1. Ballad: This is a classic choice, known for its narrative structure, often with a strong rhythm and rhyme scheme. Ballads often focus on common folk, their struggles, and their love stories. Think of traditional folk ballads about Robin Hood or the tragic love of "Barbara Allen."
2. Lyric Poetry: While more focused on emotions and personal experiences than narrative, lyric poetry can still capture the everyday lives of ordinary people. Think of love poems, elegies, or even poems reflecting on daily routines.
3. Free Verse: This form of poetry doesn't follow strict rules of rhyme or meter, allowing for greater flexibility in expressing the rhythm of natural speech. This can be particularly effective in capturing the nuances of everyday language and experiences.
4. Vernacular Poetry: This style specifically uses the language and rhythms of ordinary speech, often drawing on regional dialects and colloquialisms. It captures the voices and experiences of people from specific communities.
5. Working-Class Poetry: This type of poetry explicitly focuses on the lives and struggles of working-class people, often highlighting their labor, economic conditions, and social experiences.
6. Realistic Poetry: This broad category emphasizes the portrayal of real life, often focusing on the everyday details and challenges of human experience.
7. Dramatic Monologue: This form allows a single character to speak directly to the reader, offering a powerful and personal window into their inner thoughts and experiences, even if they are not inherently "extraordinary" people.
The best choice for you depends on the specific tone, focus, and style you're looking for. For example, if you want a poem that feels like a traditional song with a strong narrative, a ballad might be ideal. If you want a more intimate and introspective piece reflecting on everyday emotions, lyric poetry could be a better fit.