BRIDGET WHELAN writer

for writers and readers….

O is for ODE

letter oThe classic Greek ode was a serious literary form that publicly celebrated the achievements of a noteworthy individual – an Olympic athlete for example. Much later the English Romantic poets turned it into a personal reflection on nature in some way.

Modern odes tend to focus on less high-minded subjects such as New York poet Lucille Clifton’s HOMAGE TO MY HIPS which contains the delicious lines

I have known them to put a spell on a man

And spin him like a top

Read it in full here HERE

 ENJOY!

6 comments on “O is for ODE”

  1. Heidi Mannan
    April 17, 2013
    Heidi Mannan's avatar

    Good word. I might have to use it in a story sometime.

    Reply
  2. Teresa
    April 17, 2013
    Teresa's avatar

    I do think of it as a personal reflection. Hmm. That’s me reflecting.

    Reply
    • bridget whelan
      April 17, 2013
      bridget whelan's avatar

      Did you detect a certain sniffiness on my part about the Romantic poets and their personal reflections….? Yes, well it was probably there beneath the surface. And I guess I was being disingenuous when I described an ode to female body parts – especially unfashionably large female body parts – as being less high minded. LC is tackling the most serious of subjects with the kind of wit that leaves a smile on everyone’s face

      Reply
  3. Sandy Campbell
    April 17, 2013
    Sandy Campbell's avatar

    Yes, I agree…and modern works may not go down in the history books, but again, you never know!

    Reply
  4. bridget whelan
    April 17, 2013
    bridget whelan's avatar

    Good stuff is good stuff I guess – whether it reworks a traditional structure or follows a well worn path.

    Reply

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This entry was posted on April 17, 2013 by in A-Z Challenge 2013 and tagged , , .

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