Journey Acrostic Poems

These Journey Acrostic poems are examples of Acrostic poems about Journey. These are the best examples of Acrostic Journey poems written by international poets.

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A River’s Journey

by angela on February 27, 2012

I have had requests for journey poems and for a river acrostic poem, and have taken this River’s Journey poem one step further to include aspects of a shape poem.  It is great for teaching figurative language as it includes lots of personification, metaphors and alliteration, and some onomatopoeia.

Tagged as: acrostic , acrostic poem , alliteration , alliteration poems , figurative language , journey poem , journey poems , metaphor poetry , metaphors , onomatopoeia , personification , river , river acrostic , river poem , river poems , river's journey , teaching personification , water

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Writers.com

If you’re a fan of steganography—the art of concealing messages in text—you might enjoy writing an acrostic poem. From the abecedarian to the golden shovel, acrostic poetry hijacks the poem’s use of line breaks . With this form, you can embed hidden meanings, derive inspiration, or simply have fun with the structure of poetry.

Famous acrostic poems throughout history have used the form to write love letters, incite political rebellions, and play with form. In this article, we’ll discuss how to write an acrostic poem yourself, with 6 different forms of acrostic poetry that can inspire or challenge your writing.

We’ll also share some different acrostic poem examples. But first, what is an acrostic poem?

What is an Acrostic Poem?

  • The Conventional Acrostic Poem
  • The Double Acrostic Poem
  • The Abecedarian Poem
  • The Mesostich
  • The Telestich
  • The Golden Shovel

More Famous Acrostic Poem Examples

How to write an acrostic poem: 5 tips, why write an acrostic poem.

If you’re familiar with the basics of poetry form , you know that a poem is organized in lines and stanzas, rather than sentences and paragraphs. Like any work of English literature, a poem is read from left to right, top to bottom.

The same is true for acrostic poems. But, in addition to being read left to right, the poem also contains a hidden message in the form of vertically aligned letters or words. In other words, an acrostic poem is a poem that uses the vertical nature of poetry to spell out a hidden word or phrase.

What is an acrostic poem? It is a poem that uses the vertical nature of poetry to spell out a hidden word or phrase.

This is better demonstrated in some acrostic poem examples. Take the piece “An Acrostic” by Edgar Allan Poe— retrieved here from Poets.org .

An Acrostic

Elizabeth it is in vain you say “Love not” — thou sayest it in so sweet a way: In vain those words from thee or L.E.L. Zantippe’s talents had enforced so well: Ah! if that language from thy heart arise, Breath it less gently forth — and veil thine eyes. Endymion, recollect, when Luna tried To cure his love — was cured of all beside — His follie — pride — and passion — for he died.

Notice that the first letter of each line also spells out the poem’s first word: ELIZABETH. This poem, dedicated to Poe’s cousin Elizabeth Rebecca Herring, makes use of Greek mythology to discuss themes of love, beauty, and death.

If the poem itself is difficult to understand, don’t worry—its references are rather obscure. L.E.L. refers to the poet Letitia Elizabeth Landon, who often wrote about love or its absence. Zantippe, more commonly spelled Xanthippe, was the wife of Socrates and, reportedly, had a sharp temper (though she was also a devoted housewife).

Endymion, by contrast, was a man whom the moon (Luna) fell in love with. Luna begged Zeus to grant Endymion eternal life, which Zeus agreed to, though he also put Endymion in eternal sleep, essentially preserving his beauty but robbing him of his life.

Here, the acrostic poem form is being used to dedicate the poem to another person. However, there are many more creative uses of the acrostic form, which we will uncover in the following acrostic poem examples.

Acrostic Poem Examples: 6 Forms of Acrostic Poetry

As with any poetry form, poets have tinkered with the acrostic poem for centuries. Here are six types of acrostic poetry to inspire and challenge you.

1. The Conventional Acrostic Poem

The conventional acrostic poem uses the first letter or word of each line to spell out a related word or phrase. Edgar Allan Poe gave us one of many acrostic poem examples that follow this form. Below is another example: “A Boat Beneath a Sunny Sky” by Lewis Carroll .

A Boat Beneath a Sunny Sky

A boat beneath a sunny sky, Lingering onward dreamily In an evening of July —

Children three that nestle near, Eager eye and willing ear, Pleased a simple tale to hear —

Long has paled that sunny sky: Echoes fade and memories die: Autumn frosts have slain July.

