Ballade

A ballade is a formal poetic form consisting of three octaves (eight-line stanzas) and a final quatrain (envoi). The rhyme scheme is ABABBCBC for the three octaves and BCBC for the envoi. The last line of each stanza is a refrain, enhancing the poem’s musical quality and reinforcing key themes. The ballade’s structure often lends itself to themes of love, nature, or social commentary.

A Ballade on Divisions

Octave 1

American voices rise—falls,
Lines drawn in shade are thick and wide.
Walls of silence echo through halls,
While truths get lost, trust set–aside.
The hearts of many ache–they bide,
Each tethered soul–heavy thoughts bear.
They forge a chasm deep and wide,
America dreams–Will we dare?

Octave 2
Once beneath the same hopeful sun,
Now fractured paths–through fields we tread.
Conversations halt–words undone,
With each difference, doubt is spread.
Compassion fades, replaced with dread,
eyes blind to common bonds we share.
Yet in darkness, still a light spread—
America dreams–Will we dare?

Octave 3
Though banners wave and voices clash,
The common pulse beats strong and true.
In every clash, dreams fade to ash,
Yet hope can light the way anew.
We will bridge this space—breakthrough,
to unite our dreams and declare,
Every voice can sing, every hue—
America dreams–will we dare?

Envoi

O people—rise—lay aside care,
Unity, our strength will find our peace.
Together, we heal, and we share—
America dreams–will we dare?

This ballade presents a powerful commentary on the divisions within American society, urging unity and hope for the future. The refrain in each stanza, “American dreams—Will we dare?” echoes the challenge and the potential for reconciliation. The structured rhythm and rhyme reinforce the call for collective action and shared dreams.