An ode is 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. In honor of Valentine’s Day, my classes attempted to write an English Romantic Ode. It could be 4-30 lines long, and the topic would be anything they loved, from a favorite pet, to a stuffed animal, to a pencil that brings them luck on your math test. The only "no no" was it could not be about an electronic item or superficial things they owned or wanted to own.
~Fun Fact: Odes are usually dedicated to monumental heroes or ideas. Pablo Neruda, however, revolutionized the form of odes to everyday things.
~Another Fun Fact: “Ode” is a Greek word for “sing,” or “chant,” so this poem is meant to be read aloud!
~Yet another Fun Fact: An ode has been called a “Celebration of a Subject!” So if you ever have an ode written about you, you know you’re pretty amazing!!
It was fun for me to get to know my students even more by reading their poem about something or someone they truly loved. Enjoy these samples!
My Family, by Kaia (4th grade)
I love this tribute to Kaia's family-- her love shines through!
My sister is very kind!
But she's moody all the time.
She helps me whenever I need it,
Evem when I can't see it.
My mom is smart and very loving.
Inspring and sometimes touching!
She works super hard
And I love her with all my heart!
My dad is calm and fun,
And teaches me a ton!
He is bright and relaxed,
Just like a star!
There's no need for a test,
My family's obvioulsy the best!
My Sister, by Aarushi (4th grade)
I love Aarushi's use of flowery poetic language and style!
Apurva, Apurva, Apurva, my dear sister,
The one that has always been there for me.
Apurva, Apurva, very sweet, yet teasing and rude,
Which matters not,
Hair of brown, eyes of brown
Never would I let you down!
Apurva, Apurva, overprotective and hard-working,
Yet quite clingy, which matters not,
I will love you with every moment I've got.
Apurva, Apurva, gorgeous dark brown hair,
Luscious and gracious
I love you every day!
No matter what anyone would say!
Chocolate, by Ian (4th grade)
Ian, what a great topic for an ode. I love chocolate, too!!
Chocolate tastes like a crunchy gooey dream
Kit Kat, milk chocolate, chocolate ice cream.
You taste good no matter when or what is going on.
You come in squares, you come in shapes of coins.
No matter what you look like, melted, crushed,
I always feel the delicious love
No matter the moment,
No matter the time,
Your sweet sweet goodness makes me feel fine.
If I'm sad in my room,
All I need is the taste of you.
You are crunchy and so creamy
And you are so dreamy!
Math, by Luke (5th grade)
Sorry, Luke, I can't agree with you on your love for math! But it's a great, passionate poem!
Math, how mysterious you are, you confuse me.
But you make me happy.
You are complicated
But yet so simple.
You make me think hard
And think simple.
Oh, you shan't be my enemy
But not muy love,
Your variables look impossible
Your integers are boring and effortless,
You shock my body with complication.
You are always there for me
On a piece of paper.
You give answers, but not always,
Your numbers and equations are always there.
Some equations don't look related,
But they're the exact same thing as others.
You are my passion and life,
And tease every brain cell in my brain!
My Bed, by Ben (6th grade)
This descriptive ode made me want to take a nap! Love the rhyme and rhythm in this poem!
To my soft, soft bed,
I love you so much!
Enlightened by your feel and touch,
You are as white as the snow I sled!
Through day and night,
You linger on my mind,
My pillow and blanket, I am pleased to find.
Sleep in more-- sure I might!
To my soft, soft bed,
I would take you on a walk!
Day after day, we'd talk and talk
"You soothe, calm, and relax me," to my bed, I said.
