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In today's common usage, often in jokes, an ode is a song or poem of tribute, a metaphorical salute such as this non-poetic Ode to Homer. As you might guess, "ode" means something more specific in poetic terminology, but the informal uses of the word do retain some of the general associations of the form. Odes tend to be lyric poems, spoken by a single voice. They tend to address serious, public themes with dignified language. Beyond those general characteristics, odes vary widely, but the following pages will explain some of the ode's traditional forms and practices.

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Erik Simpson | simpsone@grinnell.edu
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