5 How to Write an Irregular Ode
“I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”
Do you have some deep emotions of gratitude that you would like to convey? Are you overflowing with thanksgiving and need an outlet by which to channel your feelings of positivity? Or maybe you are seeking to raise your vibes and are wondering just how to do that! Try writing an ode:an irregular ode! Read and watch how to now! If you are ready, grab some paper and a pencil or pen and let’s begin!
First - Consider the Ode - and the purpose of the ode:
When preparing to write an ode, it is good to first remember that the ode is all about praising someone, or something, some event, or even some idea. While traditionally odes are highly structured, today, I’m asking you to consider only the irregular ode which is - well, irregular. The irregular ode can be any length. It can rhyme, but it doesn’t have to rhyme. The only thing you have to make sure to do is to remember that with an ode, your singular purpose is to directly address your topic and to praise that topic.
Plan with a Graphic Organizer
If you are new to writing odes, try using a graphic organizer to get started. This is not required step of course, but is simply a helpful tool to help you generate thoughts and organize them. To make this, draw a circle in the center of you paper. The draw a much larger outer circle encompassing your first circle. Then draw 8 lines waiting from the outer edge of your first circle to the edge of you second circle making 8 pie slices. Number these slices 1 - 8.
Pick a topic:
Who or what in your life deserves your praise? Now it is time to think about who or what you would like to praise. To whom would you like to show your appreciation? What is something or who someone for whom you would like to give thanks? As you answer these questions, you are getting close to your topic. Just select one. Write the name of that person, animal, or thing in the center circle. This is your subject. Everything you write about will be about this subject, and addressed to this subject.
Generate Some Thoughts:
Use the following prompts, or come up with your own, to generate some thoughts about your subject. As you read each prompt, write a response to it in the corresponding slices that you just created in your diagram. If you do not like one of these prompts, or cannot think of anything to go with it, make a new one. This list is not set in stone. It is just a way to get started. As you respond to these prompts (or your own if you have chosen to rewrite them) let your words fly. Keep them praising. Keep them lofty. Open your heart to your purpose and let all of the good thoughts and feelings out, fill, and overflow. And write. Write write. Let the words fly.
Name your subject and give an elevated description.
Give a detailed physical description.
List positive words related to your subject.
Compare your subject to something nice.
List sounds and/or smells related to your subject.
Think of and relate a positive memory about your subject.
Repeat your subject’s name.
Create a hyperbole, an exaggeration about your subject or simply thank your subject.
Put Pen to Paper:
Now, after exhausting your flow of ideas, take your words and write your ode. Use each pie slice to create a line or two. Again, you can rhyme and have a fixed meter if you want to, but this is not a requirement.
Revise and rewrite:
Review your work. Revise if you feel you need to change. Rewrite if you notice a weakness in the way you are expressing yourself.
Edit:
After reviewing for needed changes, go over your work again, correcting any spelling or grammar errors.
Celebrate:
Reread and celebrate your work. Allow your joy at expressing joy for another.
Share:
Odes are the perfect kind of poem to share, especially with the person they are about - Also, please share by adding your ode to the comments below. I would love to read it!
My Ode:
The following ode is one that I wrote for this blog post. I wrote it for you. I call it “Ode to You.” I hope you like it.
Ode to You
You - I see you
Always showing up
Making it happen
Creating the life you love
Peaceful
Confident
You speak, “Bip, bop.”
And your words are heard - tip top
A game changer
in a world where things need
to be changed
Y - O - U - sometimes just U
There you are
All of you
I thank you
Thank you
Questions (These are the 8 prompts I used to fill in my diagram in the video.)
Who or what in your life deserves your praise?
How would you describe your subject of adoration physically?
What positive words can you think of that relate to this person or thing?
To what does your subject compare?
How does your subject sound or smell?
What memories do you have related to your subject?
What again is the name of your subject?
How would you like to exaggerate about your subject?