A ballad is a form of narrative poetry that tells a story, often focusing on themes of love, tragedy, or adventure. Traditionally, ballads are composed in short stanzas with a simple rhyme scheme, making them easy to remember and recite. They often include dialogue and vivid imagery, which help to convey emotions and engage the audience. Ballads have a long history in various cultures, with roots in folk traditions. They can be found in the works of famous poets like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Burns, as well as in modern music genres such as country and pop. Their storytelling nature makes ballads a popular choice for both oral and written expression.