How to Write an Ode Poem

Modern odes often are written in praise of the ordinary.

An ode is a poem in praise of a person, place or object that is usually identified in the title. It describes a scene, focuses on a problem or a situation and arrives at a conclusion that returns to the original scene or statement. Originally, the ode was a serious poetic form, but modern odes often are written in praise of the ordinary.

Things You'll Need

• Thesaurus

Instructions

1. Select a topic for your ode, and make a list attributes for that topic.

2. Consider how your ode can be used as a metaphor to illustrate a typical problem or situation. Decide on a scene that will begin the poem and set up the ode so that it points the reader to the conclusion you will assert.

3. Plan the structure of the ode. Decide how many lines each stanza will contain and how many stanzas will make up the ode; most odes are serious poems comprised of several stanzas. Decide on a rhyme scheme.

4. Fit the ideas from your planning process into phrases and stanzas. Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for words that may not fit the structure and rhyme scheme of your ode.

5. Read your draft aloud to see if it flows easily and makes sense.

6. Shift words and phrases around to make it sound better. Add alliteration and internal rhymes to strengthen it. Eliminate words that make the poem sound clumsy.

7. Allow other people to critique your ode.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't expect to write the ode in one sitting. Good poems are short works that usually require multiple revisions and edits.

• Be prepared to rewrite the ode several times until it is well crafted and powerful.

Resources

• Brooklyn College: Literary Terms
• Think Quest: On Your Toes With Odes