal experiences, emotions, or ideas that inspire you. Once you have identified a theme, you can begin to develop a list of words, phrases, and images that are associated with it.

When selecting a theme, it is important to choose something that you are passionate about and that resonates with your intended audience. This will help you to create a piece that is meaningful and engaging.

Writing Techniques

Once you have selected a theme, you can begin to explore different writing techniques that will help you to craft your ode. This can include the use of similes, metaphors, and imagery to create vivid and compelling descriptions.

In addition to these techniques, you may also want to consider incorporating music into your ode. This can involve using rhythm, rhyme, and repetition to create a sense of flow and harmony in your work.

Polishing and Refinement

After you have written your ode, it is important to take the time to polish and refine it. This can involve reviewing your work for errors, revising sections that are unclear or confusing, and making changes to improve the overall structure and flow of your piece.

During this process, you may also want to seek feedback from others, such as friends, family members, or writing groups. This can help you to identify areas for improvement and refine your ode until it is the best it can be.

In conclusion, crafting an ode requires creativity, patience, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this section, you can create a piece that is meaningful, engaging, and memorable.

Incorporating Literary Devices

Incorporating literary devices into an ode can elevate the poem’s language and make it more engaging to readers. Two commonly used literary devices in odes are similes and metaphors.

Using Similes and Metaphors

Similes are comparisons between two unlike things that use “like” or “as.” For example, “Her eyes sparkled like diamonds.” Metaphors, on the other hand, are comparisons between two unlike things that do not use “like” or “as.” For example, “Her eyes were diamonds.”

Incorporating similes and metaphors into an ode can add depth and meaning to the poem. They can also help to create vivid imagery in the reader’s mind. When using similes and metaphors, it is important to choose comparisons that are both creative and accurate.

Employing Imagery

Imagery is the use of descriptive language to create a sensory experience for the reader. It can involve any of the five senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. By incorporating imagery into an ode, the poet can create a more vivid and engaging experience for the reader.

When employing imagery, it is important to choose descriptive language that is both accurate and evocative. This can involve using specific details and sensory language to create a clear and compelling picture in the reader’s mind.

Overall, incorporating literary devices such as similes, metaphors, and imagery can add depth and meaning to an ode. By using these techniques, the poet can create a more engaging and memorable experience for the reader.

Examples and Analysis

John keats and the romantic ode.

John Keats is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of the English Romantic era, and his odes are some of his most celebrated works. Keats’ odes are characterized by their intense emotion, vivid descriptions of nature, and contemplation of beauty and mortality.

One of Keats’ most famous odes is “Ode to a Nightingale,” in which he describes the beauty of a nightingale’s song and reflects on the fleeting nature of human existence. Keats uses vivid imagery to convey the beauty of the bird’s song, such as “Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!”.

Another notable Keats ode is “Ode on a Grecian Urn,” in which he reflects on the beauty and timelessness of ancient Greek art. Keats uses the object of the urn as a metaphor for the enduring nature of art, writing “Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.”

Pablo Neruda’s Modern Interpretations

Pablo Neruda was a Chilean poet who is known for his modern interpretations of the ode form. Neruda’s odes are characterized by their political and social commentary, as well as their use of free verse and unconventional structures.

One of Neruda’s most famous odes is “Ode to My Socks,” in which he celebrates the simple pleasure of owning a pair of socks. Neruda uses playful language and vivid imagery to convey his affection for the socks, writing “Marvellous socks, my feet are in you, / your toe is the golden arrow / pointed at the sky’s blue target.”

Another notable Neruda ode is “Ode to the Tomato,” in which he uses the object of a tomato to comment on the social and economic conditions of his time. Neruda writes “Tomatoes, tomatoes were not born to be eaten. / They were born to be stars of the earth and of the sky, / to be the bright stars of the night.”

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How to Write an Ode

One thing that good poetry never fails to achieve is to evoke emotion. Poetry is art, and odes take this art to a whole different level—filled with love, glorification, and praise.

If you want to pen some positive poetry, talking about the things or people you like or adore, you write an ode.

Not that you can’t write some other forms of poetry in which you offer praise to someone or something (in fact, this is one of the most used functions with a lot of forms of poetry), but I think the lyricism and passion in an ode are both arousing and beautiful.

Odes are simple to write, especially irregular odes and if you’re a poetry writer, the odds of you having written one unknowingly are very high.

Alright, if you want to see some examples and learn how to write an ode, read on!

What Is an Ode?

An ode is a lyrical poem that showers praise, glorification, or tribute on an object or something abstract.

The ode is a classical style of poetry and dates back to ancient Greece, and it is said that the ancient Greeks sang their odes rather than writing them on paper.

Odes have three sections, namely strophe, antistrophe, and an epode; and, in general, there are three types of odes: Pindaric, Horatian, and irregular.

Contemporary odes are—more often than not—rhyming poems with an irregular meter, but a poem doesn’t have to rhyme for it to be classified as an ode.

Types of Odes

There are three types of odes: irregular, Horatian, and Pindaric. Here are the brief descriptions of each type:

• Pindaric odes : Takes its name from Pindar, a legendary lyrical poet of Ancient Greece. The strophe and antistrophe share a common meter and length, but the epode has its own distinctive meter and length. Pindar (518-438 BC) included mythology in his poetry and Pindaric odes were usually performed publicly using dancers and a chorus.
• Horatian odes : Named after Horace (65-8 BC), a Roman lyric poet who is said to have influenced English poetry. Horatian odes are—to a great degree—more intimate and personal than Greek Pindaric odes and were designed for personal reading or small group recitations. Standard Horatian odes contain traditional stanzas and rhyming schemes.
• Irregular odes : Irregular odes are looser than Pindaric and Horatian odes structurally and have different rhyme schemes. A majority of contemporary odes are irregular and most writers don’t even know they’re writing an ode.

What is the Difference between an Ode, Elegy, and Eulogy?

Before I discuss the difference between an Ode and an elegy, let me define an elegy and differentiate it from a eulogy.

What is an elegy?

In simple terms, it is a poem or song that is written to lament for the dead. It is confused with a eulogy because both are mournful or thoughtful. A eulogy is so literary and spoken at the deceased’s funeral—it’s a speech that one gives at the cemetery or the funeral mass.

So, back to the Ode vs. Elegy comparison…

Odes and elegies are similar in a way and both have the same main ingredient: predominant emotion. The noticeable difference between the two is the theme; while odes usually praise or glorify a person or object, elegies lament are centered on the theme of loss.

Example of an Elegy

Here’s an excerpt of Thomas Gray’s “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard.”

“The curfew tolls the knell of parting day, The lowing herd wind slowly o’er the lea, The plowman homeward plods his weary way, And leaves the world to darkness and to me. Now fades the glimm’ring landscape on the sight, And all the air a solemn stillness holds, Save where the beetle wheels his droning flight, And drowsy tinklings lull the distant folds; Save that from yonder ivy-mantled tow’r The moping owl does to the moon complain Of such, as wand’ring near her secret bow’r, Molest her ancient solitary reign.”

Contemporary odes aren’t as standard as the classic forms, they’re looser in terms of structure, but they still contain some distinguishing qualities, characteristics that define them as odes, not just poetry.

Here are some times for writing an ode:

1. Choose Your Subject/Topic

You are free to choose anything as a topic for your ode, whether an actual object or an abstract thing.

The invaluable only advice anyone can give you concerning odes is that whatever topic you choose, just make sure it’s commemorating or offering tribute to something and that the topic is praiseworthy.

For you not to stray from the thematic boundaries of an ode is to choose a grand or intensely personal subject.

When choosing your subject matter, you should also factor in the issues of style. For example, Pindaric odes tend to have a scent of mythology and—now and then—does speak of admiration and praise gods and the majesty of nature, while Horatian odes are—most often than not—more personal to the writer.

So, after considering all these factors, you can choose a topic to write about; whether it’s the people you love (i.e., your kids, your hubby, your parents, siblings, et cetera), perhaps you can write an ode that praises and celebrates the life of your favorite pets, write an ode to a friend, or write an ode glorifying the beauty and grace of the natural world that surrounds us.

2. Use quatrain stanzas

Quatrains are stanza of four lines and that’s what classic Pindaric and Horatian odes are constructed with. Unless you intend to write an irregular ode, use these four-line stanzas.

3. Choose Your Format

Again, you don’t necessarily have to write a rhyming poem for it to qualify as an ode. But, a rhyming structure gives the ode a more traditional feel.

And, for you—as a writer—writing an ode that rhymes is a bit of creative fun. Therefore it does more good than harm when you try to fit a few different rhyming structures into your ode (or vice versa) and find a rhyming scheme that perfectly fits the subject matter and writing style for your ode.

But, again the fewer rules there are, the more creative one can be, so don’t worry if you like your free of rhyming requirements.

4. Pour Your Feelings

When you decide to write an ode, you’ve likely chosen a subject you feel good about, you will have a lot to say.

And you have to say all of it! Well… almost all.

One thing I’ve learned about writing poetry is that they’re better when you give the audience a piece of your heart. This works perfectly when you choose a subject that makes you emotional, either positively or negatively.

Although it is recommended to write your feelings about and reactions to the subject, you don’t have to cram your ode with words that have the same definition or meaning.

5. Mind the length of your lines

The fourth line in Pindaric odes is usually shorter than the rest of the quatrain; in Horatian odes, the third line is usually shorter than the rest of the quatrain; and an irregular ode has a loose structure and the writer has more freedom.

Odes by Famous Writers

To autumn by john keats.

“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; Conspiring with him how to load and bless With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run; To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees, And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core; To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells With a sweet kernel; to set budding more, And still more, later flowers for the bees, Until they think warm days will never cease, For summer has o’er-brimm’d their clammy cells. Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store? Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find Thee sitting careless on a granary floor, Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind; Or on a half-reap’d furrow sound asleep, Drows’d with the fume of poppies, while thy hook Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers: And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep Steady thy laden head across a brook; Or by a cyder-press, with patient look, Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours. Where are the songs of spring? Ay, Where are they? Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,— While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day, And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue; Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn Among the river sallows, borne aloft Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies; And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn; Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft The red-breast whistles from a garden-croft; And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.

ODE TO THE WEST WIND by Percy Bysshe Shelley

“ I O wild West Wind, thou breath of Autumn’s being, Thou, from whose unseen presence the leaves dead Are driven, like ghosts from an enchanter fleeing, Yellow, and black, and pale, and hectic red, Pestilence-stricken multitudes: O thou, Who chariotest to their dark wintry bed The winged seeds, where they lie cold and low, Each like a corpse within its grave, until Thine azure sister of the Spring shall blow Her clarion o’er the dreaming earth, and fill (Driving sweet buds like flocks to feed in air) With living hues and odours plain and hill: Wild Spirit, which art moving everywhere; Destroyer and preserver; hear, oh hear! II Thou on whose stream, mid the steep sky’s commotion, Loose clouds like earth’s decaying leaves are shed, Shook from the tangled boughs of Heaven and Ocean, Angels of rain and lightning: there are spread On the blue surface of thine aëry surge, Like the bright hair uplifted from the head Of some fierce Maenad, even from the dim verge Of the horizon to the zenith’s height, The locks of the approaching storm. Thou dirge Of the dying year, to which this closing night Will be the dome of a vast sepulchre, Vaulted with all thy congregated might Of vapours, from whose solid atmosphere Black rain, and fire, and hail will burst: oh hear!”

The Bard: A Pindaric Ode by Thomas Gray

“I.1. “Ruin seize thee, ruthless King! Confusion on thy banners wait, Tho’ fann’d by Conquest’s crimson wing They mock the air with idle state. Helm, nor hauberk’s twisted mail, Nor even thy virtues, tyrant, shall avail To save thy secret soul from nightly fears, From Cambria’s curse, from Cambria’s tears!” Such were the sounds, that o’er the crested pride Of the first Edward scatter’d wild dismay, As down the steep of Snowdon’s shaggy side He wound with toilsome march his long array. Stout Glo’ster stood aghast in speechless trance; To arms! cried Mortimer, and couch’d his quiv’ring lance. I.2. On a rock, whose haughty brow Frowns o’er old Conway’s foaming flood, Rob’d in the sable garb of woe, With haggard eyes the poet stood; (Loose his beard, and hoary hair Stream’d, like a meteor, to the troubled air) And with a master’s hand, and prophet’s fire, Struck the deep sorrows of his lyre; “Hark, how each giant-oak, and desert cave, Sighs to the torrent’s awful voice beneath! O’er thee, O King! their hundred arms they wave, Revenge on thee in hoarser murmurs breathe; Vocal no more, since Cambria’s fatal day, To high-born Hoel’s harp, or soft Llewellyn’s lay.”

One last piece of advice is: obey the rules of language. It doesn’t matter if you write a Pindaric, Horatian, or irregular ode; you still have to write them within the laws of the language.

Having said that, you’re creating art, so you can’t be caged in by non-existent when writing an ode; because, apart from the rules of language, there are no holds barred.

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10 of the Best Examples of Odes Everyone Should Read

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

Put simply, an ode is a poem written about, or to, a particular thing or person. So Andrew Marvell wrote a poem about Oliver Cromwell, Percy Shelley wrote an ode to the west wind, and John Keats wrote odes to everything from a Grecian urn to the state of melancholy. Pablo Neruda even wrote an ode to his socks.

The ode is an example of the lyric poem : that is, a poem expressing the thoughts and feelings of an individual speaker. And indeed, like lyric poems, the ode was originally, in classical times, designed to be sung to music (lyric poems were originally accompanied by music played on the lyre , hence the name).

Broadly speaking, odes can take three forms: the Pindaric, Horatian, and irregular. The first two of these were named after classical poets who devised and perfected new types of ode, while the third, as the name implies, can take numerous forms and has no set stanza form or structure.

But what are the best examples of odes? Let’s take a look at some of the finest odes in all of literature, from classical times to the present day.

1. Andrew Marvell, ‘ An Horatian Ode upon Cromwell’s Return from Ireland ’.

He nothing common did or mean Upon that memorable scene, But with his keener eye The axe’s edge did try …

Marvell (1621-78) is now regarded as one of the greatest metaphysical poets in the English language, but during his lifetime it was for his political career that he was most famous.

In ‘An Horatian Ode’, one of his most celebrated poems, Marvell pays tribute to Oliver Cromwell (Marvell was a supporter of Cromwell during the English Civil War) but also praises King Charles’s personal demeanour, even when he was led to the scaffold to be executed.

