Write a Pindaric ode by focusing on a grand achievement. The style consists of three parts, including the "strophe," "antistrophe," which mirrors the strophe; and the "epode," which wraps up and concludes the form. Pindar's odes were written for a grand presentation in style by an acting troupe with a chorus. Stanzas are loosely written in iambic pentameter, and may or may not rhyme. Each section has three stanzas of a consistent, but not set length. The strophe addresses the gods, and celebrates their glories or in general sets out the broad grandeur of the situation; the antistrophe mirrors the structure and content, but focuses more on the situation at hand; the epode ties it all up together, giving an uplifting meaning to the whole.
Construct a Horatian ode by focusing on a political figure or situation. The verses are much shorter, only four to six lines, with a martial feel to the rhythm. Again, the opening verses address the broader focus of the situation setting forth the social or political background. A personal aspect of the situation is then addressed: soldiers going to war, death of a political figure, an issue of grave importance; the final portion wraps up the topic with soldiers marching to war, the political figure being laid to rest, or a course of action suggested for citizens.
Write an irregular ode by memorializing something that is important to you such as a former home, your alma mater, something you once owned or an event. Give the broad background that tells the reader why your topic is important in general, why it is important to you, then clinch the matter. The verses are rhymed, but the distinct sections are not evident.