BRINGING BACK THE ODE
Odes
In 1967 Nashville was immersed in the song, “Ode to Billie Jo” It was twangy and swampy and who knows (even now) what happened to Billie Jo. Yet as a young listener I could sense the power of pulling someone or something out of the shadows and speaking the story of their existence that has never been told.
You can write line after line telling what you love about something or what is haunting about someone.
To get ready for Tuesday night:
Watch Kevin Young recite his Ode to Gumbo. (video STARTS at the 21st second) This poem is one of his many odes .. he has also honored Okra, Barbecue, Short ribs, and my favorite, Ode to Pepper Vinegar.
Secondly, read the poem Song by Edward Hirsch It is an ode to all the silent things that lose their value. I can feel his compassion build for every person and torn up couch that has been kicked to the curb in his poem.
Be thinking about what you would like to honor in an ode.
Some suggestions?
Ode to the journal I didn’t finish, Ode to my stack of bills, Ode to my kickstand, Ode to the last 25 pounds I put on, Ode to Cinnabons, Ode to the voting booth. Ode to my Blues, Ode to my Dishwasher, Dear Procrastination, Ode to Letters I never Sent
The list is endless. Enjoy writing a few of your own.