Still she haunts me, phantomwise, Alice moving under skies Never seen by waking eyes.

Children yet, the tale to hear, Eager eye and willing ear, Lovingly shall nestle near.

In a Wonderland they lie, Dreaming as the days go by, Dreaming as the summers die:

Ever drifting down the stream — Lingering in the golden gleam — Life, what is it but a dream?

The first letter of each line spells out the name “ALICE PLEASANCE LIDDELL,” the subject of the poem. Alice also serves as the inspiration of Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland , a work whose themes and ideas can be seen, albeit inchoate, in this poem.

On top of the acrostic form, Carroll also rhymes each tercet, making this poem both metrically challenging and a pleasure to read. Of course, acrostic poems can do more than just embed names in their lines—they can embed messages of any sort!—but the acrostic name poem is a common literary trope.

2. The Double Acrostic Poem

Following suit, the double acrostic poem embeds a message both at the beginning and at the end of each line . The first letter of each line spells out a word, and so does the last letter of each line.

Double acrostic poem examples are hard to find, and good examples are even harder. Perhaps the most famous example is the poem “Stroud” by Paul Hansford, in dedication to the town of the same name in England.

S et among hills in the midst of five valley s , T his peaceful little market town we inhabi t R efuses (vociferously!) to be a conforme r . O nce home  of  the cloth it gave its name t o , U phill and down again its  streets lead yo u . D espite its faults it leaves us all charme d .

Despite the fun challenge of writing a double acrostic, this form is relatively rare in published poetry. As such, there is much room for experimentation, and you should challenge yourself with the form!

One idea for experimentation would be a double helix poem, in which the first letters can be read top-to-bottom, and last letters can be read bottom-to-top, mirroring the directionality of DNA.

3. The Abecedarian Poem

The abecedarian poem is a type of acrostic in which the first letter of each line runs in alphabetical order. Naturally, most English-language abecedarian poems are 26 lines long. Despite the challenge of following alphabetical order, a good abecedarian will still rely on using concrete nouns and verbs at the start of each line, eschewing the easy route of articles, adverbs, and prepositions whenever possible.

Abecedarian definition: a type of acrostic in which the first letter of each line runs in alphabetical order.

Here’s one of many great abecedarian poem examples, titled “abecedarian with sexual tension” by Emily Corwin :

are you running to someplace that beckons you? in the wild yonder, where I

crackle, the lungs of me blooming silver in the dimness, riverbed gone out. should we meet then at

evening? under coxcomb and swollen, filled with asking for each other, asking whether

goodness can be taught, whether this is right. and how do you heal yourself, my dear?

I remember what you are—scab, totem, juniper on the side of this house. do you make me

kind? would you like to reach between my doors— lurid as a milksnake? I break every promise

made once to myself, in the darkening, dark now, and my blackberries are burnt. I put fire

on the table, the rosewood made soft and pinkish. I long to be among your

quiet plants, your neck unclothed, your wrist and rhubarb, the red thorny vine coiling,

smoked in you—a heat that pulls, dragging anyone toward it, toward being raptured,

unmade by your finger tips, undone my ribs, vertebrae—scraped, used like a

whetstone. it is scary, to live like this, under the x-ray machines, everything visible in my

young chest—a threshold. enter me between a zillion bright rooms, all at once hushing.

The challenge, of course, is to write convincing lines using those Scrabble letters like J, X, Q, and Z. Some more abecedarian poem examples include “A Poem for S.” by Jessica Greenbaum , “Hummingbird Abecedarian” by Aimee Nezhukumatathil , and “A Boy Can Wear a Dress” by John Bosworth . Our instructor Susan Vespoli has also published two abecedarians: “ Dear 2022 ” and “ Adam Abecedarian “.

4. The Mesostich

The mesostich, also known as a mesostic poem, is a type of acrostic poem in which a word or phrase is formed down the middle of the poem .

Like other acrostic forms, the mesostich can be read like normal, and the hidden message will often be italicized or capitalized down the center of the text. Some poets, like Andrew Culver, argue that a true mesotich is only achieved when the mesostic letters are not repeated twice in the same line.

