Ancient poets wrote many odes to celebrate great events in their lives and to pay homage to magnificent people. Many of the students I teach have difficulty believing that they are worthy of having an ode sung to them. So we write our own.
While there are traditional forms of writing an ode, with specific patterns and rhyme forms to follow, for this exercise I don’t worry about that. The key here is to write about yourself in a way that celebrates all the ways that you are good. Show the world the very best of you. This is not a time to be shy. This is your time to shine.
Start with a list of things you do well, things people compliment you on, things you know are your strengths. Work that into a poem.
Here’s one I’m working on about me.
Happyhearted
observer of
littlelife moments
bugs on blossom
birds in bushes
dog snoring in the sun
feelingfriend
hurts when you hurt
notices something is slightly
notquiteright
gentle listener of
undertones and overtones
hughanderouter
talented talker
believes in possibilities
yours, mine, ours
spreads sparks
of what could be
wherever she goes
–Susan Taylor Brown, all rights reserved
Your turn.
Since you wrote this poem for poetry month, it is also an occasional poem. Well done. I like the enjambment of the words. The “hughanderouter” was a little hard on my tongue. Have you considered “hugehuggiver?”
Thank you for your delightful poem.
Thanks, Joy. I hadn’t heard the term “occasional” poem. I’ll add that to my list. Love “hugehuggiver” thanks for the tip. I want to work on this one some more. It was a quick first draft late last night. 🙂
Dear Susan,
Love your glued-together words. I like that better than “enjambment,” which feels sort of like the couch was pushed too close to the end table.
INSIDE OUT
If I could picture myself
From the inside out
I imagine that is what
Everyone else sees
For beauty lies within
My inner child makes me happy
Fun, loving and carefree
Make people smile and laugh
Enchant them with my poetry
mesmerise them with my life
Most say it is never boring
I am an unforgettable person
Quick witted, love people
I am an eternal daydreamer
For my mind never rests
Makes me passionate and sincere
A caring and loyal friend to very few
If I could only find the key
To release my inner self
How much happier my life would be
To enjoy the experiences of others
– Anne McKenna
Bravo, Anne! You did it and you did it so very well indeed. I knew this would be a tough one for you but you came through. I think you should put copies of this all over your house and at work and keep rereading it to remind you of how great you are.