For instructions re a Ballade, see the following helpful link:
The Ballade
In the Ballade, there are usually three stanzas of seven, eight, or ten-lines and a shorter final stanza (or envoy) of four or five lines. All stanzas end with the same one-line refrain. Respectively, these have the rhyme schemes and envoys ababbcC bcbC (cf. Chaucer's "Ballade of Good Counsel"), ababbcbC bcbC (cf. Dorothy Parker's "Ballade at Thirty-five"), and ababbccdcD ccdccD (cf. Swinburne's "A Ballad of Fran&cced;ois Villon"). The refrains appear at the end of each stanza and the concluding envoy.
Here's one of mine:
Move on… back to basics
Make everything okay; put out
a raging flame, the family pet.
In face of anger, herd about
defenseless kids; help them forget
the broken scenery on the set.
Clean up, placate, keep private, find
a quiet moment. Duties met,
move on and put it all behind.
To everyone be good and kind;
learn “love your neighbor as yourself”
imagine new relief to find;
do Jesus. All plans on the shelf,
put self aside; help needy folk.
Discover soon the same old bind…
felt burnout as old needs awoke.
Move on and put it all behind.
Now hear “Look out for number one.”
Lost self-esteem give greater sway;
stand up; be counted; find some fun;
think positive; go get away.
Re-center life on you – your choice.
Great affirmations help the grind…
yet something lurks; persistent voice,
“Move on and put it all behind.”
God’s love, ignored, see once again.
Embraced, you’ve never left His mind.
Hands joined, face pain; learn how you can
move on and put it all behind.
© Daniel J Ricketts 16 Dec 2003
Full Version: Ballade
Thanks Daniel, well done! 
I had no idea the Ballad and the Ballade were two different forms.
After a difficult day today, this verse is particularly moving to me:
Now hear “Look out for number one.”
Lost self-esteem give greater sway;
stand up; be counted; find some fun;
think positive; go get away.
Re-center life on you – your choice.
Great affirmations help the grind…
yet something lurks; persistent voice,
“Move on and put it all behind.”
HUGS
~Cleo
I had no idea the Ballad and the Ballade were two different forms.
After a difficult day today, this verse is particularly moving to me:
Now hear “Look out for number one.”
Lost self-esteem give greater sway;
stand up; be counted; find some fun;
think positive; go get away.
Re-center life on you – your choice.
Great affirmations help the grind…
yet something lurks; persistent voice,
“Move on and put it all behind.”
HUGS
~Cleo
Thank you, Lori... and I appreciate your sharing that the quoted passage struck you as it did. It's always a joy to see fellow poets 'ministering' to each other in their expressions of the heart.
Here's maybe the only other ballade I've written so far, at least that I can find:
Who Says My Obligation Has Expired?
'The Beak' assigned a challenge way back when;
each class compiled the words. ( Say "homophone" )
We seventh graders beat the ninth… but then
my list alone edged theirs - won on my own!
That birthed a punning Jinn… and now he's grown.
In time he met a muse; soon they conspired
to twist my thinking, writing. ( Hear the groan? )
Methinks my obligation has expired.
I joined online critique; they tagged along.
Each time I learned a form, she mused… he bent.
As poetry (once hated) turned to song,
they stirred and hounded me till I was spent.
From time to time, of late, they'd been content
to positively share. ( Had they retired? )
I told them (even though they'd not relent)
"Look, guys, my obligation has expired!"
"Write freely, follow form, do parody,
pen stream-of-conscious… anything you want!"
I told myself… and did. They said, "You'll see."
I don't need them; I'm capable… I shan't
rely on them; I finally slowed down,
let days go by between when I desired.
Wrote serious again – far less the clown.
At last... my obligation had expired!
Another writing challenge came along;
I heard their strains again: they lute'd, lyre'd.
I took the bait, and louder rang their song…
At least that obligation has expired…
but…
my Jinn chants "Obligation must be sired.”
then Muse, “Our obligation must be fired.”
and both, “Your obligation’s not retired;
just face it, obligation ain’t expired.”
© Daniel J Ricketts 19 Dec 2003
day 30 of a challenge to write a poem-a-day for 30 days
Rev. 22 Jan 2004
Here's maybe the only other ballade I've written so far, at least that I can find:
Who Says My Obligation Has Expired?
'The Beak' assigned a challenge way back when;
each class compiled the words. ( Say "homophone" )
We seventh graders beat the ninth… but then
my list alone edged theirs - won on my own!
That birthed a punning Jinn… and now he's grown.
In time he met a muse; soon they conspired
to twist my thinking, writing. ( Hear the groan? )
Methinks my obligation has expired.
I joined online critique; they tagged along.
Each time I learned a form, she mused… he bent.
As poetry (once hated) turned to song,
they stirred and hounded me till I was spent.
From time to time, of late, they'd been content
to positively share. ( Had they retired? )
I told them (even though they'd not relent)
"Look, guys, my obligation has expired!"
"Write freely, follow form, do parody,
pen stream-of-conscious… anything you want!"
I told myself… and did. They said, "You'll see."
I don't need them; I'm capable… I shan't
rely on them; I finally slowed down,
let days go by between when I desired.
