Odes or Praise Poems

Praise of ShulgiI am greatly expert in assigningwork with the pickaxe and the brick-mould, in drawing plans, inlaying foundations, and in writingcuneiform inscriptions on pedestals;I can make things absolutely clearon tablets of lapis lazuli. I also havea solidly based knowledge of…counting, accounting, and planning of the Land.When I was small, I was at the academy, where I learned the scribalart from the tablets of Sumerand Akkad. None of the nobles couldwrite on clay as I could…I am anexperienced scribe who does notneglect a thing.

I Am...What I Am (Praise Poem Of Myself)

I am a 5'2' child of God, Descended from the very first manAnd lasting until the end of time.I may be short on the outside, But on the inside, I am a surprise package, Full of the strength of ten, A Superman, Able to leap tall buildings In a single bound, A Paul Bunyan hero, Striding through the forest of life! A spider has nothing on me, For I, too, spin my webs! Webs which hold those I loveTightly to my heart.I am like a Venus Flytrap, Keeping close to myselfAll that is mine.I am a cream colored opal, Sparkling fire in all directions. Silver haired, And wise in my age, I go striding through life, Hurrying to my next adventure.Linda Treat

What is an Ode?ode |od| (noun)a lyric poem in the form of an address to a particular subject, often elevated in style or manner and written in varied or irregular meter.

What is an Ode or a Praise Poem?

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.

Praise poems praise their subjects in exaggerated ways.

Originally, the ode was a serious poetic form, but modern odes often are written in praise of the ordinary.

Ode to French Fries

What sizzlesin boiling oil is the world’spleasure: French friesgo into the pan like the mornings swan’s snowyfeathers and emerge half-golden from the olive’s crackling amber.

Garliclends themits earthy aroma,its spice,its pollen that braved the reefs.Then,dressedanewin ivory suits, they fill our plateswith repeated abundance,and the delicious simplicity of the soil.

By Pablo Neruda

What is a Ode?Translation:

A famous kind of poem where you take something or someone you really, really love or know a lot about (a famous person, food, a place, a sport, a hobby--anything) and pay tribute to it in an exaggerated way by basically "bringing it to life" and speaking to it.

It doesn't have to rhyme or have rhythm.

ODE TO A MANGO

FRESH FROM THE TREEI PLUCK YOU DOWN,MY KNIFE SCRATCHES OFF YOUR SKIN.

YOU BLEED,THE JUICE POURSFROM YOULIKE BLOOD POURS FROM A FRESH WOUND.

I SINK MY TEETH IN,THE JUICEDRIPSDOWNMY CHIN.

MY TASTE BUDS SMILE.THEY HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS TASTE TOOLONG.

I SINK MY TEETH INTO YOUR ORANGE FLESH,I HEAR MY TASTE BUDSCHEER WITH JOY.

I REACH YOUR PITLIKE MY BONESIT IS HARD.I GNAW ON YOU STRINGY INSIDESLITTLE BY LITTLE , I KEEP GNAWING ON YOURCORE, LIKE A DOG GNAWSON A FRESH STEAK BONE THAT’SJUST BEEN THROWN TO HIM.

THENI TOSS YOUTO THE GROUND,I REACH UP AND GRAB YOUR BROTHER, AND IT’S A WHOLE GREAT FEELINGALL OVER AGAIN.

BY THOMAS WOOLSON 2006

The ChallengeYou are to write an ode or a praise poem to an Ancient Greek or about some aspect of Ancient Greece. Your job is to celebrate them.

Tips for writing an Ode or Praise Poem

Choose a subject you have strong feelings about or a person you know a lot about from the Greek Unit. Your Great Greek or some other aspect of Ancient Greece are good places to choose from.

Describe your subject inside and out.Exaggerate its admirable qualities, until it seems

to become central to human existence. Tap all five senses--if they fit. (don't force it)Use metaphors and similes.

More tips for writing…

At times, directly address the subject of your ode.

Tell your feelings about the subject and describe its qualities.

Choose strong words: language that's packed with meaning

Poetic Techniques

AlliterationRhymeOnomatopoeiaPersonificationRhythm

SimileMetaphorHyperbole

Poetic Technique What a “4” Looks Like Your Score

Ode or Praise Poem Creatively and effectively uses the appropriate poetic form. 1 2 3

4Word Choice Student’s use of vocabulary is

precise, vivid, and paints a strong clear and complete picture in the reader’s mind.

1 2 3 4

Poetic Techniques Used Effectively uses 3 poetic techniques to create a strong image. 1 2 3

4GUM Has grade-level appropriate

spelling, grammar, and punctuation; contains few, if any, errors that do not interfere with the reader’s understanding.

1 2 3 4

Effort Student’s work demonstrates a complete understanding of the assignment and goes beyond the requirements

1 2 3 4

Photo or Illustration Effective and creative use of an illustration enhances the poem’s meaning.

1 2 3 4

Presentation Presentation brings your subject to life. 1 2 3

4

Reflection: Write a few sentences about how your poem turned out. What ideas or lines are you happy about or proud of? What did you struggle with or find hard?

Poetic Technique What a “4” Looks Like

Your Score

Ode or Praise Poem Creatively and effectively uses the appropriate poetic form. 1 2 3

4Word Choice Student’s use of vocabulary is

precise, vivid, and paints a strong clear and complete picture in the reader’s mind.

1 2 3 4

Poetic Techniques Used Effectively uses 3 poetic techniques to create a strong image.

1 2 3 4

GUM Has grade-level appropriate spelling, grammar, and punctuation; contains few, if any, errors that do not interfere with the reader’s understanding.

1 2 3 4

Effort Student’s work demonstrates a complete understanding of the assignment and goes beyond the requirements

1 2 3 4

Photo or Illustration Effective and creative use of an illustration enhances the poem’s meaning.

1 2 3 4

Presentation Presentation brings your subject to life. 1 2 3

4

The End