2. Aphra Behn, ‘ On Desire ’.

Oh! mischievous usurper of my peace; Oh! soft intruder on my solitude, Charming disturber of my ease, That hast my nobler fate pursued, And all the glories of my life subdued.

Often subtitled ‘A Pindarick’, this ode from the pioneering woman writer Aphra Behn (1640-89) does not celebrate desire uncritically, but instead accuses desire of disturbing her peace of mind.

3. Thomas Gray, ‘ Ode on the Death of a Favourite Cat ’.

The hapless nymph with wonder saw; A whisker first and then a claw, With many an ardent wish, She stretched in vain to reach the prize. What female heart can gold despise? What cat’s averse to fish?

This poem by Thomas Gray (1716-71) was occasioned by a real-life event involving the cat belonging to Gray’s friend, Horace Walpole (author of the first Gothic novel among other things). The cat spied the goldfish in a bowl and jumped right in to get them; as a result of this reckless act, the cat drowned.

Gray’s poem pokes fun at human sentimentality by describing the death of the cat in deliberately exaggerated terms, likening the cat’s plight to the tragic fall of an epic hero. But he also (with his tongue in his cheek) chastises women who are attracted to ‘gold’ things which will be their downfall …

4. William Wordsworth, ‘ Ode: Intimations of Immortality ’.

There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream, The earth, and every common sight, To me did seem Apparelled in celestial light, The glory and the freshness of a dream. It is not now as it hath been of yore;— Turn wheresoe’er I may, By night or day. The things which I have seen I now can see no more.

This is one of William Wordsworth’s best-known and best-loved poems. He wrote ‘Ode: Intimations of Immortality’ between March 1802 and March 1804; it was published in 1807.

Philip Larkin once recalled hearing the poem recited on BBC radio while he was driving, and having to pull over to the side of the road, as his eyes had filled with tears. It remains a powerful poetic meditation on death, the loss of childhood innocence, and the way we tend to get further away from ourselves – our true roots and our beliefs – as we grow older.

But it is not merely elegiac: indeed, it becomes celebratory as Wordsworth comes to realise that the advancing years can still provide opportunities to catch some glimmers of that first encounter with nature as a child.

5. Samuel Taylor Coleridge, ‘ Dejection: An Ode ’.

A grief without a pang, void, dark, and drear, A stifled, drowsy, unimpassioned grief, Which finds no natural outlet, no relief, In word, or sigh, or tear—

This ode from one of the leading English poets of the Romantic movement had a curious genesis: Coleridge, who was married, had fallen in love with another woman, Sara Hutchinson, and wrote this poem to express his feelings of dejection or misery, and his inability to write as a result of his mental state.

6. Percy Shelley, ‘ To a Skylark ’.

Hail to thee, blithe Spirit! Bird thou never wert, That from Heaven, or near it, Pourest thy full heart In profuse strains of unpremeditated art.

Percy Shelley (1792-1822) is one of the greatest of the ‘second generation’ Romantic poets who also numbered John Keats and Lord Byron among them. And ‘To a Skylark’ is one of Shelley’s best-loved and most anthologised poems.

The poem is an ode to the bird, but in many ways Shelley’s ode to a skylark is as much about poetic inspiration as it is about the bird itself.

As so often with Romantic poetry, the self of the poet, the stuff of poetic creativity, the individual soul of the artist, is at one with nature’s awe-inspiring beauty and majesty.

7. John Keats, ‘ Ode on a Grecian Urn ’.

O Attic shape! Fair attitude! with brede Of marble men and maidens overwrought, With forest branches and the trodden weed; Thou, silent form, dost tease us out of thought As doth eternity: Cold Pastoral! When old age shall this generation waste, Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say’st, ‘Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.’

This is one of the best-known and most widely analysed poems by John Keats (1795-1821); it is also, perhaps, the most famous of his five Odes which he composed in 1819.

Keats’s theory of Negative Capability is evident in ‘Ode on a Grecian Urn’ in the ‘mysterious’ nature of the urn, which offers the viewer partial glimpses and hints of a long-vanished civilisation.

But Keats doesn’t seem to find this a bad thing. Indeed, he reminds us that imagined melodies are sweeter than those which we physically hear, which rarely live up to our expectations.

8. Paul Laurence Dunbar, ‘ Ode to Ethiopia ’.

O Mother Race! to thee I bring This pledge of faith unwavering, This tribute to thy glory. I know the pangs which thou didst feel, When Slavery crushed thee with its heel, With thy dear blood all gory.

Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) was the first African-American poet to attract a considerable following in the United States.

In this poem, Dunbar salutes Ethiopia as a mother-nation to many African Americans. He enjoins his fellow Americans of African descent to be proud, because he believes that his race are moving closer to freedom, and truth will, as the old line has it, set them free.

9. Allen Tate, ‘ Ode to the Confederate Dead ’.

This long poem, published in 1928, is one of Tate’s best-known. Loosely inspired by T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land of 1922, Tate’s ode is spoken by someone who cannot understand the Confederate side in the American Civil War.

As such, it is a kind of modernist response to the ode: a failure to write an ode, a failure of language, a failure to understand history – but the failures are all deliberate, and finely judged, by Tate himself.

Curiously, Tate’s was not the first poem to be written under the title ‘Ode to the Confederate Dead: a poem of that name had been written by Henry Timrod in the nineteenth century. Tate’s poem can thus be regarded as a kind of modernist response to that earlier ode.

10. Ashanti Anderson, ‘ Ode to Black Skin ’.

Ashanti Anderson is a contemporary poet, and a self-described ‘Black Queer Disabled poet, screenwriter, and playwright.

In this poem, published in Poetry magazine in 2019, we find a celebration of Blackness which draws on the worlds of nature and religion, utilising powerful metaphors and similes (the reference to being ‘Black / as and as if by magic’ is a linguistic masterstroke).

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How to Write an Ode

Odes, as we think of them today, originated with an ancient Greek lyricist named Pindar who lived in the fifth century BC. He wrote other types of odes, but he’s best known for crafting complicated ceremonial poems to celebrate Olympic victories. In honor of the winner, Pindar wrote poems celebrating the athlete’s glorious achievement, his family, and his ancient Greek city-state. A chorus performed Pindar’s words before an assembled crowd of sports fans. 

In her essay And the Winner Is … Pindar! ,  poet and professor Stephanie Burk explains, “We now call those poems his epinician odes (from epi, “upon,” and nike, victory): Pindar seems to have written each one on commission—the sponsor whose chariot won the chariot-race, or the family of a winning boxer, paid Pindar to compose verse about the event, which was then performed, with music and dancing.” So, you can think of Pindar this way—he’s the original hype man. 

Before you try to write an ode for yourself (or your teacher), it’s important to understand a few basic principles about this style. Most scholars divide odes into three categories: Pindaric odes, Horatian odes, and irregular odes. Each category has its own format and developed during a different time period. Pindaric odes originated in the fifth century BC, Horatian odes developed in the first century BC, and irregular odes came to prominence in the 1650’s before reaching peak popularity during the Romantic era (1800-1850). To learn more about odes, let’s look at some English-language examples within each category.

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Pindaric Odes

The Progress of Poesy: A Pindaric Ode by Thomas Gray is an imitation Pindaric ode, published in 1757. It’s long—with 789 words spread over nine stanzas. By examining first stanza, we can identify some of the qualities unique to a Pindaric Ode:

Awake, Æolian lyre, awake, And give to rapture all thy trembling strings. From Helicon’s harmonious springs A thousand rills their mazy progress take: The laughing flowers, that round them blow, Drink life and fragrance as they flow. Now the rich stream of music winds along Deep, majestic, smooth, and strong, Thro’ verdant vales, and Ceres’ golden reign: Now rolling down the steep amain, Headlong, impetuous, see it pour: The rocks and nodding groves rebellow to the roar.

You can see that the verse above can be broken into smaller rhyming units consisting of four lines, each with a structured rhyme scheme . The exact meter and rhyming of a Pindaric ode does not follow a set of universal rules, but a triadic structure unites all Pindaric odes. In the traditional performance of an ode, the first verse, called a strophe, was delivered from one side of the stage. On the opposite side of the stage, the chorus delivered the antistrophe, or opposing idea. Both of these sections utilized the same nonce structure, consisting of a unique, one-time set of rules. The epode , written with a different structure than the strophe and antistrophe, acted as a synthesis of the two sides, and was performed in the center of the stage. 

This is the rhyming scheme for Gray’s poem:

I.1 ABBA, CCDD, EEFF I.2 ABBA, CCDD, EEFF I.3 AABB, ACCD, EDEFAFAGG II.1 ABBA, CCDD, EEFF II.2 ABBA, CCDD, EEFF II.3 AABB, ACCD, EDEFGFGHH III.1 ABBA, CCDD, EEFF III.2 ABBA, CCDD, EEFF III.3 AABB, ACCD, EDEFGFGHH

The three sections— strophe , antistrophe , and epode— are repeated three times in the nine stanza poem. Whereas the strophe and antistrophe have identical structures, the epode has a distinct secondary structure, repeated every third stanza in this poem. Typically, every fourth line in a Pindaric ode would have a shorter length, but Gray’s poem does not adhere to that convention.

Horatian Odes

Unlike Pindar, the Roman poet Horace composed poems using quatrains, which are four-line stanzas. Even today, all Horatian odes follow that construction. Horace penned his poetry for small group recitations rather than large public performances. The Encyclopaedia Britannica describes the thematic content of Horatian odes and how it differs from previous odes: “In contrast to the lofty, heroic odes of the Greek poet Pindar…most of Horace’s odes are intimate and reflective; they are often addressed to a friend and deal with friendship, love, and the practice of poetry.” The subject matter reflected the intimacy of the performances, where smaller gatherings allowed for greater nuance and subtlety.

Alexander Pope’s poem Ode on Solitude gives us an excellent English-language example of this form of poetry. In his poem, excerpted below, all of the stanzas follow the same rhyme scheme and metrical structure. Again, the poet has created a nonce structure, unique to this poem. It’s traditional for a Horatian ode to have the third line in each quatrain be the shortest, but Pope opted to make the fourth line shorter in the style of a Pindaric ode: 

Happy the man, whose wish and care    A few paternal acres bound, Content to breathe his native air,                             In his own ground. Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread,    Whose flocks supply him with attire, Whose trees in summer yield him shade,                             In winter fire.

Irregular Odes

With the publication of Abraham Cowley’s Pindarique Odes , a new era of ode-writing began. Irregular odes set aside the formal structural elements of traditional odes, and they became more popular throughout the 1700 and 1800’s. Rather than mimic Horatian and Pindaric odes, poets tried to capture the spirit of a classic ode. They set aside the constraints of formal poetic forms—prescribed line length, meter, and rhyme scheme. Thematically, irregular odes often describe an intense moment. The poet explains how an image or scene sets off a personal crisis or an emotional revelation for the speaker.

This freeform version of ode-writing became known as Pindarics. The resulting poems are sometimes called Cowleyan odes or pseudo-Pindaric odes. The Encyclopaedia Britannica lists examples of odes written in this style, asserting that irregular odes include “some of the greatest odes in the English language.” As examples, the encyclopedia cites John Dryden’s Alexander’s Feast , William Wordsworth’s Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood , Percy Bysshe Shelley’s Ode to the West Wind , Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s Ode on the Death of the Duke of Wellington , and John Keats’s Ode on a Grecian Urn . 

How Does an Ode Differ From an Elegy?

While elegies and odes are both lyric poetry in praise of someone or something, the biggest difference between the two styles has to do with the subject matter. Elegies are typically written to mourn someone dead or lost. In regards to structure, elegies tend to use quatrains consisting of iambic pentameter with the rhyme scheme ABAB. As with odes, elegies sometimes deviate from the prescribed structure. For this reason, the best way to identify the correct form is by asking yourself, “Is the subject of this poem alive or dead?” 

Then again, a modernist poem like Allen Tate’s Ode to the Confederate Dead blends the boundaries between an elegy and an ode, potentially confusing the matter. According to ModernAmericanPoetry.org , “By Christmas of 1926, [Tate] had completed a first draft of the poem, originally titled ELEGY for the Confederate Dead.” Ultimately, the poem focused more on the inner life of the speaker than it did on the dead confederate soldiers, so he changed the name. 

When in doubt, many poets include the word “ode” or “elegy” in their completed poem. You can always title your ode “An Ode to…” in order to make your intentions clear. In Tate’s case, he signified that he wanted readers to interpret his verse as an ode poem, rather than as an elegy, by changing the title. 

Before you write your lyric poem in praise of something (or someone) great, read a few famous odes to gather ideas. Brainstorm new and innovative ways to elevate your poem’s subject, but remember that Pindaric and Horatian odes follow time-tested guidelines that date back to ancient Greece and Rome. Pindaric odes require a triadic structure. If you want to break the rules, you can look to irregular odes for inspiration. Lastly, think about Horatian odes in terms of quatrains—they should suit your needs whether you decide to write an ode or an elegy. 

• https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-an-ode#3-tips-for-how-to-write-an-ode
• https://www.britannica.com/art/Pindaric-ode
• https://www.britannica.com/art/Horatian-ode
• https://www.britannica.com/art/irregular-ode
• https://www.poetryfoundation.org/learn/glossary-terms/ode
• https://www.poetryfoundation.org/articles/69111/and-the-winner-is-pindar
• https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45536/ode-intimations-of-immortality-from-recollections-of-early-childhood
• https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44306/the-progress-of-poesy-a-pindaric-ode
• http://www.poetrybase.info/forms/001/194.shtml#:~:text=The%20poet%20determines%20meter%2C%20stanza,and%20epode%20can%20be%20repeated.
• https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46561/ode-on-solitude
• https://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poems/alexanders-feast
• https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44477/ode-on-a-grecian-urn
• https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45134/ode-to-the-west-wind
• https://www.bartleby.com/246/385.html
• https://www.poetryfoundation.org/learn/glossary-terms/elegy
• https://poets.org/poem/ode-confederate-dead
• https://learnodo-newtonic.com/famous-odes

Kari Lisa Johnson

I’m an award-winning playwright with a penchant for wordplay. After earning a perfect score on the Writing SAT, I worked my way through Brown University by moonlighting as a Kaplan Test Prep tutor. I received a BA with honors in Literary Arts (Playwriting)—which gave me the opportunity to study under Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogel. In my previous roles as new media producer with Rosetta Stone, director of marketing for global ventures with The Juilliard School, and vice president of digital strategy with Up & Coming Media, I helped develop the voice for international brands. From my home office in Maui, Hawaii, I currently work on freelance and ghostwriting projects.

