Write your own ballad

Here are some rules for writing a ballad:

four lines to a verse, with a semi-colon or a comma after the second line, and a full-stop at the end;

lines two and four rhyme

there’s a clear rhythm: you can sing this poem!

the subject matter is often violent or romantic, or best of all, both

ballads follow the action: if there’s a gap, the ballad doesn’t tell you about it; one minute you’re here, the next minute you’re there

the end is usually pretty dramatic

You know all this from reading ‘Matty Groves’ and ‘1952 Vincent Black Lightning’!

Here’s the story:

Georgie has been arrested for poaching deer. He is going to be hanged. His girl-friend, who may be telling the story in your ballad, goes into town to see if he can be let off somehow. First she speaks to a sergeant in arms, but he can’t help. Then she speaks to a judge, but he can’t help. Finally she finds the King himself and she falls on her knees and begs for Georgie’s life. The king listens carefully and then lifts her from the floor and summons Georgie to him. He frees Georgie who kisses his girl-friend in joy.


See what you can do!