Wrote serious again – far less the clown.
At last... my obligation had expired!
Another writing challenge came along;
I heard their strains again: they lute'd, lyre'd.
I took the bait, and louder rang their song…
At least that obligation has expired…
but…
my Jinn chants "Obligation must be sired.”
then Muse, “Our obligation must be fired.”
and both, “Your obligation’s not retired;
just face it, obligation ain’t expired.”
© Daniel J Ricketts 19 Dec 2003
day 30 of a challenge to write a poem-a-day for 30 days
Rev. 22 Jan 2004
Hi JustDaniel,
Like Lori, I did not realize there exists a difference in form between ballad and ballade. What a difference a misspelling might make.
Don
Like Lori, I did not realize there exists a difference in form between ballad and ballade. What a difference a misspelling might make.
Don
Here ya go... my first Ballade.... 
A Book Can Bring…
Like oiled coals in noonday sun
a fire burns within my mind.
A narrative; drama or pun
that speaks of days; Kings left behind.
A culture cured, nations refined,
a swarm of characters from yore;
the enemy inside we’ll find…
a book can bring pleasures once more.
Accounts of knightly battles won,
repulsion felt by those left blind.
Seizing no light, a faith is shun
pressed into darkness, hate entwined.
This shocking hive seeks out Mankind
intent on screening hope through lore,
the villain bound and left confined…
a book can bring pleasures once more.
A wall of truths dolled up, outdone;
perhaps suspense, fiction combined?
Within these recipes begun,
reflections of a place or time...
sparks inspiration, stories spun.
Best seller, maybe, what’s in store?
Advancing plot, with scenes that bind…
a book can bring pleasures once more.
Conflict resolved, presence of mind,
the central theme completes the score.
Climactic end, setting aligned…
a book can bring pleasures once more.
Copyright © Lorraine M Kanter 13 Aug 2005
Words used:
Book; fire; press; account; oil;
pleasure; screen; swarm; light; hive
A Book Can Bring…
Like oiled coals in noonday sun
a fire burns within my mind.
A narrative; drama or pun
that speaks of days; Kings left behind.
A culture cured, nations refined,
a swarm of characters from yore;
the enemy inside we’ll find…
a book can bring pleasures once more.
Accounts of knightly battles won,
repulsion felt by those left blind.
Seizing no light, a faith is shun
pressed into darkness, hate entwined.
This shocking hive seeks out Mankind
intent on screening hope through lore,
the villain bound and left confined…
a book can bring pleasures once more.
A wall of truths dolled up, outdone;
perhaps suspense, fiction combined?
Within these recipes begun,
reflections of a place or time...
sparks inspiration, stories spun.
Best seller, maybe, what’s in store?
Advancing plot, with scenes that bind…
a book can bring pleasures once more.
Conflict resolved, presence of mind,
the central theme completes the score.
Climactic end, setting aligned…
a book can bring pleasures once more.
Copyright © Lorraine M Kanter 13 Aug 2005
Words used:
Book; fire; press; account; oil;
pleasure; screen; swarm; light; hive
Good morning Cleo,
I printed JustDaniel's Ballade with rules and a link this morning. I guess it is time to join the group in expanding poetic horizon to include one more form of maybe a million.
Upon abtaining enough knowledge to be dangerous, I shall return to swipe at your ballade, Lori.
Uh, what are the words at the end. Is this a contest or challenge of which escaped my closed eyes?
I hope to be back sooner than later.
Don
I printed JustDaniel's Ballade with rules and a link this morning. I guess it is time to join the group in expanding poetic horizon to include one more form of maybe a million.
Upon abtaining enough knowledge to be dangerous, I shall return to swipe at your ballade, Lori.
Uh, what are the words at the end. Is this a contest or challenge of which escaped my closed eyes?
I hope to be back sooner than later.
Don
QUOTE (Don @ Aug. 14 2005, 09:03)
Good morning Cleo,
I printed JustDaniel's Ballade with rules and a link this morning. I guess it is time to join the group in expanding poetic horizon to include one more form of maybe a million.
Upon abtaining enough knowledge to be dangerous, I shall return to swipe at your ballade, Lori.
Uh, what are the words at the end. Is this a contest or challenge of which escaped my closed eyes?
I hope to be back sooner than later.
Don
I printed JustDaniel's Ballade with rules and a link this morning. I guess it is time to join the group in expanding poetic horizon to include one more form of maybe a million.
Upon abtaining enough knowledge to be dangerous, I shall return to swipe at your ballade, Lori.
Uh, what are the words at the end. Is this a contest or challenge of which escaped my closed eyes?
I hope to be back sooner than later.
Don
Hello Don,
That's exactly what I did! I said, "Self, it's time to write a poetic form I haven't tried yet!" :upside: :oops: :grinning:
Oops! Shock :p The words at the end is for this weeks Times Ten challenge over in our Acropolis forum. I did a double dip - two for one. Write a response to the Times Ten challenge (so I chose a Ballade)..
Cheers!
~Cleo :sun:
Thanks for the explanation, Lori.
