You will remember, I am sure
From Mrs. Cherby’s class
An ode is but a lyric poem
That may have complex stanza forms, alas
No doubt, as sophomore scholars young
We were forced to learn a few
And repeat them all from rote
Words flowing as off golden tongues
So, now it’s time for some review
Poets all, we must that art promote

It was her profession to sharpen our dull minds
And to a razor’s edge she once did have them honed
Oh yes, Mrs. Cherby, in our hearts we do enshrine
She instilling in us a love of sounds we once bemoaned
Barbarian minds were by her teaching skills converted
We speak now aloud as if with angelic voices
And to our advantage poems have come so many times
Talk to win a lady’s heart improved by lyric ode inserted
With twists and turns, thrusts and parries of many choices
Oh, so very many kinds of useful and seductive lines

This skill in world of commerce too has much use
An ode has power, if spoken well, to pay our debts
Confidence into our conversations an ode might introduce
And distract attention if important concepts one forgets
Poems have more value than do jewels or do gold
In form of prayer, they might even purchase your salvation
So raise a glass to Mrs. Cherby’s memory just a bit
Though live or dead I do not know to speak so bold
And thank her yet one more time for her saintly dedication
For which, at the time, we really didn’t give a shit