Lyric poetry originated in ancient Greece, Archilochus, Sappho, and Alkaios being a few of its forefathers. Lyric poetry is called such because the poet often played a lyre while reciting it. Today, a lyric poem is a poem which displays the feelings and emotions of the writer. They are often melodic, rhythmic and harmonious; their songlike nature coming from their past. They are usually intensely personal and simple, an outpouring of the soul, relying on images and beauty, not cleverness or form, to convey meaning.