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How to Write an Ode

HOW TO WRITE AN ODE IN SIX EASY STEPS #1 Choose a topic , someone or something you admire, as odes are celebration poems.

#2 Research your topic. Make notes of what you know, then add research in your library, online and more.

#3 Read through your research to find words or phrases that suggest a poem.

#4 Write your first draft. (It doesn't have to be good.)

#5 Edit your ode. Add and delete words. Polish it up!

#6 Share your ode with the world . Read it out loud to a friendly sudience. Print and share copies.

Ode Poem Definition

An ode is a poem written in celebration of the topic… be it a person, place or thing. This poetry form, originated in ancient Greece where odes were performed with a musical background, often to celebrate athletic victories. The English Romantic poets celebrated love and other emotions with their own version of ode poems. Today, in the age of personal expression. Odes are written in praise of whatever the poet sees fit. Me, I often write about my fountain pen. I like the way it writes smoothly on the page. See the ode poem example below.

An Ode Poem Example

ODE TO A FOUNTAIN PEN It breathes anticipation as it lays upon my desk waiting to write poetry atop my papered mess. Once uncapped, the precious nib flows bright with navy ink that glides across my notebook making words before I think. it fits so well in my right hand. It's where it longs to be. Atop my thick lined notebook, it's my fountain pen and me.

by Denise Rodgers Copyright©Denise Rodgers All rights reserved. Permissions

Next we are going through the six steps for writing an ode poem of your own. Grab your notebook and pen (perhaps a fountaini pen?) and start writing.

How to Write an Ode ~ Step 1: Choose a Topic

Think about what you feel passionately about. Your local ball team? Your dog or cat? Your mom or dad? Your best friend? Your hobby? Your computer or tablet? Remember, this is a positive poem, so keep the topic to something or someone that you admire. Also, while the examples here all rhyme, you don’t have to make your poem rhyme. But if you choose not to rhyme, please make use of some of the other forms of wordplay: alliteration, simile, metaphor, onomatopoeia, personification, repetition, or any wordplay that comes to mind while writing the poem. Now is the time. Pick up your pen or pencil, open to a nice clean page in your notebook, and just start writing!

How to Write an Ode ~ Step 2: Research

First, write what you think you know and feel about your topic. Once you start writing, you might very well discover that you know more than you think. But don’t stop there. Ask questions. Get other people’s thoughts and opinions about your topic. Your next step is to look up your topic on the Internet or in your public library. Gather all the descriptions, facts, ideas and words you can. This is the raw material for your poem.

How to Write an Ode ~ Step 3: Read Over Your Research

Read over all the material you gathered in your research and see if any of the words suggest a line or phrase of poetry. It doesn’t have to be the first line. It doesn’t even have to be a line. It can be a phrase, or even just a word that sounds right to your ear. You might find more than one or two of these gifts. Circle them. Write them down. This is an important start.

How to Write an Ode ~ Step 4: Start Writing

Use your chosen words and phrases. Remember your first draft is just that: a draft. It doesn’t have to be “good.” It certainly doesn’t have to be a poem in your first go round. While writing, try to include as much of your material as you need. You might find that there is enough to say about your topic looking at it (or him or her) with a very narrow lens. For example: if you’re writing an ode to Abraham Lincoln, you need not include his childhood or infancy. You wouldn’t need to include his whole presidency. You might write only about his stovepipe hat or his relationship with his wife, or his final day at the theater (where he was assassinated).

How to Write an Ode ~ Step 5: Edit

While you might have edited and changed your ode while writing the first draft, it’s a good idea to let your ode sit and simmer awhile. Leave it for at least an hour, and maybe for a few days, if possible. When you read it again for editing, it should be with fresh eyes. Now is the time to read it out loud and listen to it with your ears. Listen for the rhythm. Poems are a short literary form and every word counts. This is the time to add and remove words, polishing, polishing, until the poem feels like it existed before you started writing it.

How to Write an Ode ~ Step 6: Share Your Ode with the World

Of course, you don’t have to share. You might enjoy saving a collection of your own work. I do this myself. I have every poem and journal I’ve ever written, and I’ve been at this since 1969 (That’s a lot of paper!) (And I started young. 😊) However, it’s a lot more fun to share your words with the world. Write it down, print it up, and hand it over for others to read. You can print them on special paper or even frame them and give them as gifts. If you have a school newsletter or a small local newspaper, you might consider sending it in for possible publication. And don’t forget, you can always share them on this site by going to our Kids Publish Poems page.

Well, that’s about all I have to say about odes. Odes are important poems. Now that you have all the steps you need to write one, why not get started right now? Grab a pen and notebook and happy writing!

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How to Write an Ode Poem – A Guide for Beginners

If you want to know how to write an ode poem, you first need to know a few things about ode poems. Writing an ode poem requires an understanding of the ode poem format, the ode rhyme scheme, the ode poem structure, and its characteristics. In addition, it is also beneficial to understand some of the history of ode poetry, and a few of the most famous examples of the ode poem format. If this is of interest to you, look no further! Let’s dive in and have a look at how to write an ode poem.

Table of Contents

• 1 How to Write an Ode Poem
• 2 The History of Ode Poetry
• 3 The Characteristics of Ode Poetry
• 4 The Structure of Ode Poetry
• 5.1 Pindaric Ode
• 5.2 Horatian Ode
• 5.3 Irregular Ode
• 6.1 Dejection: An Ode (1803) by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• 6.2 Ode: Intimations of Immortality (1807) by William Wordsworth
• 7.1 What Is an Ode Poem?
• 7.2 What Are the Common Characteristics of an Ode Poem?
• 7.3 Do Odes Have to Rhyme?
• 7.4 What Are the Types of Ode Poetry?
• 7.5 When Did Ode Poetry Originate?

How to Write an Ode Poem

The ode is a very old form of poetry that has been around since the time of the ancient Greeks. This particular poetic form is essentially meant to be a kind of celebratory text. It is meant to be used in the appreciation of some person, concept, place, or item. It could be about anything, and so long as it has a more positive and praiseworthy tone, it can be termed a type of ode poetry.

So, when it comes to how to write an ode poem , you may need to pay attention to the traditional ode poem structure to determine if you too wish to follow in a more traditional path, or if you would rather develop your own style. In this article, we will examine some of the most famous traditional ode poem formats, but these are not hard rules and you do not need to follow them when writing an ode.

The ode does not have all that many rules, such as a set ode rhyme scheme, or something similar. There are many different types of odes that have their own general formats, but a poet does not need to make use of any of those rules. 

We will examine that in some more detail below. So, let’s get this underway and have a look at how to write an ode.

The History of Ode Poetry

The earliest origins of ode poetry date back to ancient Greece. These early odes were specifically created as celebratory works that were meant to be used to commemorate victories. Some of the most common of these were athletic victories, such as those found in the original incarnation of the Olympic Games. These original odes were also specifically created for performance purposes.

When it comes to the performance aspect of early odes, they were generally created as a kind of choral song. These poems were accompanied by a combination of musical instruments, such as the lyre, and the musical performance was also generally produced in addition to a dance. These dances could have very formalized patterns that made them a common and traditional feature in these kinds of celebrations.

There are a number of different types of ode poems, and they will be discussed below, but the earliest of them came about during the 7 th to 6 th centuries BCE. This makes the ode one of the oldest and most resilient forms of poetry on the planet. The ode would continue in ancient Greece, and, like many other aspects of Greek culture, it inspired the Romans.

The ancient Roman poet Horace was the next major figure to make use of the ode. The Horatian ode, and what distinguishes it, will be discussed below, but this poet would become a notable figure in the history of the ode. These forms of poetry would continue to be used, but they would not attain the same level of prestige and usage until significantly later. They would emerge throughout Europe at various points, and there was a strong usage of them in other regions too.

However, the biggest revival of the ode poem would occur during the Romantic period in the 18th and 19th centuries.

This period would lead to the resurgence of classical forms, along Pindaric and Horatian lines, in the poems of some of the leading Romantics. Some of the best-known odes in the English language were written during this period.

The ode would continue to be used, but it did not quite reach the same height as the Romantics. This does not mean that ode poems do not exist today, but rather that they do not have the same level of fame that they once possessed. However, there is a lot of room to write an ode poem or two in the contemporary era, and so if you want to write odes, there’s no better time than right now.

The Characteristics of Ode Poetry

There are a number of characteristics for which the ode poem is known. These poems are generally written in celebration or appreciation of something, and this means that, especially in the contemporary era, that the ode is better known for its thematic points than any specific formal ones. However, the ode is also generally associated with a more formal general presentation, but later forms would often do away with this more formal aspect.

There are a number of specific types of ode poems, and they will be discussed below, and they do have specific criteria, aside from the irregular ode. However, let’s first look at some of the more general characteristics of ode poetry. For instance, they often make use of a clear and logical presentation of whatever the poem is about, such as a person or place, they generally make use of a more elevated style of language, and they are often enthusiastic and emotional.

But do odes have to rhyme? They do not. Odes often make use of more specific and regular metrical structures, although irregular odes do not, but the same cannot be said of rhyme. An ode can use a rhyme scheme of some kind, but this is not a necessity for an ode to be considered an ode. 

The most important aspects of the ode are thematic, and the tone is also often considered to be an integral part of the general structure of the ode poem format.

The Structure of Ode Poetry

The structure of ode poetry is a difficult thing because it can vary based on the different types of ode poetry that exist. We will soon examine three different types of ode poems, but it can be beneficial to start by discussing how ode poems have been traditionally structured. In classic odes, they generally made use of a very specific three-part structure, and this structure was also conducive to its use as a performance piece.

The oldest odes, as has been mentioned, were explicitly geared toward performance. Contemporary odes do not need to follow this kind of specification. However, some contemporary spoken word poems may make use of a general ode structure because of the association that odes have with celebration and a more reverential tone towards whatever it is that is being explored at the moment.

Many ode poems are structured around a more formal presentation, although this is not necessarily the case with more contemporary forms, but this is the case from a more traditional perspective. 

For those who want to learn how to write an ode, it can be beneficial to examine ancient and later forms of ode poetry to see the way that they are structured around certain forms or themes.

Types of Ode Poetry

There are two main types of ancient ode poetry, but we are going to examine those two ancient forms alongside a later form that is more commonly used today. The earliest forms of ode poetry originated in ancient Greece, and so that is where we will start our look at the different types of ode poetry.

Pindaric Ode

The ode poem has its origins in ancient Greece. This is in general, but the Pindaric ode is the specific type that is most associated with that era. This particular type of ode poem was named after Pindar, who was an original user of this form. He is also often considered to be the creator of ode poetry in general. During this period, the ode was generally associated with performance, but let’s first look at the ode poem format of this particular variety.

The Pindaric ode is noted for making use of a three-part structure.

There is a strophe, an antistrophe, and an epode. These three aspects of the poem, respectively, relate to a repeated unit of the poem that is followed by a harmonious general section, and this is finally concluded with a summarization-type section, and the last section also often makes use of a different meter to distinguish itself from the earlier sections.

When these kinds of odes were first produced, they were generally created to be performed alongside music. They were often sung. Some of the most common locations in which Pindaric poems were performed were at certain types of public events, such as athletic events. One of the most notable of these would be the ancient Olympic Games. The celebratory nature of these poems allowed them to be translated into performances with ease.

Horatian Ode

The Horatian ode is a later form of ode poetry that did not come about until significantly later than the Pindaric ode. The reason for this is that the Horatian ode is named after Horace, and this poet was not Greek but was rather a Roman. This figure lived during the 1 st century BCE and distinguished himself from the earlier types of ode poets by shifting the focus from a more heroic celebration to a more contemplative tone.

The general structure of the Horatian ode is far more informal than the Pindaric ode.

It did not make use of any particular structure, but it was often written in a specific meter. The general idea was that there were no strict rules in comparison to older forms of ode poetry and that it was focused on a very different kind of general tone and topic. Instead of being solely celebratory, it was often about introspection.

Many Horatian odes make use of intimate tones that are calmer and more intimate. These poems would often be celebrations of love or passion. They were also often relatively short in length and did not make use of the kind of action and circumstance that could be found in the earlier form.

Irregular Ode

This final type of ode poem is quite different from the previous ones as it is far freer than what has come before. The Pindaric was often focused on heroic celebration and the Horatian was focused on intimate introspection, but the irregular ode has no real rules and instead allows for greater experimentation.

Thanks to this more open-ended and flexible type of ode poem, which could also be about anything the poet so desired, it became popular amongst the Romantics.  

For instance, William Wordsworth made extensive use of irregular odes because it allowed him the freedom to play with the form and do with it what he wanted. The irregular ode can also seem quite like free verse poetry in many ways, but the primary difference is that irregular odes are generally still quite structured in their overall presentation. They may not have definitive rules in some of the ways that other types of ode poems do, but they are not quite as free as free verse. This is because free verse is noted for throwing away many rules of language and grammar along the way, and irregular odes generally retain traditional poetic form.

Examples of Ode Poetry

There are many different examples of ode poetry that could be explored, but for the sake of this article, we will examine two instances of later ode poems. These two poems are from the Romantic era, and they are concerned with wholly different topics. This can show those who want to learn how to write an ode that you do not need to cling to specific topics. There are many different topics that you could make use of when writing odes. So, let’s have a look at a few of these examples of ode poems.

Dejection: An Ode (1803) by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Dejection: An Ode is considered to be one of the most famous odes ever written and an important ode in the history of Romantic poetry. The poem is concerned with an exploration of dejection. This is the feeling that one has of a deep and powerful sadness. This kind of sadness can often be all-consuming, and the poem ultimately addresses this feeling that the speaker has regardless of the natural beauty around him or his own imaginative abilities. The feeling is far too persistent and all-encompassing in that moment.

The thing that makes this such an unusual poem in terms of the ode poem format is that it is not concerned with something positive.

Odes are typically noted for their celebratory nature, and this poem is instead focused on a topic as negative as dejection. This emotion is not one that is felt all too easily and is a kind of deep and overwhelming sadness that can overcome someone.

However, for those who want to learn how to write an ode, this poem can show the ways in which even negative emotions can be the focus of an ode. It may not necessarily be celebratory, but it does address it and confront it. The poem also makes use of no set metrical pattern or rhyme scheme, and it instead discusses this concept with the reader with a more conversational tone.

