Irregular Ode: This type of ode does not follow a strict formal structure, allowing the poet more freedom in terms of meter, rhyme, and line length. It often focuses on more personal subjects and experiences.

Odes traditionally aim to elevate the subject they explore, whether it’s a person, nature, an abstract concept, or an event, and often involve deep emotional reflection.

Irregular Ode: Ode to Lexicon

Obsession’s lair,
an ode to Lexicon,
a demon’s affair.
Take the apple of knowledge,
call it a pear—
or a bitten plum, temptation,
juices of desire.
Words inspire like hell’s fire,
or looking into the eyes of a demon lover,
dig me down and with words cover—
me in a blanket of literary,
none other than a fervent bite—
the fruit, unnamed, I shall write
my own delight.
In the abyss, a night of desire, a passion,
a glance that sparks a fiery trance,
the lust for lexicon is an infernal romance.
The futility of words confined,
In the vastness of emotions,
being blind—
trying to bind—
is a futile attempt to capture the essence,
of love’s labyrinth,
an acquiescence—
of a linguistic presence.
Obsession’s tendrils hold a tightening grip,
in the chambers of the mind like a sinking ship—
emotions slip,
for this lexicon ode is a melancholy hymn,
in the oceans of words, we swim.
Where to begin?
The bitten plum, apple, or pear, a symbol of desire—
a taste of longing for something higher—
a fervent fire.
Eyes of a demon lover, Lexicon is a tempting gaze,
In Obsession’s Maze,
where my linguistic tongue plays.

An ode is traditionally a lyrical poem that praises or glorifies a subject, often conveying deep emotions and intense reflections. In This poem, there is a clear focus on Lexicon—the love and obsession for words, language, and the power they hold. The poem glorifies the act of writing and the seductive, almost demonic allure of language, treating it with reverence and passion.

The emotional depth, praise for lexicon, and vivid imagery align with the characteristics of an ode. Although it breaks away from more classical or formal structures, its thematic focus on obsession and desire for words fits within the genre.

Obsession’s Lair
Obsession’s lair, an ode to Lexicon, (A)
A demon’s affair with words in the night. (B)
Take the apple of knowledge, call it a pear— (A)
Or a bitten plum, temptation’s delight. (B)

Words inspire like hell’s fire, burning bright, (C)
Or looking into the eyes of a demon, (D)
Dig me down and with words cover me tight, (C)
In blankets of literary, none other than— (D)

A fervent bite, the fruit, unnamed, I write, (E)
My own delight, in the abyss of desire. (F)
A glance that sparks a fiery trance so right, (E)
The lust for lexicon is an infernal fire. (F)

The futility of words confined (G)
In vast emotions, though blind, we strive— (H)
To bind is futile, a desperate design, (G)
Capturing love’s essence, a labyrinth to thrive. (H)

Obsession’s tendrils hold a tightening grip, (I)
In chambers of the mind, a sinking ship— (J)
Emotions slip, for this lexicon ode, (I)
Is a melancholy hymn on words bestowed. (J)

Where to begin, the bitten plum or pear? (K)
A symbol of longing for something higher— (L)
A taste of desire, fervent and rare, (K)
Eyes of a demon lover spark my fire. (L)

Lexicon, a tempting gaze in this maze, (M)
Where my linguistic tongue dances and plays. (M)

In this version, the ode follows an alternating rhyme scheme (ABAB) and maintains a consistent stanza structure. I decided to end this one with a “sonnet tail”.