Ballad
A ballad is a narrative poem often telling a story of love, tragedy, or adventure, with a simple rhyme scheme like ABAB or ABCB. It typically uses iambic tetrameter and trimeter, creating a musical flow, and may include refrains to enhance the storytelling.

A Ballad of Lovely Things
In dreamland’s garden, pure and fair–
petals weep for the tales I hold–
there grow roses beyond compare–
for my love lost, and hearts turned cold.

In honor of the king’s sad plight–
fragrance perfumes the evening air–
I wear a crimson cloak tonight–
a symbol of a love so rare.

Dark roses bloom, for dreamland’s king–
for my king, the stars shine bright–
and here the roses softly sing–
I wear a crimson cloak tonight.

This ballad encapsulates themes of love, loss, and longing, framed within the metaphor of roses and a crimson cloak. The repetitive refrain emphasizes the mourning and devotion of the speaker, connecting to the traditional structure of the ballad. The use of iambic meter and simple rhyming pattern creates a rhythm that complements the solemn and reflective mood of the poem.

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—fall,
Lines drawn in shade are thick and wide.
Walls of silence through the hall,
While truths get lost, trust is set ‘side.
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, “America 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.

Ballad Stanza
A ballad stanza is a four-line stanza commonly found in English ballads, characterized by a rhyme scheme of ABCB. The first and third lines are typically unrhymed and contain four metrical feet (often in iambic meter), while the second and fourth lines rhyme and also consists of four metrical feet. This structure contributes to the musical quality and storytelling nature of ballads.

The Voting Game
In the booth where choices loom,
The pencil waits, we must decide.
But who would think the truth’s a lie?
The ads all boast—they won’t abide.

With ballots cast, we play the game,
Each mark a hope, a dream in flight.
The pundits speak of doom and gloom,
Yet all we seek is peace tonight.

With banners bright, the candidates cheer,
They promise hope, yet still deceive.
They claim to care, to serve the most,
But who among them can believe?

For every name upon that list—
A vow is made, but oft denied.
The candidates all smile and greet,
But who can say they’ve truly tried?

The lines are long, the clock ticks slow,
Each vote we cast, a paper trail.
As ballots fade, our hopes grow dim.
Yet still we stand, confused and frail.

Yet year by year, we persevere,
And fill the box with faith held tight.
As dreams of change begin to fade,
In this grand game of black and white.

So cast your vote, embrace the farce,
With hopeful hearts, when doubts collide.
Blame and fame won the vote we know—
The vote’s a jest; who takes the ride?

Breakdown (First Stanza):
In the booth where choices loom (8 syllables, 4 metrical feet, iambic tetrameter)
The pencil waits, we must decide (8 syllables, 4 metrical feet, iambic tetrameter)
But who would think the truth’s a lie? (8 syllables, 4 metrical feet, iambic tetrameter)
The ads all boast; they won’t abide (8 syllables, 4 metrical feet, iambic tetrameter)

This creates a musical and rhythmic quality that suits the storytelling nature of the poem, reinforcing the themes of election, politics, and the emotional tension tied to the voting process. The refrain-like repetition and rhythmic structure help underscore the cyclical nature of voting and the frustration that often accompanies it.