Epitaph

Poetry Description:

This poem is usually very short. It can be rhymed or unrhymed. What makes this poem an Epitaph is the subject. An Epitaph is the short poem that can be placed upon the headstone of a grave. It usually explains about the person’s life or the way a person died.

Applications for History Class:

An Epitaph may be used to describe a historical figure. Students may create tombstones with these poems and display them around the class.

Directions:

Research a historical figure. Write a few lines that sums up this person’s life, or tells about the way this person died. This poem may be rhymed or unrhymed.

Sample: 


Here lies the body of Alexander

A man who was called great

His empire stretched from Greece to India

His leadership was great

No other warrior compared to him

Now he lies cold and dead

He could not defeat death

His name will live forever!