Poet John Cage popularized the mesostich form. Here’s an example of the mesostich, out of John Cage’s longform poem Overpopulation and Art . Cage’s poem repeats the phrase “OVERPOPULATION AND ART” as a mesostich 20 times—one time for each letter of the phrase ‘OVERPOPULATION AND ART.”

overpopulation and art acrostic poem examples

For more fun with the form, check out this mesostic poem generator from the University of Pennsylvania.

5. The Telestich

Like the mesostich, the telestich is a relatively uncommon form of the acrostic. Telestiches form words or phrases using the last letters of each line .

We’ve already seen one example of the telestich in the double acrostic poem, as the last line of that poem spelled out “STROUD.” That said, telestiches are relatively uncommon in English-language and contemporary poetry.

However, the telestich was a common tactic used by Ovid, an Ancient Roman poet. In The Metamorphoses , Ovid employs telestich lines that often refer to the content of the text itself. First, let’s look at one telestich he employed in the original Latin:

From Metamorphoses , Book 1, lines 406-411:

The poem’s telestich spells out the word “SOMATA,” an Ancient Greek word meaning “bodies.” This is relevant to the text itself, which you can see for yourself in this translation:

The use of the telestich reinforces the corporeal nature of the text, exhibiting the kind of structural (and multilingual) wordplay that Ovid embedded in his work.

For a full translation of the text, as well as the original Latin, you can find Metamorphoses here .

6. The Golden Shovel

The Golden Shovel is a poetry form invented by Terrance Hayes. To write a golden shovel, the last word of each line should be read vertically so that it transcribes the text of another poem (making this form a modified version of the telestich).

Terrance Hayes’ poem “ The Golden Shovel ” is the first example of this form, which adapted the text of Gwendolyn Brooks’ “ We Real Cool ”. You can see Brooks’ poem repeated through the end words of each line in Hayes’ piece.

We’ve covered “We Real Cool” before, both in our article on short form poetry and our article on repetition devices . So, here’s a different example of The Golden Shovel. Michael Kleber-Diggs’ poem “America is Loving Me to Death” is a Golden Shovel of the Pledge of Allegiance—and it also has a beginning-letter acrostic!

Read the poem here, in the Academy of American Poets. 

Looking for more acrostic poem examples to inspire your writing? Here’s a brief list of famous acrostic poems.

  • “ Ode for a Phi Beta Kappa Occasion ” by Rolfe Humphries
  • “ Georgiana Augusta Keats ” by John Keats
  • “ Missing Glossary ” by Claire Wahmanholm
  • “ Acrostic ” by Lewis Carroll
  • “ Acrostic from Aegina ” by David Mason
  • “ La Priere De Nostre Dame ” by Geoffrey Chaucer
  • “ London ” by William Blake (the third stanza)
  • Hymns of Astræa by Sir John Davies
  • “ Canicular Acrostic ” by Anthony Kerrigan
  • Sleeping with the Dictionary by Harryette Mullen

In the above acrostic poem examples, poets employed a variety of the following tips.

How to Write an Acrostic Poem: Innovate Forms

Of course, spend some time practicing the acrostic. Write a golden shovel, a mesostich, or some great abecedarian poem examples. But also, feel free to experiment: the blank page is fertile ground.

For example, we were not able to find an acrostic poem that has a message down the beginning, middle, and end letters. Nor have we seen acrostics that read their message backwards, from bottom to top. Or, what if the acrostic was paired with another challenging form? Imagine a contrapuntal that’s also an abecedarian.

Whatever you write, give in to experimentation. That’s what the acrostic is for!

How to Write an Acrostic Poem: Experiment with “Down Words”

What kinds of hidden messages can you embed? In our acrostic poem examples, poets have embedded the letters of names, themes, ideas, and even political messages. What else could you use those “down words” for?

Experiment with those words, because you might strike something new and unexplored in acrostic poetry. Perhaps the acrostic will contradict the message of the poem; perhaps you will embed references to famous quotes, slogans, or other works of art and literature. The acrostic is a space for you to build references and metatextuality, so lean into this, and don’t necessarily settle for the first idea you come up with.

How to Write an Acrostic Poem: Forge a Relationship Between Form and Language

Whatever hidden message you develop, it should have a relationship to the text of the poem itself. This may not be the case if you write a traditional abecedarian poem, but even then, it’s best if the poem’s form has something to do with the poem’s message.

