The Ballad

The Ballad

Sometimes it’s fun to write a poem on a topic; sometimes it’s fun to try to use a form. I often use a form when I feel like my poem is wandering around or getting wordy. Forms force you to pay attention to the number of syllables you use or to a rhyme scheme.

Sometimes it’s fun to write a poem on a topic; sometimes it’s fun to try to use a form. I often use a form when I feel like my poem is wandering around or getting wordy. Forms force you to pay attention to the number of syllables you use or to a rhyme scheme.

A fairly easy form is the ballad. It usually has four lines in each verse with an ABAB rhyme scheme (every other line rhymes). It also has a strong rhythm. Lines alternate between four and three beats. If you aren’t good at hearing beats, use eight syllables on one line and six on the next.

A fairly easy form is the ballad. It usually has four lines in each verse with an ABAB rhyme scheme (every other line rhymes). It also has a strong rhythm. Lines alternate between four and three beats. If you aren’t good at hearing beats, use eight syllables on one line and six on the next.

Try writing a ballad of at least two verses. Remember you can always write a ballad (or haiku or acrostic

Try writing a ballad of at least two verses. Remember you can always write a ballad (or haiku or acrostic

Ballads are great to set to music if you are musically inclined!

Ballads are great to set to music if you are musically inclined!

Here’s an example I wrote:

Here’s an example I wrote:

The red-winged blackbird sports a white bar dully on his wing. His epaulet is not so bright; he’s not begun to sing.

The red-winged blackbird sports a white

bar dully on his wing.

His epaulet is not so bright;

he’s not begun to sing.

A yellow bar will soon appear and then a bright red line. His red-winged name will be more clear, and it will be springtime.

A yellow bar will soon appear

and then a bright red line.

His red-winged name will be more clear,

and it will be springtime.