May 27, 2025 by Olivia Clemmensen (‘26)
Sonnets are a type of poem, originally used in the 13th century, containing 14 lines exploring ideas of nature, love or philosophical themes through iambic pentameter, a form of rhyme scheme involving a set number syllables and phases. Odes on the other hand, are less restrictive and are used to praise, celebrate and highlight a particular place, person, object or idea.
With the 2024-2025 school year finishing up, Saratoga Springs High School English classes like Ms. Gebhard’s 3rd and 4th Block classes have been working on writing sonnets and odes, some inspired by the period of Romantic Poetry, with a handful featured below.
“Untitled” by Brent Pasek
One heart will consume, yet never be full.
Left creeping, steeped in darkness until morn.
Thinking of unfulfilled promises sworn
And chasing dreams beyond the world’s control.
Effort poured through the filter of one’s soul,
Until the weight of early vows are borne.
And in fast approach comes the hostile horn.
Now man stares into the face of a bull.
Yet in his eyes, he finds deep solitude
A creature never offered such advice
So man saw what he could never foresee.
The clouds opened like they haven’t been viewed,
And fading doubt moved as if melting ice.
And through the storm at last, was man made free.
“Untitled” by Natalie Ballesteros
It was always late July when they came.
Them with their loud machines ready for change.
Bulldozing down the quiet Rd. they’d claim.
Prepared to turn the vibrant forest beige.
One by one, they began work on the plot.
Their motto, Out with the old, in with the new.
Dreaming of the future, not a spare thought.
But when they were finished, that wasn’t true.
They took a step back to see what they’ve done.
The metamorphosis was all finished.
The lush forest they knew was fully gone.
now a concrete forest comma heart diminished
Unavoidable, the future is change.
The past will be lost, the future is change.
“An Ode to the Cheeseburger” by Elianna Belfort
Oh, cheeseburger, you tasty little guy.
With melted cheese and meat that makes me grin.
A toasted bun, so soft it makes me sigh,
Take a bite and joy begins within.
Some ketchup squirts, and mustard joins the fun,
with lettuce, crisp and pickles in the stack.
A slice of tomato, just one–not none,
All piled so high; I need a snack attack.
You’re not too fancy, but you’re just so right,
A meal that hits the spot and fills me fast.
I crave your flavor, morning, noon and night.
You’re greasy, cheesy, and a total blast.
So cheers to you, My burger built with love,
A gift from greasy angels above.
“Ode to Ariadne spoken by Theseus” by Alison Ott
Ariadne, utterly pure girl,
Daughter of Minos, bearer of the divine thread, I praise your beauty and kindness.
I’ve come from afar as a sacrifice to your mother’s burden, you must help me,
I must slay the beast.
Provide the divine thread and the sharp dagger, show me the ways of the winding halls, spread your vibrant light through its darkness.
Through his home.
Swiftly he will come, but your gracious gifts and face that smiles immortal beauty will save me.
I ponder, “What can I give in return?”
My heart yearns for you; my wild desire persuades me to passion.
I madly worship you, princess.
You may wonder, “Why me, Theseus?”
Because when you dance, I will dance too, when you run, I will run too.
Do not reject me now, for with binding promises I will convince you, I will save you from your homeland, soon you will be free from your family’s wrath.
I love you, Ariadne!
Come to me now, my goddess, end my yearning and give me what my heart seeks! Marry me, Ariadne.
“Untitled” by Emily Hopkins
Cross the path and far away Lies waves and foam of deepest blue, A lovely color and stunning hue Forever a vision, come what may
Beneath the surf, without delay The rolling tide rushes in anew Revealing the beach, old and true Sand and foam join the mighty fray
The abyssal sea stretches far Liquid sky of endless azure Currents and waves join in the swell
An everlasting reservoir Vast and stormy, yet calm and sure The sea waves its solemn farewell
“Ode to Running Track” by Anonymous
I practice hard daily with great discipline
So that I will soon earn a rewarding win I put in the time and won’t accept last
And these tough commitments will help me stay fast
I leave all of my effort out on the track
A taxing opportunity I’m not getting back
Coming around the turn, I keep giving more
Giving everything I had and collapse to the floor
Always finish right through the line I’m a little faster than my old best time
When I’m distressed, it puts me in a good mood
So I push to work hard with a good attitude
Quick off the line, I got a good start Running will always hold a firm place in my heart
The following poem is an example of satire, based on the ideas in the Enlightenment:
“The Endarkenment” by Elliot Lester
The people, philosophers, and kings debate 37 hours a day, 10 days a week. Here they waste their time for a reason, not great. Honestly, what is it they seek?