Have fun with this, because the relationship between form and language is the crux of acrostic poetry. One idea would be to write an acrostic that’s self-referential. For example, what if a mesostic poem was cleaved by the word “sword”? Or what if a poem’s beginning letters and telestich both spelled out the word “BOOKENDS?”

How to Write an Acrostic Poem: Use Natural Language

The trick to writing a good acrostic poem is to keep the language natural and precise. Too often, a bad acrostic is plagued by bad word choice .

For the purposes of writing acrostic poetry, eschew the urge to use a thesaurus. Really. If you search for synonyms of words that begin or end with certain letters, you’ll convince yourself to use words that sound unnatural or have different intended usages. Try to use language organically, and only check the dictionary for confirmation. You’ll find that the poem will flow on its own, without the use of grandiloquent language or narrowly-related synonyms.

How to Write an Acrostic Poem: Let the Poem Stand on Its Own

Finally, an acrostic poem should have a clear message without the hidden “down words.” In other words, the acrostic should not be necessary to understanding the poem—rather, it’s like an “easter egg” of the poem. It should refine or complicate the poem’s message—it can even provide the poem’s title—but it should not be the sole reason for the poem’s existence.

Let the poem be a poem regardless of the acrostic. Structure exists to inform, enhance, and challenge the meaning of the poem (there’s no language without structure), but not to define the poem itself.

You don’t often see acrostic poems published in contemporary poetry journals , except for the occasional abecedarian or golden shovel. In fact, outside of those two forms, many contemporary poets even snub the acrostic form.

Sometimes, acrostics can come across as gimmicky or unserious. Bad acrostic poetry examples certainly populate the internet. Nonetheless, there are reasons to write the acrostic, and ways to write it so that the form enhances the meaning of the work. 

Here are some reasons to write an acrostic poem:

  • To give the work a structural backbone. You might just want to challenge yourself with a new poetry form, and the acrostic gives you an accessible challenge to start from. 
  • To give a longer poem an organizing principle. Take, for example, Anna Rabinowitz’s book-length poem  Darkling . The entire book is one acrostic poem. This poem organizes fragments of the speaker’s family history, resulting in a powerful and evocative exploration of the Holocaust and its legacies. 
  • The interplay of language and structure. Acrostic poetry scaffolds a message into the structure of the poem itself. These poems work best when the acrostic message is related to the poem, allowing for layered meanings. 
  • To put your work in conversation with other poetry. The golden shovel, in particular, naturally involves interplay between the source text and the poem that was inspired by the source text.
  • To dedicate a poem to someone. Bonus points if you’re writing an ode or a love poem to the dedicatee. 

By using the acrostic form to experiment and innovate, and by using it to layer meanings or discover new ways of organizing a poem, the acrostic poet can overcome the “gimmicky nature” ascribed to a lot of acrostic poetry, and elevate it into something beautiful and evocative. 

Learn How to Write an Acrostic Poem at Writers.com

Whether you’re writing a simple acrostic name poem or a complex abecedarian, the courses at Writers.com will help you master the acrostic poem. Take a look at our upcoming poetry classes , where you’ll find courses that help poets at any stage of their writing.

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11 comments.

[…] How to Write an Acrostic Poem: Examples and Forms […]

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Dear Sean Glatch, Thank you for your educational and inspirational monthly articles. I look forward to them and appreciate the thought and information you put into them. They offer so much to those of us who are seeking to improve our craft. With sincere thanks, Beverly

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Hi Beverly,

Your comment has made my day! I’m ecstatic to hear these articles have helped you on your writing journey.

Warmest, Sean

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I began to write acrostics, based on given names, more than 60 years ago. At the time, as an auditor, I traveled extensively (a new ticket every Monday morning) and I used this as a way to meet new people. Now, at 91, I have become interested in writing poetry once more. As before acrostics are attractive to me because they are short, they require discipline and they lead to potential friendships. I find that I no longer wish to “wing it” but rather to submit to the added discipline of proper poetical form. My verses will range from four to ten lines per verse. And most lines, I expect, will be only eight or nine syllables. I’d like to find som help and encouragement here.

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Hi This is a wonderful content. You are so kind and loving that you can give out such resources for free to upcoming writers like me. Thanks alot. I wait for another one. Kibet

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Part 2: Hospitality Acrostic Poem Directions: An acrostic poem is a poem where certain letters in each line spell out a word or phrase. Typically, the first letters of each line are used to spell the message, but they can appear anywhere. Complete the acrostic poem below by writing words or phrases relating to the hospitality and tourism industry or that represent what it means to have a “service spirit.”