Ode: Intimations of Immortality (1807) by William Wordsworth

Ode: Intimations of Immortality is a poem from the Romantic era by William Wordsworth , and it is an example of a poem that follows a Pindaric ode poem format to an extent, but it does so in an irregular arrangement. The poem is concerned with a number of things, often religious in nature. 

These aspects are combined with a personal view of his childhood, introspections on the natural world, and the soul.

This ode follows a fairly typical ode poem structure in that it uses elements from Pindaric odes, but it also indicates the way in which an ode can make use of an existing format while also altering and adapting itself to a more contemporary format that can fit in with what the poet wants to do with the poem in question. This is something good to learn when it comes to writing an ode.

For the people who are looking at how to write an ode, paying attention to a great and famous poet like Wordsworth can be immensely beneficial. The way in which various topics and ideas are blended together, the focus on a personalized response to a variety of these aspects, and the tone can work well as a means of inspiration for writing an ode.

Today, we have attempted to look at how to write an ode . Ode poetry has a long and varied history, so when it comes to writing an ode, that is a tradition you are stepping into. It would be best to jump in with two feet! That is why we discussed the history of this format, the ode poem structure, the characteristics required when writing an ode, and a handful of examples of ode poetry. Hopefully, this has been a good introductory text and something that can help you if you wish to know how to write an ode.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ode poem.

An ode poem is a subset of lyric poetry . The general idea behind the ode poem format is that it is meant to be written in a more positive tone as it is produced in celebration or appreciation of something. That something could be anything. It could be a person, a general idea, an inanimate object, or even a place. There are no rules for what topic can be discussed in an ode, and the ode poem format is generally determined through this celebratory theme rather than what is being discussed.

What Are the Common Characteristics of an Ode Poem?

Some of the most common characteristics of an ode poem include a more formal presentation, a clearer and less metaphorical use of language, more elaborate styles, and an emotionality that is often meant to be enthusiastic. These poems were originally produced to be performed at celebratory occasions, and this is why they were traditionally written using positive and enthusiastic language.

Do Odes Have to Rhyme?

When it comes to the idea of an ode rhyme scheme, there does not need to be one. However, odes can rhyme. There are no rules with regard to the use of rhyme in an ode, and there are many famous instances of odes that do include rhyme. However, many do not include rhyme. The main point of an ode is to make use of enthusiastic delivery, and that does not require similarity in syllable sounds.

What Are the Types of Ode Poetry?

There are a number of different types of odes, but there are two famous ancient forms known as the Pindaric and the Horatian. There is also one that is more variable than these two and is known as the irregular ode. The variable form is simply known as an irregular ode, and this allows the ode poem format, when using an irregular structure, to have any rules that it wants. While the other two types of odes are quite specific, the irregular ode is marked by its lack of specificity.

When Did Ode Poetry Originate?

The oldest ode poems could be found in ancient Greece. These ancient examples of ode poetry were used as performance pieces that aided in celebrations. Many of the earliest odes were used to celebrate occasions at public events, such as athletic tournaments. For instance, the ancient Olympic Games made comprehensive use of odes to celebrate the victories of athletes. 

Justin van Huyssteen is a freelance writer, novelist, and academic originally from Cape Town, South Africa. At present, he has a bachelor’s degree in English and literary theory and an honor’s degree in literary theory. He is currently working towards his master’s degree in literary theory with a focus on animal studies, critical theory, and semiotics within literature. As a novelist and freelancer, he often writes under the pen name L.C. Lupus.

Justin’s preferred literary movements include modern and postmodern literature with literary fiction and genre fiction like sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, and horror being of particular interest. His academia extends to his interest in prose and narratology. He enjoys analyzing a variety of mediums through a literary lens, such as graphic novels, film, and video games.

Justin is working for artincontext.org as an author and content writer since 2022. He is responsible for all blog posts about architecture, literature and poetry.

Learn more about Justin van Huyssteen and the Art in Context Team .

Cite this Article

Justin, van Huyssteen, “How to Write an Ode Poem – A Guide for Beginners.” Art in Context. September 15, 2023. URL: https://artincontext.org/how-to-write-an-ode-poem/

van Huyssteen, J. (2023, 15 September). How to Write an Ode Poem – A Guide for Beginners. Art in Context. https://artincontext.org/how-to-write-an-ode-poem/

van Huyssteen, Justin. “How to Write an Ode Poem – A Guide for Beginners.” Art in Context , September 15, 2023. https://artincontext.org/how-to-write-an-ode-poem/ .

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6 Tips for Writing the Modern Ode

Looking for a form to help you express some intense emotions? Consider dusting off the classic ode and giving it a modern twist! Imaginative, emotional, and dignified, the ode is an open invitation to show gratitude, grieve, or even make a clever point. The most common rhyme scheme for English odes was ABABCDECDE, but today, odes come in many schemes and sizes. So if you’re trying out an ode for the first time, or want to take the classic form in a new direction, check out these six tips for writing the modern ode. 

First, let your emotions in. Allow yourself to react to the things that float through your mind, whether they’re objects in the room, memories, or ideas. Remember that a modern ode doesn’t have to be about something or someone you love. You can also use an ode to unpack an idea or topic that you don’t like—so long as you meditate on the nuances of that thing and use them to write your poem. John Keats’ “ Ode on Melancholy ” is a prime example of this. 

Next, narrow down your thoughts. Choose a few ideas that strike a particular chord with you, then begin imagining the many facets of them. Which ideas seem to open up the most avenues? Which can you draw the most material from? It could be an emotion as all-encompassing as melancholy, or an object as simple as a shoelace. Pedro Pietri’s “ Ode to a Grasshopper ” is a great example of how poets can take something small and understated, and turn it into a meditation on something much larger. 

Once you’ve settled on a topic, choose your angle. Whether you have positive, negative, or mixed feelings towards your chosen topic, it’s important that you have a strong angel to work with. No matter what you choose to write about, make sure it means something personal to you. In “ Home Movies: A Sort of Ode ,” poet Mary Jo Salter writes about her father’s use of the video camera. The imagery of birthday candles, sunsets, and aging film give this ode a nostalgic filter that feels deeply personal yet familiar. 

Next, put pen to paper. Once your creative juices are flowing, just go with it. Don’t worry about form, meter, stanzas, or rhyme just yet. Allow yourself to write down as much as you can about the topic you’ve chosen. Your words may flow out in a poem-like structure, but don’t fret if they don’t. You can sort it out later.

Once you’ve exhausted your creative flow (and perhaps cramped your hand), you can begin sorting through what you’ve written. See what you can rephrase, reorganize, and rethink to give the poem a bit more structure—narratively and rhythmically. Compare Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “ Ode to Beauty ” with Marcus Wicker’s “ Ode to Browsing the Web .” While Emerson’s poem follows a traditional rhyming structure, has short lines, and is longer overall, Wicker’s poem is built of lines of two, does not rhyme, and offers a quicker, more frantic pace. Neither style is more correct than the other, but both provide a tone that supports the narrative. 

Finally, you can work out the details. Once you’ve got some structure to work with, you can zero in on the smaller things like word choice. These final tweaks will help you nail down what you want to say and the feeling you want to convey, just be sure to keep the idea of the ode in mind. 

Don’t get lost in the details and lose sight of the big picture. Be sure to bring it back to the topic at hand. Keeping an ode focused can be challenging, but it’s also a great opportunity to unpack ideas you might normally breeze past. And no matter what, remember to enjoy the process. Writing an ode is a chance to meditate, get to know yourself, and share how you feel.

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How to Write an Ode (with Tips & Examples)

Trying your hand at an ode is not only an enjoyable exercise, but also — if you're happy with the final work — a great way to surprise someone you love. As long as you don't put too much pressure on yourself, writing an ode can be surprisingly easy.

Basics of Writing an Ode

An ode is, at its core, a lyric poem celebrating its subject — typically a person, place, idea, or even object. Although odes are typically formal, and ceremonial, modern ode writers do have a lot of artistic freedom.

The term "ode" originated from the Greek language, and it means "choric song", because odes were typically sung. This poetic form has an impressive history that stretches back to before the common era, and odes were written even in Ancient Greek and Roman times.

Although multiple different types of odes exist, besides their celebratory or exalting nature, a common feature of all odes lies in their rhythmic characteristics. Odes typically consists of three to five stanzas with 10 lines, and modern odes almost always feature an irregular rhyming structure. A poem does not have to rhyme for it to be considered an ode, however.

You might want to write an ode for all sorts of reasons. Maybe it was a homework assignment. Maybe you're hoping to grow as a writer and a poet — or maybe you want to honor someone or something in your life with this unique lyric celebration.

No matter your reason, it's important to have fun during the process. Don't be intimated by the structure, but play with it until your ode sounds just right.

Types of Ode

Before you can truly get stuck in, you will have to settle on a type of ode. Here's a look at your options.

1. Pindaric Ode

Pindaric odes, also sometimes simply called Greek odes, were, in Ancient Greece, publicly-performed odes that celebrated athletic wins. Once they were set to music, it is easy to imagine how grand these performances must have been!

These odes feature a total of three stanzas, and two of those follow the same structure.

William Wordsworth's Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood is a good example of a famous Pindaric ode that is relatively easy to digest. Thomas Gray's The Bard: A Pindaric Ode is another one.

Note the complicated rhyming structure found in The Bard's first stanza:

A: "Ruin seize thee, ruthless King!

B: Confusion on thy banners wait,

A: Tho' fann'd by Conquest's crimson wing

B: They mock the air with idle state.

C: Helm, nor hauberk's twisted mail,

C: Nor even thy virtues, tyrant, shall avail

D: To save thy secret soul from nightly fears,

D: From Cambria's curse, from Cambria's tears!"

E: Such were the sounds, that o'er the crested pride

F: Of the first Edward scatter'd wild dismay,

E: As down the steep of Snowdon's shaggy side

F: He wound with toilsome march his long array.

G: Stout Glo'ster stood aghast in speechless trance;

G: To arms! cried Mortimer, and couch'd his quiv'ring lance.

2. Horatian Ode

These odes, named for the Roman poet Horace, are both more intimate and simpler to write. They contain more than a single stanza, but each stanza usually has the same rhyming format and meter. That means that, after you have worked your first stanza out, you will no longer need to agonize over the structure of your ode. Horatian odes are a great choice for people writing an ode to a loved one, or even to be read at a funeral.

On Cromwell’s Return from Ireland,  by Andrew Marvel, is an excellent example of this kind of ode.

3. Irregular Ode

Do you want to do the ode justice, but are you looking for a large degree of artistic freedom as you explore the subject of your ode? An irregular ode is the right choice for you. These odes do not follow set patterns, beyond one thing — if the stanzas rhyme, none will follow the same structure.

Rhyming is completely optional, however. You will still want your ode to sound good — and ensure that all the words work together. Beyond that, however, what you do is entirely your choice.

John Keats' Ode on a Grecian Urn is one of the most famous examples.

4. English Romantic Ode

You may think of odes as a grand type of poem — but the English romantic ode proves that certainly doesn't have to be the case! These most intimate and personal of odes are packed with vivid language that makes the subject come to life, but they can be extremely short as well as approaching the length you've grown to expect from odes.

William Blake's The Tyger is a good example, as are many of his other famous odes.

5. Sapphic Ode

We've saved the trickiest for last! These Roman odes aren't for you if you are already feeling intimidated by the structure of an ode. Sapphic odes must be made up of:

• A quatrain, a group of four lines
• Followed by three 11-syllable lines
• Followed by a five-syllable line to end the ode

Although Sapphic Odes do not typically rhyme, this structure makes them a true challenge to pen! Need to see it in action? Sapphics (yes, really!) by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a good example to dive into.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write an Ode

Are you nearly ready to get started with your ode? Your process depends on your reason for trying your hand at an ode. It's quite likely that a specific situation or person has prompted your interested in writing an ode — and in that case, you won't have the challenge of coming up with a topic.

Here's a brief look at the ode-writing process — divided into easy, bite-sized, chunks.

1. Choose a Topic for Your Ode (if You Don't Have One)

Most people who think about writing an ode will probably want to honor a person . You might want to write an ode to your other half, your parents on their golden wedding anniversary, your sister on her birthday, or your boss for her retirement party. Yes — your dog, cat, or horse also counts as a person.

An ode doesn't have to be about a person, though. You can also celebrate:

• Seriously; write an ode to your finalized divorce, your new job, the end of the Covid pandemic, or whatever you feel like.
• Your new house, your grandmother's beloved old necklace, the car that was finally retired, or even your favorite cookies, can all inspire emotional or funny odes.
• Love, the fear you feel before you go skydiving, or the bittersweet emotions that flood your heart when your son finally flies the nest.

2. Choose a Structure for Your Ode

Sure; you can write whatever you want and call it an "irregular ode". That's fine. If you'd like to have fun with existing structures, however, you'll need to know what you are working with. Broadly decide if your ode is going to rhyme, how many stanzas it might have, and how long your lines will be.

After that, go forth and read some great examples of existing odes that follow a similar structure. Hint: You don't have to stick with the famous (and usually old) odes penned by universally-known poets. The internet offers an abundance of odes written by modern and entirely anonymous poets, which will show you just how much freedom you can have.

3. Brainstorming for Your Ode

You may already have conjured some lines you definitely want to include on your epic ode. Write them down, even if you haven't found a "home" for them in your wider structure yet, just so that you don't forget. The subject of your ode may strongly make you think of certain words. Write those down, too. You may want to convey a particular image, and in this case, a vision board can serve as inspiration.

4. Outlining Your Ode

If your ode is going to rhyme, you will want to outline a lining structure in advance. Assign the same letter to lines that will rhyme with other another. If you are planning for your lines to have a certain length, write that down, too.

5. Writing Your Ode

No, you don't have to do it all in one session; you can bet that the famous odes you'll read in preparation took a long time to write. Whenever you have inspiration, write as much as you can. Don't stop until you are really quite satisfied with the result, but don't necessarily force yourself to strive for perfection. Read your ode aloud to feel its vibrations and see if the words you think rhyme really do when read in your accent.

6. Proofreading Your Ode

There will be mistakes. Leave your ode to rest for a few days, and come back to it to proofread it.

7. Share Your Ode with Others

Or don't, if you don't want to. If you're happy with the result, though, your ode is now ready to go into the world.

