What is a Ballad?

Strictly, a ballad is a form of poetry that alternates lines of four and three beats, often in quatrains, rhymed abab, and often telling a story


​As I walked along the road one day                              A
Kicking up stones along the way,                                  A
I saw a bird of unusual size                                            B
Who had a large beak and small, beady eyes.            B

He strutted about and ruffled his wings                      C
Then he did the most ominous thing.                          C
He let out a screech and puffed out his chest            D
I wanted to run from this evil pest.                               D

As this bird's mighty exterior did appear
The inside of my chest was filled with fear.
He put one talon forward, the other one next
This troublesome bird was making me vexed.

I then did something that was a great chance.
I kicked a stone at him to stop his advance.
He then chased the stone, oh joy of great joys!
I felt myself one of the luckiest boys!

Around the corner I ran, straight to my home,
Leaving that bird confused and alone.
Don't befriend a turkey (for that's what he was)
Or he will attack you simply because

Source: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/the-ballad-of-the-turkey #FamilyFriendPoems

Often, ballads are about love--either lost or found-- or about an event that says something about how people feel or learn. They are thought of as romantic and are often tragic.

Ballads tell stories that often tackle themes like scandal, love, death, disaster, or even current events. They usually follow a clear, linear storyline (beginning, middle, end), and rely on plotted action.