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A cross tick on a fallen tree … Called out as I drew near … “Regale the forest canopy … O’ Ye of proverbs dear … So might I ask just this of thee … To one who lends an ear … If all mankind with eyes can see … Can only Poets hear?”

Origin of Acrostic Poetry?

A cross tick with an attitude … Came rapping at Poe’s door … Reciting rhythmic rhyme ensued … “Only this and nothing more” … Soon a smile adorned his mouth … Tomes strewn ‘neath barren shelf … Inspired tick pens north to south … Creating poem to mimic ….. self?

Perhaps my theory has some holes … Or maybe it’s the beer … Edgar Allan – bless his soul! … Thinks I’m onto something here … Really, folks – can you not SEE? … You need only study P O E t r y

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Acrostic Poems

Acrostic Poems

Definition of Acrostic Poems

An acrostic poem is a poem where the first letters of each line spell out a word or phrase vertically that acts as the theme or message of the poem. Sometimes a word or phrase can also be found down the middle or end of the poem, but the most common is at the beginning. A lot of people use these poems to describe people or holidays, and lines can be made up of single words or phrases. Acrostic poems do not follow a specific rhyme scheme, so they are easier to write.

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41 Examples of Acrostic Poems

1 - 20 of 41

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1. Our Love

  • By John P. Read
  • Published by Family Friend Poems November 2015 with permission of the Author.

L is for "laughter" we had along the way. O is for "optimism" you gave me every day. V is for "value" of being my best friend. E is for "eternity," a love that has no end.

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Poem of the Day

This poem means the world to me. I have been with my partner for nearly two and a half years, and we have had some tough times, but we have always gotten through them. Right now we are going...

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2. B - Is For Birthday

  • By Erika L. Shields
  • Published by Family Friend Poems January 2019 with permission of the Author.

H - is for the Happiest of all days A - is for All the wishes and praise P - is for the Presents you'll open with delight P - is for the Party that will last into the night

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Poem of the Day

Oh, how I love these birthday wishes. I can't wait to share them with my friend.

3. Marriage

  • By Linda Harrison
  • Published by Family Friend Poems April 2019 with permission of the Author.

M is for Making a future that will last. A is for Accepting both the present and the past. R is for Respect for each other every day. R is for Remembering those special things to say.

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4. A F-R-I-E-N-D

  • Published by Family Friend Poems March 2010 with permission of the Author.

A FRIEND F is for the fun we had together R is for the relaxing time we shared together I is for the interesting moments we had

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  • By Jodi M. Kucera

Forever in my heart, Always on my mind. Together again we will be, all in God's time. Heaven gained another angel the day you left.

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I am so sorry for your loss. I was searching for words to add to my father's tribute. My sister sent me this poem. I would like to use it with your permission.

6. Hope In A Dream

  • By Adalia Medina

Hold onto your dream while mindful of time. Optimism required, let your light shine. Persistence prevails, while some may cast doubt. Expectation desired is what it's about.

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  • By Ilona M. Blake

Grandma is one special angel, a Really gentle, beautiful soul. Angel of God, so pure and whole. Never leave me, stay close by.

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F- Friends are precious gifts R- Rare and hard to find I- Invisible when life is good E- Ever near when your sun doesn't shine

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Friends are everything you say in your Acrostic poem Brother John. Flowers that we gather along life's highway, are friends kept in memory's floral bouquet. When you've a good friend you...

9. Love Stays Hopeful

  • By Katelynn A. Thacker

However many tough things we go through Or any regret we can't undo, Please know I will be here. Even far away, I will still be near.

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10. I Love You

  • Published by Family Friend Poems August 2021 with permission of the Author.

​I- In this journey of my life L- Loving you kept me alive O- One day God called you home V- Visions of you still linger on

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I'm sure your beloved wife will join you again. God bless you and your family.

11. My Father

  • By Nandita Shailesh Shanbhag

F is for Friendly; with him, fun times I share. A is for Amazing; his heart is full of compassion and care. T is for Truthful; his values have helped me stand tall. H is for Helpful; his generosity is valued by all.