Examples of Famous Odes

The ode has consistently remained among the most popular kinds of poetry, for centuries. You'll have no shortage of inspiration. Try reading some of these amazing odes:

• Ode to a Nightingale — John Keats
• Ode to Silence — Edna St Vincent Millay
• Ode on Solitude — Alexander Pope
• Ode to Duty — William Wordsworth
• Dejection: An Ode — Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• Ode to Joy — Anonymous
• Ode to Beauty — Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Verses on the Death of Doctor Swift — Jonathan Swift
• To Some Birds Flown Away — Victor Hugo
• Ode to the West Wind — Percy Bysshe Shelley

Six Tips to Help You Write an Ode

Even once you have read a fair number of odes, writing your own will remain difficult. Are there any tools to help you through the process? You bet. Help yourself to any of these tips:

• Try online ode templates or generators . Most are designed to be used in the classroom, typically with elementary school students, but you can find a few gems. They won't write your ode for you, but can serve as inspiration.
• Engage in word or image mapping . What feelings do you want to convey? What other words go well with the ones you've already vowed to include? If you've ever watched how detectives map pieces of the criminal puzzle in cop shows, you know how it's done.
• Starting your ode can be the hardest part . You can simply state your deepest feelings on the topic, or address the object or person directly, or begin with a teaser that initially leads readers to believe you're talking about something else entirely. Your "first love", for instance, could be the red bicycle you were gifted for your fifth birthday.
• You're wondering how to write an ode about a person? It's usually easier if it's someone you have little chance of encountering in person, or if the ode is filled with humor. Otherwise, you're as vulnerable as the author as the subject will be hearing the ode. Writing an ode to a loved one requires bravery. Do you have it? Then go forth and be creative.
• Wondering how an absolute beginner can write an ode? The same way some people teach kids to swim. Throw yourself in at the deep end. It's all good practice. If your first ode is dreadful, don't fret; you'll do better next time. Nobody has to see it.
• How to write an ode to a friend? Again, it's easier if you infuse it with humor.

How long is an ode?

Traditional odes are epic not only in their subject matter and wording, but also their length. Modern odes can be a lot shorter. They do not have to consist of at least 10 lines, though they usually will. Essentially, it's up to you.

How does an ode differ from an elegy?

An ode is a celebration, a poem that glorifies the subject. An elegy is also a poetic format of Greek origin, but it offers solemn reflection, and is often reserved for funerals.

How do you write an ode to yourself?

The same way you would write an ode for a friend. If you're planning on sharing it with others, heavily infuse the ode with humor and self-deprecation if you want it to go over well. If you're writing yourself an "I can do it" motivational type of ode, that's OK. Stick it on your bathroom wall and don't show anyone else.

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• Literary Terms
• When & How to Write an Ode
• Definition & Examples

How to Write an Ode

The classical ode has an extremely intricate structure of meter and stanzas , far more complicated than other poetic forms such as the sonnet or sestina – and more than could be explained in a short article. If you want to write a classical ode, do some independent research or ask your English teacher if he or she knows the rules (be aware, though, that most teachers don’t – that’s how complicated and obscure this form is!)

Odes in the broader sense are much simpler to write, although it still takes plenty of thought and creativity to write them well! Here are a few tips for writing a successful ode:

• Be specific. Avoid general terms like “good” or “excellent” and focus on the particulars of the person or thing that you want to praise.
• Be honest. A little exaggeration (or “hyperbole”) here and there is OK, but you don’t want your ode to sound ridiculous – it should be believable and true to the facts, but portray these facts in the best possible light.
• Above all, be heartfelt . Heartfelt praise can be recognized from a mile away. Conversely, if your praise is forced, audiences will be able to recognize that too. Let the praise spring from a genuine sense of reverence and respect, or don’t write it at all.

When to Use Odes

Odes are generally an appropriate form of creative writing, but note that they are inherently biased . It’s impossible to write a neutral, impartial ode. That means you should avoid writing an ode in formal essays and any other context where you want the reader to see you as a fair-minded, neutral observer.

In addition, there are plenty of contexts where you might not want to be neutral, but you also don’t want to be seen as completely biased. For example, if you were writing an essay in favor of President Ronald Reagan, it would be appropriate to praise Reagan’s record and decisions. But it would still be inappropriate to write an ode , since this would be too imbalanced for an essay.

List of Terms

• Alliteration
• Amplification
• Anachronism
• Anthropomorphism
• Antonomasia
• APA Citation
• Aposiopesis
• Autobiography
• Bildungsroman
• Characterization
• Circumlocution
• Cliffhanger
• Comic Relief
• Connotation
• Deus ex machina
• Deuteragonist
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Dramatic irony
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• Figures of Speech
• Flash-forward
• Foreshadowing
• Intertextuality
• Juxtaposition
• Literary Device
• Malapropism
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Point of View
• Polysyndeton
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Device
• Rhetorical Question
• Science Fiction
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Synesthesia
• Turning Point
• Understatement
• Urban Legend
• Verisimilitude
• Essay Guide
• Cite This Website

An Ode to Writing Odes

When the universe gives you a gift, send a thank-you note.

This wasn’t my idea.

When my Atlantic editors, back in the sweet, untroubled summer of 2019, took me out to lunch and suggested that I start doing something regularly on the inside back page of the magazine, I said: “Sure thing. Why don’t we call it ‘The Riff’? Or ‘The Zoom-In’?”

Explore the June 2023 Issue

Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.

I was imagining a sort of Pollocky prose explosion, a real showcase/show-off moment for me, the writer. I would riff, go cat go. Or I’d zoom in with my zany critical lens, bearing down and then expanding on some political incident or line of poetry or note from a guitar solo or …

But I wrote some Riffs, and I wrote some Zoom-Ins, and they weren’t quite right. They lacked the necessary surface tension. They lacked, in some cases, a point. “How about we call them ‘Odes’?” said my editor. It’s nice to work with people who are cleverer than you are.

So the Odes were born. Short exercises in gratitude. Or in attention, which may in the end be the same thing. Encounters with the ineffable, encounters with the highly frigging effable. The grace of God, the piece of toast . Seeking always what my friend Carlo calls the odeness: the essence, the thing of the thing, the quality worth exploring and if possible exalting. Songs of praise, but with (I hoped) a decent amount of complaining in there: a human ratio of moans .

I went back into the tradition, too. I read the odes of Horace, good old get-on-with-it Horace: Don’t whinge, don’t poke, don’t pick the scab of Time. / How long we’ve got, the loving gods won’t say (Ode 11, Book 1, liberty-taking translation mine). I read Pablo Neruda, image extruder: He wrote hundreds of odes, to pianos, politicians, fish soup, really ranging through the randomness. He published his odes in the newspaper, insisting—­wonderfully—that they appear in the news section.

The point, I discovered, is that ode-writing is a two-way street. The universe will disclose itself to you, it will give you occasions for odes, it will blaze with interest and appreciability, but you’ve got to be ode-ready. You’ve got to bring some twang , some perceptual innocence , some not-worn-out words . Respond to the essence with your essence, with the immaculate awareness that is your birthright. And on the days when the immaculate awareness is crap-encrusted, write an ode about that.

As a practice, I can tell you, it gets results. Squirrels have treated me differently since I wrote an ode to squirrels : They give me the nod, those little fiends. And I see odes everywhere now. I see them boiling up from the ground where my dog squats to do his business. I see them poking down through the clouds in fingers of divine light.

Your odes, too—can you see them? They’re swimming in your ambience. They want to be written, but only by you. There’s an everlasting valentine at the nucleus of creation, and it’s got your name on it.

This article appears in the June 2023 print edition with the headline “Ode to Writing Odes.”

ThinkWritten

101 Poetry Prompts & Ideas for Writing Poems

Not sure what to write a poem about? Here’s 101 poetry prompts to get you started!

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These poetry prompts are designed to help you keep a creative writing practice. If you’re staring at a blank page and the words aren’t flowing, the creative writing prompts for poems can be a great way to get started!

New for 2023! Due to popular demand, I created a printable, ad-free version of these poetry prompts you can download to use at home or even in the classroom! Get them at our Etsy Shop .

Even if poetry isn’t your thing, you could always use these things to inspire other writing projects. Essays, journal entries, short stories, and flash fiction are just a few examples of ways this list can be used.

You may even find this list of creative poetry writing prompts helpful as an exercise to build your skills in descriptive writing and using metaphors!

Let’s get onto the list, shall we?

Here are 101 Poetry Prompts for Creative Writing

Most of these creative writing ideas are simple and open-ended. This allows you total creative freedom to write from these poetry prompts in your own unique style, tone, and voice.

If one poetry idea doesn’t appeal to you, challenge yourself to find parallels between the prompt and things that you do enjoy writing about!

1.The Untouchable : Something that will always be out of reach

2. 7 Days, 7 Lines : Write a poem where each line/sentence is about each day of last week

3. Grandma’s Kitchen : Focus on a single memory, or describe what you might imagine the typical grandmother’s kitchen to be like

4. Taste the Rainbow : What does your favorite color taste like?

5. Misfits: How it feels when you don’t belong in a group of others.

6. Stranger Conversations : Start the first line of your poem with a word or phrase from a recent passing conversation between you and someone you don’t know.

7. On the Field : Write from the perspective of a sports ball {Baseball, Soccer, Football, Basketball, Lacrosse, etc.} – think about what the sports ball might feel, see, hear, think, and experience with this poetry idea!

8. Street Signs: Take note of the words on signs and street names you pass while driving, walking, or riding the bus. Write a poem starting with one of these words you notice.

9. Cold water: What feelings do you associate with cold water? Maybe it’s a refreshing cold glass of water on a hot day, or maybe you imagine the feelings associated with being plunged into the icy river in the winter.

10. Ghostwriter: Imagine an invisible ghost picks up a pen and starts writing to you.

11. Lessons From Math Class: Write about a math concept, such as “you cannot divide by zero” or never-ending irrational numbers.

12. Instagram Wall: Open up either your own Instagram account or one of a friend/celebrity and write poetry based on the first picture you see.

13. Radio: Tune in to a radio station you don’t normally listen to, and write a poem inspired by the the first song or message you hear.

14. How To : Write a poem on how to do something mundane most people take for granted, such as how to tie your shoes, how to turn on a lamp, how to pour a cup of coffee.

15. Under 25 Words : Challenge yourself to write a poem that is no more than 25 words long.

16. Out of Order: Write about your feelings when there is an out of order sign on a vending machine.

17. Home Planet: Imagine you are from another planet, stuck on earth and longing for home.

18. Uncertainty : Think about a time in your life when you couldn’t make a decision, and write based on this.

19. Complete : Be inspired by a project or task be completed – whether it’s crossing something off the never-ending to-do list, or a project you have worked on for a long time.

20. Compare and Contrast Personality : What are some key differences and similarities between two people you know?

21. Goodbyes : Write about a time in your life you said goodbye to someone – this could be as simple as ending a mundane phone conversation, or harder goodbyes to close friends, family members, or former partners.

22. Imagine Weather Indoors : Perhaps a thunderstorm in the attic? A tornado in the kitchen?

23. Would You Rather? Write about something you don’t want to do, and what you would rather do instead.

24. Sound of Silence : Take some inspiration from the classic Simon & Garfunkel song and describe what silence sounds like.

25. Numbness : What’s it like to feel nothing at all?

26. Fabric Textures : Use different fiber textures, such as wool, silk, and cotton as a poetry writing prompt.

27. Anticipation : Write about the feelings you experience or things you notice while waiting for something.

28. Poison: Describe something toxic and its effects on a person.

29. Circus Performers: Write your poetry inspired by a circus performer – a trapeze artist, the clowns, the ringmaster, the animal trainers, etc.

30. Riding on the Bus : Write a poem based on a time you’ve traveled by bus – whether a school bus, around town, or a long distance trip to visit a certain destination.

31. Time Freeze : Imagine wherever you are right now that the clock stops and all the people in the world are frozen in place. What are they doing?

32. The Spice of Life : Choose a spice from your kitchen cabinet, and relate its flavor to an event that has happened recently in your daily life.

33. Parallel Universe : Imagine you, but in a completely different life based on making a different decision that impacted everything else.

34. Mad Scientist : Create a piece based on a science experiment going terribly, terribly wrong.

35. People You Have Known : Make each line about different people you have met but lost contact with over the years. These could be old friends, passed on family, etc.

36. Last Words : Use the last sentence from the nearest book as the inspiration for the first line of your poem.

37. Fix This : Think about something you own that is broken, and write about possible ways to fix it. Duct tape? A hammer and nails?

38. Suspicion : Pretend you are a detective and you have to narrow down the suspects.

39. Political News : Many famous poets found inspiration from the current politics in their time. Open up a newspaper or news website, and create inspired by the first news article you find.

40. The Letter D : Make a list of 5 words that start with all with the same letter, and then use these items throughout the lines of your verse. {This can be any letter, but for example sake: Daisy, Dishes, Desk, Darkness, Doubt}

41. Quite the Collection : Go to a museum, or look at museum galleries online. Draw your inspiration from collections of objects and artifacts from your favorite display. Examples: Pre-historic days, Egyptians, Art Galleries, etc.

42. Standing in Line : Think of a time you had to stand in line for something. Maybe you were waiting in a check-out line at the store, or you had to stand in line to enter a concert or event.

43. Junk Mail Prose: Take some inspiration from your latest junk mail. Maybe it’s a grocery store flyer announcing a sale on grapes, or an offer for a credit card.

44. Recipe : Write your poem in the form of a recipe. This can be for something tangible, such as a cake, or it can be a more abstract concept such as love or happiness. List ingredients and directions for mixing and tips for cooking up your concept to perfection.

45. Do you like sweaters? Some people love their coziness, others find them scratchy and too hot. Use your feelings about sweaters in a poem.

46. After Party : What is it like after all party guests go home?

47. Overgrown : Use  Little Shop of Horrors  for inspiration, or let your imagination run wild on what might happen if a plant or flower came to life or started spreading rapidly to take over the world.

