The Details

Question

This is a very straightforward assignment. You need to write a poem of your own making. Below is a list of different forms of poetry. Pick a type from the list below to start your poetic journey :)

Your poem can be about any of the following topics: a beloved pet, someone you admire (like a family member or friend), an object that has meaning to you (your grandpa’s pocket watch or a baby blanket), a favorite memory, or a tribute to your favorite movie/tv show/book. If one of these topics doesn’t strike your fancy, that’s okay! You can write about something else, these are just a few ideas to pick from.

Don’t forget to use things like sensory imagery and figurative language. These are staples of all poetry. Use the resources below for guidance if you need a refresher.

*If you really want to write a Haiku, you may write a third poem that is a Haiku for a few extra credit points.

Types of Poetry

Ballad- A poem that tells a story, usually with four-line stanzas and an ABCB rhyme scheme

Elegy- A poem that mourns the loss of someone or something the speaker loved

Ode- A poem that addresses someone or something the speaker loves; often has formal characteristics of a lyric poem

Narrative Poem- A poem that uses no specific structural characteristics to tell a story

Litany- A poem in which each line must start with the same word or phrase

Rap- A poem that’s spoken aloud, usually over music, to a particular rhythm with a specific rhyme scheme

Requirements:

Note the type of poem you are writing (i.e. ballad, ode, rap, etc.)
There must be at least 10 lines in your poem
A title for your poem
MLA Manuscript Format
No grammatical mistakes that distract from the poems
Include figurative language
Include descriptive and sensory imagery

Answer 1

Title: Ode to My Beloved Cat
(Ode)

Oh, gentle spirit of fur and light,
In shadows soft you glide, a phantom grace,
With emerald eyes like stars at night,
Each twinkle whispers secrets, feline lace.

Your purr, a symphony of soothing sound,
As you curl upon my lap, warmth intertwined,
A silky whisper, in your world, I’m bound,
In your tranquil gaze, the chaos of life I find.

With playful paws, you dance like autumn leaves,
Chasing sunbeams, fleeting moments of pure joy,
In softest twilight, under moonlit eaves,
Each leap and pounce transforms the meek to coy.

Oh exquisite creature, muse of dreaming skies,
In your comforting presence, my spirit flies.