We’re taking another look at form today. This post is my ode to the ode. There is so much to explore, especially because the modern ode can be so expansive. Derived from the Greek “aeidein,” meaning to sing or chant, the ode has birthed a vast collection of lyric poetry.
An ode is a formal address to any person or subject. There are three main types: Pindaric, Horatian, and Irregular. There are plenty of resources to explore the more structural forms of odes. But my favorite, and the least structured, is the irregular form. All odes tend to share a tone that deeply honors the subject, but irregular odes take traditional structure and meter and relax it. To me, this allows you to experiment with the form while making it your own.
Learning The Ode
Irregular odes have relaxed the structure as a whole. But if you’re looking for a bit of a recipe to help build your poem there is a three-part traditional structure.
Section I
The first section of an ode is the strophe. This stanza, in the traditional Greek form, includes two or more lines of repetition. This has relaxed significantly, as has the term itself. A strophe is now considered any group of verses that forms a distinct section.
Section II
The second section is the antistrophe. It should hold the same structure as the strophe, but should offer a secondary theme to counterbalance the poem.
Section III
The third and last section of an ode is the epode. It should share the same overall length and feel as your former stanzas. However, this section should be devoted to tying your theme and counter-theme together to conclude your poem.
My Favorites
There is certainly a trend to celebrate the commonplace with an ode – dedicating the poem to anything from socks to shea butter. So, here are a few of my favorite modern odes.
- Ode to Sleeping in My Clothes by Ross Gay
- Ode to My Socks by Pablo Neruda
- Ode To Shea Butter by Angel Nafis
- Ode to My Hands by Tim Seibles
- Ode to the Gaslight Anthem, Ending in Hospital Bills by Neil Hilborn
- Ode to Kool-Aid by Marcus Jackson
Have an ode to share? I want to see it! Reach out on my contact page and share your passionate poem about even the most mundane.
Alex Aimee Kist 