48. Interference: Write a poem that is about someone or something coming in between you and your goals.

49. On Shaky Ground: Use an earthquake reference or metaphor in your poem.

50. Trust Issues : Can you trust someone you have doubted in the past?

51. Locked in a Jar: Imagine you are a tiny person, who has been captured and put into a jar for display or science.

52. Weirder Than Fiction: Think of the most unbelievable moment in your life, and write a poem about the experience.

53. Fast Food: Write a poem about fast food restaurants and experiences.

54. Unemployed: Write a poem about quitting or being fired from a job you depended on.

55. Boxes: What kinds of family secrets or stories might be hiding in that untouched box in the attic?

56. No One Understands : Write about what it feels like when no one understands or agrees with your opinion.

57. Criminal Minds : Write a poem from the perspective of a high-profile criminal who is always on the run from law enforcement.

58. Marathon Runner : Write a poem about what training you might be doing to accomplish a difficult challenge in your life.

59. Trapped : Write about an experience that made you feel trapped.

60. Passing the Church : Write a poem about noticing something interesting while passing by a church near your home.

61. Backseat Driver: Write about what it’s like to be doing something in your life and constantly being criticized while trying to move ahead.

62. Luster: Create a descriptive poem about something that has a soft glow or sheen to it.

63. Clipboard: Write a poem about someone who is all business like and set in their ways of following a system.

64. Doctor: Write a poem about receiving advice from a doctor.

65. First Car : Write an ode to your first car

66. Life Didn’t Go As a Planned : Write about a recent or memorable experience when nothing went according to plan.

67. Architect : Imagine you are hired to design a building for a humanitarian cause you are passionate about.

68. The Crazy Cat Hoarder : Write about someone who owns far too many cats.

69. Queen : Write a poem from the perspective of a queen.

70. Movie Character : Think of a recent movie you watched, and create a poem about one character specifically, or an interaction between two characters that was memorable.

71. Potential Energy : Write about an experience where you had a lot of potential for success, but failed.

72. Moonlight : Write about an experience in the moonlight.

73. Perfection : Write about trying to always keep everything perfect.

74. You Are Wrong : Write a poem where you tell someone they are wrong and why.

75. Sarcasm : Write a poem using sarcasm as a form of illustrating your point.

76. Don’t Cry : Write a poem about how not to cry when it’s hard to hold back the tears.

77. Listen Up: Write a poem telling someone they are better than they think they are.

78. Flipside : Find the good in something terrible.

79. Maybe They Had a Reason : Write a poem about someone doing something you don’t understand, and try to explain what reasons they might have had.

80. How to Drive : Write a poem that explains how to drive to a teenager.

81. Up & Down the Steps: Write a poem that includes the motion of going up or down a staircase

82. Basket Case: Has there ever been a time when you thought you might lose your mind? Jot your feelings and thoughts down in verse form.

83. Lucky Guess:  Many times in our life we have to make a good guess for what is the best decision. Use this poetry idea to write about feelings related to guessing something right – or wrong.

84. Dear Reader:  What audience enjoys reading the type of poetry you like to write? Craft a note to your potential audience that addresses their biggest fears, hopes, and dreams.

85. All or Nothing : Share your thoughts on absolutist thinking: when one’s beliefs are so set in stone there are no exceptions.

86. Ladders in the Sky : Imagine there are ladders that take you up to the clouds. What could be up there? What feelings do you have about climbing the ladders, or is their a mystery as to how they got there in the first place?

87. Always On My Mind: Compose a poem about what it’s like to always be thinking about someone or something.

88. Paranoia : What would it be like if you felt like someone was watching you but no one believed you?

89. Liar, Liar: How would you react to someone who lied to you?

90. Secret Word: What’s the magic word to unlock someone’s access to something?

91. For What It’s Worth: Use a valuable object in your home as inspiration as a poetry prompt idea.

92. Coming Home to Secrets: Imagine a person who puts on a good act to cover up a secret they deal with at home.

93. Productivity: Talk about your greatest struggles with time management and organization.

94. Defying Gravity: Use words that relate to being weightless and floating.

95. Signs of the Times : How has a place you are familiar with changed over the past 10 years?

96. Sleepless Nights : What ideas and feelings keep you up at night? What’s it like when you have to wake up in the morning on a night you can’t sleep?

97. You Can’t Fire Me, I Quit : Use one of the worst job related memories you can think of as a creative writing prompt.

98. By George : You can choose any name, but think of 3-5 notable figures or celebrities who share a common first name, and combine their personalities and physical characteristics into one piece of poetry. For example: George Washington, George Clooney, George Harrison.

99. Shelter : Write a poem about a time you were thankful for shelter from a storm.

100. Cafeteria : Create a poem inspired by the people who might be eating lunch in a cafeteria at school or at a hospital.

101. Dusty Musical Instruments : Base your poem around the plight of a musician who hasn’t picked up the guitar or touched a piano in years.

Love these prompts? The printable, ad-free version of these poetry prompts can be used offline or in the classroom! Get them at our Etsy Shop .

There are unlimited possibilities for ways you can use these poem ideas to write poetry. Using a list like this can greatly help you with getting into the habit of writing daily – even when you don’t feel inspired to write.

While not every poem you write will be an award-winning masterpiece, using these poem starters as a regular exercise can help you better your craft as a writer.

I hope you enjoy these poetry prompts – and if you write anything you’d like to share inspired by these creative poetry writing prompts, let us know in the comments below – we love to see how others use writing ideas to create their own work!

And of course, don’t forget to get the ad-free poetry prompt cards printable version if you’d like to use these prompts offline, in the classroom or with your small group!

Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

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96 comments.

I had a wonderful inspiration from prompt number 49 “On Shaky Ground,” although it’s not exactly about an earthquake. I wanted to share it on here, so I hope you enjoy it!

Title: “Shaking Ground”

The ground’s shaking My heart’s aching I’m getting dizzy My mind’s crazy

On shaking ground It’s like I’m on a battleground We’re all fighting for love Dirtying our white glove

The ground’s shaking My body’s quaking Love is so cruel Making me a fool

On shaking ground We are all love-bound Stuck in a crate Nobody can avoid this fate

The ground’s shaking We are all waking Opening our eyes Everyone dies

On shaking ground Our love is profound Although we are separate Better places await

The ground’s shaking Death’s overtaking Heaven is descending The world’s ending

On shaking ground In love we are drowned

Awesome interpretation Amanda! Thanks for sharing!

heyyy, I have written something regarding prompt 27 and 96 The Night Charms.

Do you dread the dark; Or do you adore the stars? Do you really think the fire place is that warm; Or you just envy the night charms? The skyline tries to match the stars’ sparkle, The sky gets dark, the vicinity gets darker. The “sun” has set for the day being loyal; These are now the lamps burning the midnight oil. The Eve so busy, that everyone forgets to praise its beauty. The sun has set without anyone bidding him an adieu, Failed to demonstrate its scintillating view. The moon being the epitome of perfection, Has the black spots, Depicting an episode of it’s dark past.

And I sit; I sit and wonder till the dawn. What a peaceful time it is, To have a small world of your own. Away from the chaos, I found a soul that was lost. So tired, yet radiant, Trying to be someone she’s not in the end. That bewitching smile held my hand, Carried me back to shore, letting me feel my feet in the sand. The waves moved to and fro, Whispering to me as they go, “Oh girl, my girl This is the soul you have within you, Never let it vanish, For it alters you into something good and something new, Don’t let the cruel world decide, Don’t let anyone kill that merry vibe.”

Then I saw my own soul fade, Fly into my heart, For what it was made. Oh dear lord, The night’s silence became my solace, My life lessons were made by the waves. Who am I? What have I done to myself? Many questions were answered in self reproach, The answers were still unspoken with no depth. Oh dear night, What have you done to me? Or should I thank you for putting a soul that I see. The nights spent later were now spectacular, My darkness somehow added some light to my life, Making it fuller… Everyday after a day, walking through the scorching lawns, I wait for the the dusk to arrive, and then explore myself till the dawn.

This is so amazing I ran out of words. Very lit thoughts beautifully penned. Keep writing like this dude.❤🌻

That is beautiful, it inspired me to write about my fears, thank you!!

Thank you for the inspiration! 😀 This was based of 21 and 77 (I think those were the numbers lol)

Goodbye to the days when we played together in the sun Goodbye to the smile on your face and to all of the fun I look at you, so dull and blue How long before I can say hello to the real you You are worth more than you think At the very least, you are to me Though there are greater things that wait for you than the least You are worthy of the most, the greatest of things If only goodbye could be ‘see you later’ I want to see the real you again To your suffering I don’t want to be just a spectator I want it all to end Goodbye to my only friend I want to heal you but I don’t know how I wish I had this all figured out Please come back to me I just want you to be free

Thank u so much im more inspired after seeing these creative ideas. 🤗

Glad they inspired you!

Thanks for sharing Amanda!

That was beautiful! I am a writer too! I actually just finished writing one but, it wasn’t from this website, just kind of something that’s been on my head for a while you know? Anyways, again, that was awesome! I am a Christian, and I love seeing people write about that kind of stuff! 🙂

I am jim from Oregon. I am also a writer, not very good but active. I am a Christian as well as you are. Sometimes it is hard to come up with something to write about.

All of a sudden, I have started to write poetry. Do you like all forms of writing? I would enjoy reading some of you work if you would you would like to s if you would like to send me some.

i have written one about frozen time:

my brother will be drawing, his pencil wont leave the sheet, my mother hearing the radio, today’s news on repeat. my sister, in fact, is making her bed, she’ll be making it still, till the last bug is dead. me, on the other hand, i’ll be visiting you, i’ll see you in action, doing the things that you do, i’ll be happy to see you, just a last time, i’ll kiss your still lips, and hold for a while. then i’ll take a plane to saudi, where i’ll see my dad, he’ll be swimming with turtles, he will not seem sad. i have lived on this earth, for 15 whole years, time for goodbye, with not a single tear.

hey beautifully expressed…!!!

Beautifully penned 🌼

I love it I tried one out myself as well Change

She sat looking out the window. The sound of the piano’s cheerful tune ringing out throughout the room. The sweet smell of burnt pine emanating from her fireplace. The sky is blue and the sun shines bright. She closes her eyes for a second. She opens them again. The window is broken and scattered on the ground. The piano sits covered in ashes, every symphony played now just a distant memory replaced with a discordant melody. The room smells of smoke and ash. The sky is dark and rain falls on the remnants of her home. Not a living thing in sight,not even her.

Nice one Amanda. kind of tells me the chronology of love and its eventualities.

such a dilightful poem, thanks for the word that made the day for me. you are such a good poet.

Omg! What!! This is amazing! I’d love to feature this piece on my blog monasteryjm.com. I also love this blog post by thinkwritten.com, planning on putting the link in my next blog post so others can come over here to check it out! So helpful!

this is so great! I’ve been needing inspiration. this might work

Thank you so much for this article! I love the profundity and open-endedness of the prompts. Here is a poem I wrote, drawing inspiration from #56, “No One Understands.” I wrote this from the perspective of a psychic Arcturian Starseed in her teenage years and how the world perceives her spiritual connection; while at the same time hinting at the true meaning of her various baffling actions. Enjoy 🙂

Starseed – a poem on perspective

In the snow She stands alone Wrapped in shrouds of mystery Her gentle hand gloved with giving Caressing A violet stone

Math class is dismissed But there still she sits Speaking to the ceiling in tender tones A soft and healing resonance Murmuring sweetly of ascension to Another, dearer dimension

In homeroom Her classmate weeps Of missed planes and shattered dreams Quietly She strokes the hand of the suffering And whispers then of channeling Some celestial utopia called Arcturus Where she claims to have been.

Please feel free to let me know where I need to improve! I’m fourteen years old and only an amateur, so a few suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, love and light 🙂

#79 I don’t know why he was so mad Did he not get his mail Was he already mad Or did he only get bills

He swung his arm with force He caused a loud bang He hurt his own hand He left with some blood

He is the man that punched the mailbox His hand dripped blood on it He left it with a dent He left it alone after that

That’s great Michael, thank you for sharing your response to one of the prompts!

Awesome! That was simple and yet creative

Interesting tips and keywords for boosting inspiration. I’ve found some good topic for start writing. Thanks

sleepless nights (#96)

it’s never a strangled cry that drags me from my dreams, but a gentle whisper, there to nudge the socks off my feet, and settle me back into the sheets. i seem to wake before i’ve had a chance to fall to rest.

why is it that i can never sleep, but always dream?

sleepless nights rule my life and drag me by my toes, throwing me into a sky of black and blue. not a single star can break through this spillage. and i sit and wonder in a sea of sheets, rippling around me, why my mind can swim these dark, tangling waters and i never need to take a breath.

have you ever noticed how static-filled the dark is? because when i lay buried under these burdens and blankets, the world seems ready to crumble under my grasp.

i can’t sleep, but i can dream, of days when i wasn’t pulled struggling from bed but awoken into the light. i wonder how i ever survived the grainy sky’s midnight troubles, the oil spill of its thunderclouds, the sandpaper raspiness of the three a.m. earth against my throat.

oh, how i can never sleep in a world that threatens to fall apart.

this is amazing! i hope i can be this good one day

once again beautiful <3

Thank you so much for these prompts! They’re so thought-provoking.

You’re welcome! Glad you enjoy them!

Take me back to those days, When I was allowed to dream, Where no one use to scream. Take me back to those days, When I was a child, Where I never use to find reasons to smile. Take me Take back to those days, When I never used to lie, Where I never used to shy. Take me back those carefreee days, When I was far away from school days. Take me back to those days , where every one used to prase, no matter how foolish i behave. Take me back to those days, when i wasn’t stuck between fake people. Take me back to the day I was born, So that I could live those days again………….

so mine is basically a mix between 76 and 77… I made it for my literature club i recently began trying to make.

‘Listen to me’ Listen to me your words mean more than you think your opinion is worthy to be shared your songs are capable of being sung

Listen to me

your smile is bright your frown shows nothing more than you should be cared for like you care for us.

your laughter is delightful and so is everything else

dont let the past go hurt you find strength in the experience

are you listening to me?

can you here me?

because YOU matter

Nice, thank you for sharing!

Prompt #1 “Untouchable”

Grasping Reaching Searching for the untouchable The indescribable On the tip of my tongue My fingertips Close to my heart But warping my brain Yet understood in the depths of my soul Emotions undiscovered Words Unsaid Deep in the depths of my mind Hand outstretched Lingering on the edge Eyes wide open But somehow still blind Unattainable But still in the hearts of The Brave The Curious The Resilient They Seek the unseekable They pursue the unattainable Each man seeing it in a different aspect Each of their visions blurred Each distorted by Experiences Traumas Wishes Dreams Filtering what’s untouchable

Thank you, glad you enjoy it!