I've started first sonnet of seven toward completing a crown sonnet; therefore, not likely to compose a ballade soon. Especially since starting Monday we visit medical offices a lot and the following week I transform to sacrifical lamb for August 24 surgical tumor removal. I know everyone has my good health and recovery in mind. Therefore, as this message is for news update no further word need be said or written at this time.
I do sincerely want to take time to review your ballade, Cleo.
Don :pharoah2
I've started first sonnet of seven toward completing a crown sonnet; therefore, not likely to compose a ballade soon. Especially since starting Monday we visit medical offices a lot and the following week I transform to sacrifical lamb for August 24 surgical tumor removal. I know everyone has my good health and recovery in mind. Therefore, as this message is for news update no further word need be said or written at this time.
I do sincerely want to take time to review your ballade, Cleo.
Don :pharoah2
My thoughts are with you of course Don.
I've also posted my Ballade for crit too.... :D
I've also posted my Ballade for crit too.... :D
A Book Can Bring…
Like oiled coals in noonday sun [Interesting image, "oiled coals,"
a fire burns within my mind.
A narrative; drama or pun [Good iambic trimeter]
that speaks of days; Kings left behind. [Why the semi-colon?]
A culture cured, nations refined,
a swarm of characters from yore;
the enemy inside we’ll find… [Like your choice of ellipsis repeat at this point for extra pause]
a book can bring pleasures once more. [Singular “pleasure?”]
Accounts of knightly battles won, [Good iambic tetrameter]
repulsion felt by those left blind.
Seizing no light, a faith’s been shun
pressed into darkness, hate entwined.
This shocking hive seeks out Mankind [Why capital “m”]
intent on screening hope through lore,
the villain bound and left confined…
a book can bring pleasures once more. [Singular “pleasure?”]
A screen of truths dolled up, outdone; [“dolled” nonexistant]
perhaps suspense, fiction combined?
Within these recipes begun,
reflections of a place or time... [reflecting place and time??][“time” no rhyme]
sparks inspiration, stories spun.
Best seller, maybe, what’s in store? [I like reference to retail and content by “in store.”]
Advancing plot, with scenes that bind…
a book can bring pleasures once more. [Singular “pleasure?”]
Conflict resolved, presence of mind,
the central theme completes the score.
Climactic end, setting aligned…
a book can bring pleasures once more. [Singular “pleasure?”]
Copyright © Lorraine M Kanter 13 Aug 2005
Above is my quick review. According to JustDaniel's link to ballade the meter should be iambic tetrameter or iambic pentameter. You have written a good ballade, which upon review I conclude is not easy to master. It looks like a born-to-it or practice, practice, practice format to write well.
Thanks for the opportunity to read.
Don
Like oiled coals in noonday sun [Interesting image, "oiled coals,"
a fire burns within my mind.
A narrative; drama or pun [Good iambic trimeter]
that speaks of days; Kings left behind. [Why the semi-colon?]
A culture cured, nations refined,
a swarm of characters from yore;
the enemy inside we’ll find… [Like your choice of ellipsis repeat at this point for extra pause]
a book can bring pleasures once more. [Singular “pleasure?”]
Accounts of knightly battles won, [Good iambic tetrameter]
repulsion felt by those left blind.
Seizing no light, a faith’s been shun
pressed into darkness, hate entwined.
This shocking hive seeks out Mankind [Why capital “m”]
intent on screening hope through lore,
the villain bound and left confined…
a book can bring pleasures once more. [Singular “pleasure?”]
A screen of truths dolled up, outdone; [“dolled” nonexistant]
perhaps suspense, fiction combined?
Within these recipes begun,
reflections of a place or time... [reflecting place and time??][“time” no rhyme]
sparks inspiration, stories spun.
Best seller, maybe, what’s in store? [I like reference to retail and content by “in store.”]
Advancing plot, with scenes that bind…
a book can bring pleasures once more. [Singular “pleasure?”]
Conflict resolved, presence of mind,
the central theme completes the score.
Climactic end, setting aligned…
a book can bring pleasures once more. [Singular “pleasure?”]
Copyright © Lorraine M Kanter 13 Aug 2005
Above is my quick review. According to JustDaniel's link to ballade the meter should be iambic tetrameter or iambic pentameter. You have written a good ballade, which upon review I conclude is not easy to master. It looks like a born-to-it or practice, practice, practice format to write well.
Thanks for the opportunity to read.
Don
Thanks Don - I hope you'll psot these comments in my crit tile in Hermes too (I've made a fw slight tweaks already)...
I thought you one could receives pleasures .... it cannot be plural?
Cheers!
Cleo
I thought you one could receives pleasures .... it cannot be plural?
Cheers!
Cleo
Hi Cleo_Serapis,
There is not a emphatic need to make "pleasures" singular. you know this craft better than I.
Whew....! Searching for specific spots can be challenging. The comments have been copied into Hermes per your request. I did not realize I yapped in the wrong tile.
Don :pharoah2
There is not a emphatic need to make "pleasures" singular. you know this craft better than I.
Whew....! Searching for specific spots can be challenging. The comments have been copied into Hermes per your request. I did not realize I yapped in the wrong tile.
Don :pharoah2
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