What type of work is "Sunflower Sutra" considered to be?

"Sunflower Sutra" is considered a lyrical poem because it expresses personal emotions and thoughts, often reflecting on feelings and experiences related to beauty and suffering. In the poem, the speaker contemplates a sunflower as a symbol of hope and renewal amidst the desolation of urban life. This focus on intense emotional expression and the exploration of personal insight aligns well with the characteristics of lyrical poetry, which is known for its musicality and personal voice.

While narrative poems focus on storytelling with a plot and characters, "Sunflower Sutra" revolves more around the speaker's inner thoughts and feelings rather than unfolding a specific story. Additionally, a sonnet is a structured form with specific rules regarding meter and rhyme scheme, which this poem does not adhere to. An ode is a formal, often elaborate lyric poem that addresses a particular subject; while "Sunflower Sutra" does celebrate the sunflower, its form and personal reflection align more closely with a lyrical style than an ode.