I had good inspiration from #51, locked in a jar. I used it more metaphorically instead of literally. So here it is: glass walls, lid screwed on tight, can’t escape, not even at night. From the inside, looking out, this is not who I’m supposed to be. I’m supposed to be bigger, I’m supposed to be free, not stuck in a jar, no room to breathe. I need to move, I need to soar, I need to be able to speak my opinions and more. So as I look down at my tiny self, in this glass jar, “let me out, I can’t take it anymore”, I say to the bigger me, the one ignoring my tiny pleas.

Just wanted to add a twist to this promt. I’m just a beginner in the art of poetry, but I tried. If anyone has any creative criticism, go ahead! #16: our of order

My brain is out of order My thoughts have filled it to the brim Of my deepest thoughts of who I am Who we are As people We are out of order Never focusing on what we want Our passions All we ever get is work on top of work Pushing us down and down Like a giant hand Squeezing us into the depths of our depressions Until We can do anything But take it Anymore

Thank you Ash for sharing your take on the prompt with us!

Thank you ASH for reminding we can do anything if we try

Was inspired by #77 listen up Listen up…….! When would you listen up! Seems! you have given up! No matter who shut you up! Stand straight and look up!

Look up don’t be discouraged Let you heart be filled with courage Listen up and be encouraged Let life be sweet as porridge

You might have been down Like you have no crown Because deep down You were shut down

There is still hope When there is life Yes! You can still cope If you can see the light Yes! Even in the night

Oh listen up! Please listen up and take charge, You are better than the best Listen up! And oh! Please listen up.

beautifully written!

I wrote a poem using prompt 21 and I’m so proud of it. Comment if you want me to post it🤓

I bet the poem you wrote about prompt 21 is really good. I would like to read it please.

Mental prison, what a way to be trapped, being hidden, being snapped,

Clear glass is all i feel, apart from people, I hope I heal, I will never be equal,

I am different I am hurt raging currents people put on high alert but no one cares

No one dreads many tears I only have so many more threads

One day I’ll be gone but no one would care I will run away from the death chair

But until then

Mental prison what a way to be trapped being hidden being snapped

One day this will all blow away someday I will be molded out of clay but until then I will be lead astray

This is so darn awesome. It’s so deep and evokes the deepest of feelings🥰

I wrote almost the same thing omg I’m turning it into a contest entry

Inspired by No. 1! I am completely new to poetry, but I love it so much already! Here it is.

Perfection is Untouchable-

Perfection waiting, out of reach

Will I never touch it?

It always remain

Untouchable

No matter how hard I try

I will never quite reach

It will always remain

Though many people have tried

And seemed to have come close

But perfection’s not the goal

‘Cause we can’t quite grasp it

Perfection will always be

For all eternity

Looks like you are off to a great start!

Of Course, Silly Billy Me

”Well shit, I guess I lost my opportunity” the youngster retort

You see, for him, it’s all about his hurt – but she’s so educated, knows more about the rules of English than the rest of us.

Thus, to me she said… You cannot use curse words in a court report… you need to paraphrase his quote.

Into her spastic face I smiled – and pled my case

If you were my English professor back in the day, I could only imagine how much further in life I would have been…

”Don’t you mean farther in life?”

Of course, silly billy me.

This poem is called Secret Keeper and was inspired by #92. I hope you like it.

Everyone has a secret, Whether it be their own, Or someone else’s, We all have one.

But what if, You met someone, Who had a secret so big, That telling anyone would lead to horrible things.

And what if, That person told someone, And what they told them, Was more horrible than anything they could have ever imagined.

What if, That person told everyone, And when the parents, Of the kid with the secret found out, They were furious.

What if, They kept doing horrible things, Even though everyone knew, Even though they knew it was wrong.

And finally, What if, No one ever helped, The little kid with the biggest secret.

On number 28 : Poision I wrote a poem for it and would like to share it. The poision of friends and love

Beaten,she lies there. For they may be mistaken. Laughter rings throughout the school halls; a pure disaster. The dissapearence of parents hast caused this yet no one stops it. “Your a disgrace!” She heard them say. While in place she cries “I don’t belong here! Perhaps im out of place..” But she is not misplaced rather.. Shes lost in space.

I miss when you called me baby And I was in your arms saftely I know we drive eachother crazy But I miss callin you my baby

Those restless nights when I couldn’t sleep You calmed me down with your technique Always reminded me I’m strong not weak If only I let you speak

My heart only beats for you My feelings for you only grew You understood what I was going through I will never regret knowing you

Your smile melted my heart I wish we could restart And I could be apart Of a man I see as a work of art!

Stary night painting poem I guess ill call it

I raised my paint brush to my canvas So I could help people understand this This feeling of emotion for this painting has spoken I see the light as opportunity As for the whole thing it symbolizes unity The swirls degnify elegance and uncertainty For this painting executes this perfectly Where as my paintings let me adress Everything I feel I need to express!

#56 WHITE NOISE Faded away In the background Unheard Not visible

Eardrums splitting from the screams Yet none seem to care Can even hear my cries for help? For I am screaming as loud as I can

Are you? For all we hear Are whispers in here

Fading away in the background Unheard, invisible Yet it’s there, not loud enough Not noticeable, but there White noise Blank and pure In the background Faded away, yet so clear.

Just need to listen So open your ears She’s screaming for help But it’s muted to your ears

So open ’em up And listen to the calls For faded away, in the background Not visible, but clear. White Noise. It’s there.

Hi guys, I’m kind of late joining in. I read the prompts and the poems posted and this community is a creative bunch. I liked #35 People You Have Known. I want to share it with you guys.

Bern, a friend from grade school was my seat mate as well Rob had always teased me so my young life was hell Neesa was pretty, she knew that she was my crush Miss Homel, our teacher was always in a rush Played ball with Buco and I got hit on my head Fell in love with Cia, dreamt of her in my bed Had a tattoo with Marcus and called it “The Day” Chub challenged me to eat two pies, I said, “No way” I had to go far away so I wrote to Charie In this new place I found a friend in Perry My Grandma Leng passed away, she was a doll My grumpy uncle, Uncle Zar was teased by all These people have touched my life for worse or better Won’t be forgotten, be remembered forever

I hope that you liked it. Thanks guys. Thanks Think Written.

#37 fix it Still new to poems, and I haven’t written one in a while. Criticism is welcome because I need some more inspiration since I haven’t been getting any.

This is the body repair shop where we fix humans that have stopped how may we help you?

the girl stumbled upon the front door and spilled her list of regrets out into the open

“we’re sorry, miss” “but i’m afraid your first kiss will just be a dear old reminisce”

“your heart is also one that cannot be mended” “for every shattered piece- their lives just simply ended” the sewing kit can’t sew the fragments of her heart back because there were way too many to backtrack

she cried her heart out and it went “plop!” her tears like a river and like a lightbulb flickering its last light she too, took her last breath and was put to death

This is the body repair shop where we fix humans that have stopped “it seems we have failed again today” “sorry we’ll just try harder again another day”

I did poetry prompt #7. I wrote about the street I grew up on. Luverne Luverne, I moved onto you at the age of three. We like to race up and down your pavement road, either biking or running. You keep safe the house that I grew up in, one that has six humans and three dogs. You shelter other houses, too, that hold family friends and best friends to last a lifetime.

Luverne, we love you.

-Margaret McMahon

I was inspired by the prompt poison. Monster Roses are beautiful and delicate, but flawed.

Every rose has thorns that cause you to bleed.

Its innocence and beauty draws you in.

Only then when you touch it, it poisons you.

Am I really such an ugly monster, that plants pain an watches it spread?

I would say no.

Wouldn’t we all?

But maybe, just maybe a rose doesn’t notice it’s thorns.

-Lilliana Pridie

You said you’re only just starting?! That was sooo good! No criticism here. 🙂

Sorry, that was meant for “Ash” but yours was amazing too! 🙂

Prompt number 8: Street signs STOP Stop look and listen Stop at the corner Stop at the red light Stop for pedestrians Stop for cyclists Stop for animals Stop doing that Stop drop and roll Stop doing something else Stop shouting Stop whispering Stop talking Stop being quiet Stop posting cute cat videos Stop forgetting your appointments Stop making plans without me Stop eating all the yummies Stop running Stop the insanity Stop shopping Stop the never-ending commentary in my head Stop stopping Stop

Thanks for making this site and all its suggestions and especially this space to post our work, available!

I wrote from prompt #72 about moonlight. Shining down like a spotlight, Illuminating everything around you. The pure white light, Paint your surroundings in a soft glow. The round ball in the sky, speckled with craters like the freckles on your face. Looking down upon the sleeping earth, A nightlight for those still awake, a nightlight for you. Guides you, pulls you, lulls you towards it. It caresses your face with the light, casting away the shadows of the night.

I liked it I just wrote a small poem dedicated to my tutor and tutor just loved it .I used 21 good bye . I liked it really.😊

I just took up writing so bear with me.

Based on #72 “Moonlight”

A full bed Just the left side filled Soft, cold, baby blue sheets wrap around bare feet

She sweetly invites herself in Dressing the dark in a blue hue through cypress filled air, like 5 A.M. drives in January on the misty Northern coast.

Damp hair dances across grey skin, Waltzing with the breeze to Radiohead’s “How to Disappear Completely”

Euphoria slow dances with Tranquility Heavy eyes give in to sleep

Ladder to the Sky I want to climb the ladder to the sky I’m sure all would be well and that I could fly The ladder would be sturdy but still give me a fright Because looking down I’ll realized I’ve climbed many heights The higher I climb the greater the fall The greater the fall, the greater the sprawl But if i ever get to the sky up high I would be sure to hug you and say “goodbye” Once I’ve climbed the ladder I’ll know Sometimes its okay to look far down below Life is full of failure but soon I’ll find Happiness is a place, and not of the mind We all have ladders to climb and lives to live We all have a little piece of us that we can give Because when we climb that ladder to the sky We should think “No, life never passed me by”

Hi Ray, I love your piece.It gives one courage to face the challenges of live and move on.

Thanks for sharing the prompts Chelle Stein. I wrote this sometimes ago before coming to this site and I believed prompts #1 and #88 inspired my writing it. kindly help me vet it and give your criticism and recommendation. It is titled “SHADOW”.

My shadow your shadow My reflection your reflection My acts your acts

No one sees me,no one sees you Programmed by the Ubiquitous, To act as our bystander in realism

Virtuous iniquitous rises on that day To vindicate to incriminate My deeds your deeds.

Thanks for the seemingly endless amounts of writing prompts. I’ve been working on a poem, but it isn’t much.

She’s got my head spinning, Around and around; She’s all I think about, I can’t help but wondering, Does she feel the same?

Of course not, I’m just a fool; I’m nothing special, Just another person; Bland and dull.

How could a girl like her, love a guy like me? But the way she looks at me, Her smile, I can’t help but to feel flustered; Is this just my imagination?

It must be.

Wow! That’s exactly how I feel! Amazing poem!

Thanks so much, I’m glad you like it. 🙂

A massive thank you to thinkwritten.com for these amazing prompts. Some of these prompts have now formed the basis of my upcoming poetry collection (Never Marry a Writer) scheduled for release on January 1 2021. I will also be leaving a “Thank you” message for this website in the acknowledgements section. You have inspired a whole poetry collection out of nowhere which is highly commendable. So booktiful that!

That is wonderful news!

So I didn’t use any of the prompts but I wanted some feedback on this; it’s not great but I’m working on improving my writing skills

I am a girl who is broken easily and loves music I wonder if things will ever be normal again I hear light screaming through the darkness I want freedom from the chains trapping me in my fear I am a girl who is broken easily and loves music

I pretend to float in the ocean, letting the waves carry me away from reality I feel a presence of hope like a flame on my bare skin I touch the eye of a storm, grasping the stillness it brings I worry about wars that a spreading like wildfires I cry when I’m not with the people I love I am a girl who is broken easily and loves music

I understand feeling hopeless when you have no control over what is happening I say our differences make us special I dream to be a nurse, to help others when they can’t help themselves I try to do my best in everything I hope that all mankind will stop fighting and live in peace I am a girl who is broken easily and loves music

HELLO EVERYONE.. THIS SITE IS JUST WOW, AS AND WHEN I WAS OUT OF TOPICS OR WAS NOT ABLE TO THINK UPON IT ..IT HELPED ME A LOT WITH HINTS TO BEGIN WITH MY ANOTHER POEM .. I M NOT A PROFESSIONAL WRITER BUT JUST A STARTER AND A STUDENT OF 12TH DIVISION.. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ONE OF MY SPECIAL CREATION , ALTHOUGH NOT FROM THIS SITE. HOPE YOU ALL WILL LIKE IT.

AU REVOIR GOODBYE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, I BID U FAREWELL UNTIL WE TIE AGAIN, SEE YOU SOON , SEE YOU AGAIN, LETS SAY GOODBYE FOR A BETTER DAY.

THE FIRE THAT BURNS IN OUR HEART , THE MEMORIES THAT PRESERVES OUR PAST. ITS NOT THE GOODBYE THAT WRENCH THE HEART , BUT THE FLASHBACKS THAT HAVE PASSED.

I RECOLLECT AND RECOUNT , MOMENTS THAT ARE HALF FADED AND RENOWNED, I ALWAYS FEEL SO CHARMED, THAT I HAVE SOMETHING, WHICH MAKES ME SAYING GOODBYE SO DAMN HARD.

TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE, WALK ON THE STREETS WITH GOLDEN TRAILS. FOR I M NOT GONNA WAIL, BECAUSE I KNOW I WILL MEET YOU SOON ON THE FORTHCOMING DAY.

I wrote a poem based on #101.

Thank you so much for the inspiration!!

And then it was there. What I had been missing. What is it? You may ask. Well, it’s quite simple actually. It’s the joy of music. It’s the joy of sitting down and making music. It’s the joy you feel when you look up at people admiring you. The joy you see in peoples’ eyes. I don’t know why I ever stopped that. The piano sat on the stage. Dusty and untouched. It’d been decades since I’ve seen it. I haven’t come to this stage since I lost her. After the concert. The last time I ever heard her voice. And yet here I am years and years later. Knowing why I haven’t been happy in so long. Of course pain is always gonna be there, But as I played a soft note on the piano, All of it seemed to disappear. It was as if all the weight on my shoulders got lifted. The melodious notes resonated around the hall. And for a few moments, I forgot about all the pain. I forgot about the tears. I forgot about the heartache. And as the last notes echoed around the hall, I was truly happy.

