Here are some key characteristics of a plaintive poem:
* Melancholy Tone: The poem's language and rhythm often convey a sense of wistfulness, heartache, or despair.
* Focus on Loss or Yearning: It often deals with themes of death, separation, unrequited love, or the longing for something unattainable.
* Simple Language and Imagery: While the poem might use figurative language, it usually avoids excessive ornamentation, focusing on the raw emotion instead.
* Quiet and Restrained: Unlike a dramatic lament, a plaintive poem often expresses its sadness in a subtle and understated manner.
Examples of Plaintive Poems:
* "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe: This famous poem captures the speaker's deep grief and despair over the loss of his love, Lenore.
* "When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be" by John Keats: This poem expresses the fear of death and the yearning for artistic fulfillment before it's too late.
* "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost: While not explicitly sorrowful, this poem has a plaintive quality in its reflection on the passing of time and the quiet beauty of nature.
Remember, the key to a plaintive poem is the emotional quality of the writing. The poem should evoke a sense of sadness, longing, or melancholy in the reader.