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12. Grandmother

  • By Shrabasti Batabyal

G for the Glamour of her wrinkled, old face. R for the way my mind she used to Refresh. A for her Anger, which knew no bounds. N is how she Nurtured us without a sound.

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13. Sweet Dreams

  • By Rosemarie DiEmedio

S- You are so Special to me! W- You are a Wonderful man whom I love Wholeheartedly! E- I am in Ecstasy when I am with you! E- Every touch Energizes and Electrifies my body.

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I fell in love with this sexy poems and I wish to read more because it lift my heart and I wish to share with someone I love. I want to feel what love is through this sexy poems, I want to...

14. Summer Time

  • By William Wilson

Sun shines on your skin and mine Until it sets way after nine. Memories made with a cold drink in hand. Moments to cherish with feet in the sand.

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15. My Mother

  • By Arun Bahadur Gurung

M-My life would be a mess without you. O-Of many sacrifices, I can remember you made and ever do. T-The selfless love and kindness is an abundant blessing. H-Heart of yours as beautiful as the view of a sun rising.

  • Rating 4.39

16. Spirituality

  • By Marcia A. Newton
  • Published by Family Friend Poems June 2019 with permission of the Author.

Strength, awareness, comfort and awe, a connection to something greater than all. Pure song of the Spirit that brings hope to life,

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  • Rating 4.38

17. Resurrection

  • By Eric R. Harvey

Ridiculed and mocked, nailed to a cross. Each of his followers mourning his loss. Set down from on high, placed in a cave. Unmovable stone in front of his grave.

  • Fav orited 6
  • Rating 4.33

18. Celebrating Fathers

  • By Don Mathis
  • Published by Family Friend Poems June 2017 with permission of the Author.

Fathers are fun - and serious too! And you learn more from them than you do at school. Think of all the good times you've had. How would it be without your dad?

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19. Graduation

  • By Margaret A. Dworek

G is for the Grades that got you here. R is for the Recommendations from teaches back there. A is for the Attitude you had in class. D is for the Determination; your goal was to pass.

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  • Rating 4.32
I was always told that anything can be taken away from you but your education. How true this is! You can lose your mate, your house, your job, your child, your parents...etc. I was always a...

20. Happy Valentine's Day

  • By Noha Nader
  • Published by Family Friend Poems May 2019 with permission of the Author.

Hold me tight to your heart And promise me that we will never be apart. Promise me that your heart will always beat for me. Promise me that I'll be the only girl your eyes will ever see

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  • Rating 4.30

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Interesting Literature

10 of the Best Examples of Acrostic Poems Everyone Should Read

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

Acrostic poems are great fun to read. They may be even more fun to write. Many of the best and most famous acrostic poems in the English language were poems written for a particular recipient, whose name is ‘hidden’ within the poem. So, how is this achieved? What is an acrostic, and how can anyone write one?

First, a definition: an acrostic is a poem where the initial letters of each line spell out a word, name, or phrase. For instance, this piece of doggerel is an acrostic:

Preserve the high honour of poems dear, Oh poor acrostic-writer: by design, Each line of verse that you will lay down here My name discover, line by singing line.

That’s not a great poem by any means, but you can see how it’s an example of an acrostic poem because the initial letters of each line spell out the word P-O-E-M.

In English literature, acrostic poems have rarely entered the canon of great poetry. The first person in England to write an acrostic is believed to be Walter Haddon (1516-72), but his acrostic was included in a Latin poem. Later, however, some notable names, including Edgar Allan Poe and Lewis Carroll, turned their hands to the acrostic, and examples of their work in the form can be found below.

But how can anyone write an acrostic? They are fun to write because they give you a structure: you know which letter each line needs to begin with. And then you can start completing the rest of the line, rather than staring at a blank page.

Sir John Davies, ‘ Hymne VII: To the Rose ’.

Eye of the Garden, Queene of flowres, Love’s cup wherein he nectar powres, Ingendered first of nectar; Sweet nurse-child of the Spring’s young howres, And Beautie’s faire character …

The poet Sir John Davies (1569-1626) is little-read now, but he is an interesting figure in Elizabethan and Jacobean literature. Indeed, Jonathan Bate even proposed, in his book Soul of the Age , that Davies was possibly the rival poet whom Shakespeare writes about in his Sonnets.