Prompt #92: Coming home with secrets

My mother’s radio sits in the balcony And it greets me with electric static Coming to this sheltering home is somewhat problematic Cause the walls are too thin, and it’s back to reality. Back to the running water that conceals the noise of cracks Crumbling behind my peeling mask, holding my face with wax An unraveled thread masking the makeup smile of a wakeup call That runs down to my chin and I keep under wraps. I take invitations to the mall, yet the space around me seems so small Nevertheless, I show my teeth with a big, shiny grin And suck a trembling breath through their thin slit Happy to wear tight jeans, to stop me from an embarrassing fall. The bath hurts on my skin, but even more to protect screams from the halls My head floats in the water, but feels trapped in its walls It cracks my head open with all these secrets inside me Before a blink of an eye, to my room I’d already flee. Not to the radio playing static or streets that won’t let me be But to under the blankets, where no one can really see The struggle to be a walking, talking, breathing secret That was thrown to the ocean in a bottle, wishing to be free. However, the words untold keep coming like ever so frequent Like adrenalized filled cops in pursue of an escapee delinquent All the more, my doppelganger and I have come to an agreement To take these secrets to our grave, that we nowadays call home.

Recipe for Happiness

Start with friendship, Then add time, A dash of humor, And forgotten binds. Mix it up, Till blended well, And make sure, To remember the smell. Put that bowl, To the side, Grab a new one, Add grateful sighs. Then add family, And a smile, Then sit back, And mix awhile. To that bowl, Add a laugh, A cheerful cry, And blissful past. Whip until, There’s heavy peaks, Then pour in, What we all seek. Combine the two, Then mix it well, Spray the pan, And pour it out. Cherish the memory, The beautiful scent, Of unity, And happiness.

My mother died when I was younger so this poem is about me sitting on the lawn at night shortly after she passed away. I was imagining better times, which is why in my poem I talk about how the girl is imagining ‘walking on the moon’ and she is gripping the grass tight and trying to remember the warmth of her mothers palms.

Sitting in the blue black grass She’s walking on the moon Watching specks of silver dance To the mellow tune Her fingers gripping the grass so tight She can almost feel The warmth of her mothers palms

The winds cold fingers

The winds cold fingers Tousle with my hair Loosening the soil My sobs are carried away on the wind

I would love to share this list (credited to you) with students participating in a virtual library program on poetry. Would that be possible/acceptable? These are great!

Wow! Thank you so much for all these awesome prompts! I’ve written two poems already!

Prompt #1 AND #15, untouchable and less than 25 words. i’m lowk popping off??

Apollo Commands the sun, which squints so brightly, scorches and freckles. i want her hand on mine. searing pain fears, still i reach out, and bubble.

I looked at the word “Duct tape” And thought about it. Its not anywhere in this poem at all but it inspired it yk?

Feathers are Soft

Feathers are soft People aren’t

Plushies are soft People aren’t

Pillows are soft People aren’t

People are mean Not nice Not joyful

well my poem is only loosely based on the second prompt because I found I had too much to say about Sundays. I would love to share it with you but these comments don’t support links.

Inspired by number 55 in list of poetry suggestions. Poem to song guitar chords. —————————————————-

Carnegie Hall

D I was feeling ecstatic G when I went to the attic A and found my auld busking D guitar

D But I felt consternation G I disturbed hibernation A at first it seemed quite D bazaar

D When I blew off the dust G it smelt like old must A but t’was time to give it a D bar

D It was then I heard flapping G which sounded like clapping A my first ever round of D applause

D It stayed with the beat G while tapping my feet A I kept playing despite all my D flaws

D I took early retirement G though not a requirement A “Bad Buskers” all get D menopause

D I’m strumming the strings G and the echo it rings A but no jingling of coins as they D fall

D So I play here alone G as to what I was prone A never made it to Carnegie D Hall

D Time to call it a day G as they used to say A for no encores or no curtain D call

D There’s a butterfly G in my guitar

D There’s a butterfly G in my guitar.

Finn Mac Eoin

23rd July 2022

I love this Finn, where can we listen to your song?

Hello I wrote this in remberence of 9/11. Its now sitting in ground zero. A ordinary day to start  Same as any other Dad goes off to work again, Child goes with their mother. Vibrant busy city,  busses, cars galore Workers in the offices, from bottom to top floor. Throughout our life situations Hard times often do arise, Unfortunatly we never think of saying last goodbyes. That’s exactly what happened on September 11th 2001 A day that turned the world so cold When tragedy begun. Twin towers has exploded Co ordinate attacks, Al-Qaeda behind the planes That seemed to be hijacked. Thousands were killed instantly Some lives hang by a thread, Calls were made to loved ones Onlookers face of dread. Fears & screams while running As smoke fills up the air, News reports on live tv Helplessly they stare. On the news we hear the voices of all who are caught inside, Lying next to injured ones Or sadly ones who died. One man makes a phone call My darling wife it’s me, I’m sorry that I upset you And that we disagreed. My offices have been attacked they’re crumbling to the ground, A massive explosion hit our floor then instantly no sound. If I do not make it I’m stating from the heart, I love you darling, & in your life I’m glad to play a part. Tell the kids daddy loves them Continue well at school, Stand up for all your beliefs Don’t be taken for a fool. The wife is crying down the line Darling please don’t go, I love you darling so so much I’ve always told you so. He replied my darling im feeling really kind of weak, Breathlessly he’s coughing, he can hardly speak. If you ever need me just look up to the stars, I will hear your voices And heal up any scars. Suddenly all was quiet The wife screams down the fone, Darling can you hear me, don’t leave me here alone. The towers live on tv start to crumble to the ground, Clouds of smoke then fill the air The world in shock no sound. Crying at the images of all who has lost their lives , Mums,dad’s , Nan’s & grandads, husbands & wives. Rescue teams included and all those left behind To All who were among them,  all who did survive, All who were injured All who sadly died. Never in this lifetime that day will be the same For ground zero holds the memories Of every single name.

Those hero’s on that awful day who never thought about their life Who fought to save the innocent To keep each sole alive Those who were pulled to safety Those we lost in vein, Never be forgotten The pain will still remain We will never forget that tragedy For the days will never be the same. But may I say with all my heart In God we put our faith United we stand For eternity were safe Amen

This is a beautifully sad poem. You really wrote your way into my heart. <3

I wrote a poem inspired by number 72. Not really sticking to what it said but thought this was kinda close to what it said…

After dusk, the almost eternal night. The dark, winter sky, full of millions of tiny stars. The sky, a color of blue that seems darker than black.

Sunset, full of an array of colors. Purple, orange, pink, and yellow. Nearly all dark blue.

Right as dawn appears, practically the same sunset hours later. Light wispy clouds fill the sky. Orange, pink, and light blue diffuse in the sky as the sun awakens

Wrote one based off the recipe one (I don’t remember which number)

From the Kitchen of: any teenager ever For: Disaster Ingredients: Social anxiety Existential dread A crush Zero sense of self worth A single class together And no social cues

Steps: (Warning: Do NOT do this if your crush is not single) You’re going to try to talk to your crush. Just say hi. If that doesn’t work, don’t go forward with the rest of these steps. Once you’ve talked to your crush, overthink every single thing you said to them. Do it. Then you’re going to decide you’re stupid for overthinking it. Next, you’re going to wait until they begin speaking to you on their own accord. If they don’t, overthink some more. One day you will think your crush is waving to you in the hallway. They won’t be. They’ll be waving to their friends behind you. Play it cool and pretend you’re doing the exact same thing. Run into the bathroom and cringe at yourself. Keep talking to them and try to partner up with them for a project. If they say no, don’t continue further; you’ll only embarrass yourself. If they say yes, say you need their number for the project. Call them “about the project” and eventually segway into other topics. Continue doing this until you guys eventually call all the time for no reason. Ask them out. If they say no, do not, I repeat, do not act like it was a dare or a joke. It ruins everything. Say “oh okay. Well, can we still be friends?” and continue from that point. If they say yes, go on a date with them outside of school before asking them to be your partner. Eventually break up and either get your heartbroken or break someone else’s heart.

And that is how you make an average teenage disaster. Enjoy!

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Cash-strapped Trump is now selling $60 Bibles, U.S. Constitution included

Rachel Treisman

Then-President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., during a controversial 2020 photo-op. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Then-President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., during a controversial 2020 photo-op.

Former President Donald Trump is bringing together church and state in a gilded package for his latest venture, a $60 "God Bless The USA" Bible complete with copies of the nation's founding documents.

Trump announced the launch of the leather-bound, large-print, King James Bible in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday — a day after the social media company surged in its trading debut and two days after a New York appeals court extended his bond deadline to comply with a ruling in a civil fraud case and slashed the bond amount by 61%.

"Happy Holy Week! Let's Make America Pray Again," Trump wrote. "As we lead into Good Friday and Easter, I encourage you to get a copy of the God Bless The USA Bible."

Consider This from NPR

Why trump's persecution narrative resonates with christian supporters.

The Bible is inspired by "God Bless the USA," the patriotic Lee Greenwood anthem that has been a fixture at many a Trump rally (and has a long political history dating back to Ronald Reagan). It is the only Bible endorsed by Trump as well as Greenwood, according to its promotional website .

The Bible is only available online and sells for $59.99 (considerably more expensive than the traditional Bibles sold at major retailers, or those available for free at many churches and hotels). It includes Greenwood's handwritten chorus of its titular song as well as copies of historical documents including the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Pledge of Allegiance.

"Many of you have never read them and don't know the liberties and rights you have as Americans, and how you are being threatened to lose those rights," Trump said in a three-minute video advertisement.

"Religion and Christianity are the biggest things missing from this country, and I truly believe that we need to bring them back and we have to bring them back fast."

'You gotta be tough': White evangelicals remain enthusiastic about Donald Trump

Trump critics on both sides of the aisle quickly criticized the product, characterizing it as self-serving and hypocritical.

Conservative political commentator Charlie Sykes slammed him for "commodifying the Bible during Holy Week," while Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota critiqued him for "literally taking a holy book and selling it, and putting it out there in order to make money for his campaign."

Trump says the money isn't going to his campaign, but more on that below.

Klobuchar added that Trump's public attacks on others are "not consistent with the teachings of the Bible," calling this "one more moment of hypocrisy." Tara Setmayer, a senior adviser for anti-Trump Republican PAC the Lincoln Project, called it "blasphemous ."

And former Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, trolled Trump with a social media post alluding to his alleged extramarital affairs.

"Happy Holy Week, Donald," she wrote. "Instead of selling Bibles, you should probably buy one. And read it, including Exodus 20:14 ."

Christianity is an increasingly prominent part of his campaign

Trump has made a point of cultivating Christian supporters since his 2016 presidential campaign and remains popular with white evangelicals despite his multiple divorces, insults toward marginalized groups and allegations of extramarital affairs and sexual assault.

And his narrative of being persecuted — including in the courts — appears to resonate with his many Christian supporters.

Trump has increasingly embraced Christian nationalist ideas in public. He promised a convention of religious broadcasters last month that he would use a second term to defend Christian values from the "radical left," swearing that "no one will be touching the cross of Christ under the Trump administration."

He made similar comments in the Bible promotional video, in which he warned that "Christians are under siege" and the country is "going haywire" because it lost religion.

What to know about the debut of Trump's $399 golden, high-top sneakers

"We must defend God in the public square and not allow the media or the left-wing groups to silence, censor or discriminate against us," he said. "We have to bring Christianity back into our lives and back into what will be again a great nation."

Trump himself is not known to be particularly religious or a regular churchgoer. He long identified as Presbyterian but announced in 2020 that he identified as nondenominational .

A Pew Research Center survey released earlier this month found that most people with positive views of Trump don't see him as especially religious, but think he stands up for people with religious beliefs like their own.

Trump said in the promotional video that he has many Bibles at home.

"It's my favorite book," he said, echoing a comment he's made in previous years. "It's a lot of people's favorite book."

The Impact Of Christian Nationalism On American Democracy

Trump's relationship to the Bible has been a point of discussion and sometimes controversy over the years.

In 2020, amid protests over George Floyd's murder, he posed with a Bible outside a Washington, D.C., church, for which he was widely criticized. U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops had tear-gassed peaceful protesters in the area beforehand, seemingly to make way for the photo-op, though a watchdog report the following year determined otherwise .

That same year, a clip of a 2015 Bloomberg interview, in which Trump declines to name his favorite — or any — Bible verse resurfaced on social media and went viral.

Bible sales are unlikely to solve Trump's financial problems

An FAQ section on the Bible website says no profits will go to Trump's reelection campaign.

"GodBlessTheUSABible.com is not political and has nothing to do with any political campaign," it says.

However, the site adds that it uses Trump's name, likeness and image "under paid license from CIC Ventures LLC."

Trump is listed as the manager, president, secretary and treasurer of CIC Ventures LLC in a financial disclosure from last year.

Here's what happens if Trump can't pay his $454 million bond

Trump's sales pitch focuses on bringing religion back to America.

"I want to have a lot of people have it," he said at one point in the video. "You have to have it for your heart and for your soul."

But many are wondering whether Trump has something else to gain from Bible sales while facing under mounting financial pressure.

There's his presidential reelection campaign, which has raised only about half of what Biden's has so far this cycle. Trump acknowledged Monday that he "might" spend his own money on his campaign, something he hasn't done since 2016.

There's also his mounting legal expenses, as he faces four criminal indictments and numerous civil cases. Trump posted bond to support a $83.3 million jury award granted to writer E. Jean Carroll in a defamation case earlier this month, and was due to put up another $454 million in a civil fraud case this past Monday.

Trump is on the verge of a windfall of billions of dollars. Here are 3 things to know

His lawyers had said last week that they had approached 30 companies for help making bond, but doing so was a "practical impossibility" — prompting New York's attorney general to confirm that if Trump did not pay, she would move to seize his assets . On Monday, the appeals court reduced the bond amount to $175 million and gave Trump another 10 days to post it.

Trump has evidently been trying to raise money in other ways.

The day after the civil fraud judgment was announced, he debuted a line of $399 golden, high-top sneakers , which sold out in hours . The company behind his social media app, Truth Social, started trading on the Nasdaq exchange on Tuesday, which could deliver him a windfall of more than $3 billion — though he can't sell his shares for another six months.

• Donald J. Trump
• sales pitch
• Christianity