Whether they be in Kraustenhaulstein, Germany or Lejepour, France, The darkness of their supposed progress they spread. The skies will open when they turn to romance. But it seems that these philosophers have no head.
I’m not one to be critical, but,
Everything about the Endarkenment is so stupid! Whenever I read one of its works, I feel like I am getting punched in the gut. Instead of feeling love towards it, I am shot with disgust, disapproval, and disappointment by Cupid.
Move their desks into the woods everyone should, And realize that what nature brings is good.
“Untitled” by Maddison Manney
Walking in, rich of the wonderous world; Of vibrant green and beauties in delight.
The consumingly animated flora twirled, The sun’s rays gazing upon them so bright.
What vile atrocities could rival such creation, What man would prefer the desolate smog? How might one revel in repellent association? Who wouldn’t wish to flee from the Devil’s dogs?
The creations of new restraining our existence. Putting reliance on unsound diligence. Promoting cheap tactics without resistance For good of the people, comes no vigilance
But in beauties untold, there must be troves, For treasures lie in nature’s hartgrove.
“Untitled” by Parker Mansfield
The view across the open street: A blue-gray scene, one of nature. Shrouded by dark clouds from the night, a patch of forest laying clear. Accents of mounds lay here and there, and in the rear, a crowd of trees stand with slender figures, swaying. On barren ground the trunks stretch up into the sky where wind sweeps by. Shaking their tops, but still they stand strong, for it is all they can do.
The morning sun gently appears over the hills in the distance. In harmony with wind and cloud a new scene is set, a new day has begun, one filled full with chance and opportunity.
And with the golden rays of light, color appears from the new scene.
The school bus summits the road’s hill and pulls in front of the clearing, blocking, waiting, ready to do it’s duty and take me away from the tranquil morning forest.
“Operation Overlord D-Day” by Bradon Mulford
On the beaches of France men are dying,
While the planes inland fly on, on and on.
Dead men’s last actions shall continue on;
Men are cursed by the twin sons of warring.
Phobos and Deimos laughing and playing,
Run and chase over the soon to be gone.
Men’s guns breathed fire as if they were dragons.
These men died here for a cause worth fighting.
On the beaches of France men do perish,
For others’ death they refuse, they deny.
They run, run up the beaches, grim and gray.
The reward, their life they will soon cherish.
Those, that day, of losing they were just shy
But now having won all would be okay.
“Untitled” by Emma Woytowich
Your warm sand cushions my feet, A gentle place, a soft retreat. Your edge lines with blue, crystal clear, A song of waves is all I hear.
The bustling world fades with you, Replaced by skies of peaceful view. Treasures you hold gently below, In shells that gleam with pearly glow. The salty air, a constant friend, A comfort seems to never end. No other sight can match you, true With golden sun and ocean blue. All is peaceful at your shores, A masterpiece the world adores.
“Ode to Zanthoxylum” by Tallan Ronk
Oh, Zanthoxylum.
How your prickly branches stand tall in the late summer’s breeze.
With your Sansho or Szechuan’s tingly sensation from the arnatum or or piperitas.
By your side, I’m always at ease.
With all your names,
you’ll always be well represented,
Prickly ash, fagara and more unprecedented,
Your berries and peppercorns provide us with great cuisine.
From Szechuan in Chengdu,
to the teppal in the cuisine during Janmasthami by the Marathi,
Anywhere in the world, I’ll always be by thee.
I will accept your numbingness,
Thank you. Rhetsa, thank you, piperitum, Thank you, our arnatum
And most of all, thank you, Zanthoxylum.