Davies was a virtuouso versifier and his Hymnes of Astraea (1599) comprises no fewer than twenty-six acrostics. The one we’ve chosen here spells out ‘Elisabetha Regina’ (i.e. Queen Elizabeth), in honour of Queen Elizabeth I herself.

William Blake, ‘London’.

How the Chimney-sweepers cry Every blackning Church appalls, And the hapless Soldiers sigh Runs in blood down Palace walls

This is a controversial inclusion on this list of the best acrostics. Blake’s 1794 poem about the degradation and suffering of people living in Britain’s capital city is not an acrostic throughout, but the third of the poem’s four stanzas does pleasingly spell out the word ‘HEAR’, as you can see above.

John Keats, ‘ Acrostic: Georgiana Augusta Keats ’.

Give me your patience, sister, while I frame Exact in capitals your golden name; Or sue the fair Apollo and he will Rouse from his heavy slumber and instill Great love in me for thee and Poesy. Imagine not that greatest mastery And kingdom over all the Realms of verse, Nears more to heaven in aught, than when we nurse And surety give to love and Brotherhood …

Another great Romantic poet, John Keats (1795-1821) penned this glorious acrostic for his sister-in-law, Georgiana Keats (born Wylie), who was married to the poet’s brother George. We include the first stanza above, but you can read the full poem by following the link.

Note how the opening stanza spells out Georgiana’s first name, or, as Keats himself puts it, exacts in capitals her golden name.

Edgar Allan Poe, ‘An Acrostic’.

Elizabeth it is in vain you say ‘Love not’ — thou sayest it in so sweet a way: In vain those words from thee or L. E. L. Zantippe’s talents had enforced so well: Ah! if that language from thy heart arise, Breathe it less gently forth — and veil thine eyes. Endymion, recollect, when Luna tried To cure his love — was cured of all beside — His folly — pride — and passion — for he died.

Let’s have a trio of acrostics written by a nineteenth-century writer who loved puzzles and cryptograms: Edgar Allan Poe (1809-49). This poem is believed to date from around 1829, when Poe was just twenty, and is addressed to a woman named Elizabeth – perhaps his cousin (see below).

A poet writing an acrostic for someone with a Z in their name faces something of an uphill struggle, hence the reference to Zantippe (Zanthippe was the wife of Socrates, the Greek philosopher. Meanwhile, ‘L. E. L.’ is Letitia Elizabeth Landon (1802-1838), a popular English poet.

Edgar Allan Poe, ‘Elizabeth’.

ELIZBETH – it surely is most fit [Logic and common usage so commanding] In thy own book that first thy name be writ, Zeno and other sages notwithstanding; And I have other reasons for so doing Besides my innate love of contradiction; Each poet – if a poet – in persuing The muses thro’ their bowers of Truth or Fiction, Has studied very little of his part, Read nothing, written less – in short ’s a fool Endued with neither soul, nor sense, nor art, Being ignorant of one important rule, Employed in even the theses of the school – Called – I forget the heathenish Greek name – [Called anything, its meaning is the same] ‘Always write first things uppermost in the heart.’

Poe actually composed several acrostic poems in his youth. This one is also to an Elizabeth: here, we can more confidently identify the addressee and recipient as Elizabeth Rebecca Herring, who was Poe’s cousin (curiously enough, Poe would later marry another of his cousins, Virginia).

Edgar Allan Poe, ‘ A Valentine ’.

For her this rhyme is penned, whose luminous eyes, Brightly expressive as the twins of Loeda, Shall find her own sweet name, that, nestling lies Upon the page, enwrapped from every reader. Search narrowly the lines!—they hold a treasure Divine—a talisman—an amulet That must be worn at heart. Search well the measure— The words—the syllables! Do not forget The trivialest point, or you may lose your labor! And yet there is in this no Gordian knot …

But wait, you cry. How can this poem be an acrostic when the initial letters don’t spell out anything that makes sense? Poe was more cunning with this one, and the name of the recipient, Frances Sargent Osgood , is more fiendishly concealed: we need to pay attention to the first letter of the first line, the second letter in the second line, and so on …

Lewis Carroll, ‘Acrostic’.

Little maidens, when you look On this little story-book, Reading with attentive eye Its enticing history, Never think that hours of play Are your only HOLIDAY, And that in a HOUSE of joy Lessons serve but to annoy: If in any HOUSE you find Children of a gentle mind, Each the others pleasing ever– Each the others vexing never– Daily work and pastime daily In their order taking gaily– Then be very sure that they Have a life of HOLIDAY.

After Poe, perhaps the most famous and prolific acrostic-writer in the nineteenth century was the master of nonsense literature, Lewis Carroll (1832-98). As the eagle-eyed reader can probably guess, the three children who were the joint-dedicatees of this acrostic are Lorina, Alice, and Edith.

Lewis Carroll, ‘ A Boat Beneath a Sunny Sky ’.

A boat beneath a sunny sky, Lingering onward dreamily In an evening of July —

Children three that nestle near, Eager eye and willing ear, Pleased a simple tale to hear —

Long has paled that sunny sky: Echoes fade and memories die: Autumn frosts have slain July …

Here’s another Carroll acrostic, this time written for Alice Pleasance Liddell, the inspiration for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865). You can read the full poem by following the link above.

Anna Rabinowitz, Darkling .

Is it possible to sustain the acrostic form over something longer – even an entire book? The American poet Anna Rabinowitz managed it. Darkling: A Poem (2001) is a book-length acrostic based on a collection of letters from family members lost in the Shoah or Final Solution.

The book is described by Marjorie Perloff as ‘a book-length sequence of elegiac fragments, obsessive ruminations on the lives of the poet’s Polish-Jewish parents, grandparents, as well as her own, filtered through the eyes of an extraordinarily clear-eyed contemporary witness.’

David Mason, ‘ Acrostic from Aegina ’.

Published in the Hudson Review in 1998, this contemporary acrostic poem spells out the name ‘Anne Lennox’: the woman who is the subject of the poem.

Of course, any poet who sets himself the task of writing an acrostic to someone whose name contains an X has his work cut out; but Mason manages it here in a way that doesn’t come across as forced or out of place.

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My poetic side

Journey--An acrostic

Journey took me down the wrong path. Over to new lands looking for love. Unless you count the lies. Revenge was mine to be had. Needed to have my one true love back. Everyone looking at me in shock. Yes, it was a happy ending.

MACHU PICCU ~ PARADISE IN OLD PERU *********************************** M achu Piccu Machu Piccu A ncient sacred Inca City in Peru C annot be described must be seen H as stood proud and intact for 700 years U nique situation and a Unique experience ********************************* P rimarily spiritual in its construction I felt the presence of her Priests & People C ementless buildings Her ~ perfection prove C eremonial sacrifice to Sun God and Earth Queen U nique glimpse of Proud Perus Eternal Glory ~ revealed ! ********************************************* Machu Piccu has to be BELIEVED to be SEEN ~ XOX

Cancun Mexico ************** Carried away by the nightlife Anticipating azure beaches Never made it to Chichen Itza Cause I got ripped off by the locals Under the stars we celebrated New Years' Now I have a ring to remember Cancun by ****************************************** Mainly a tourist destination Experience of a lifetime Xochitl is the name of an old princess Indigenous people asking for money Colors near Christmas are so bright Oh! I think one visit is enough! ---Chrissy8

NOCHE DE LA PAZ NOCHE DE L'AMOR ******************** C HRISTMAS foreign country H illarious and no other Country R elishes it half as much as MEXICO. I loved the fact that there was NO SNOW! S ummertime in DECEMBER well worth the Journey T he trimmings were all there ~ Lit up SNOWMEN on roofs Merry Christmas A choir singing S ilent Night XX ********************************* CHRISTMAS IN PUEBLA MX 2005 ~ XOX

SAFARI S-erindipity on the Serengeti, A-n African expedition. F-oreign Swahilis speak to me. A-nimals face extinction. R-hinos, Big Cats, and Elephants I-llusory Leopards so elegant. ~~~~~~~~~Augustus~~~~~~~~~~

Bahamas ******* Blue skies above us Azure waters surround Having the time of my life Always cherishing the moment Making memories with family Asking for it not to be over Sunny skies the entire trip Chrissy8~~~~~~~~~~~~

L ONDON ~ GEATEST CAPITAL CITY ON EARTH O ne has to visit LONDON to appreciate it N obody who visits Her is unchanged D o read about Her and see films O ne day soon ~ plan to visit N ice City very nice Folk ***************** Thanks for reading Add new stanza Love BRIAN XOXOXO BYE ! GO

Michigan ******** Motor City USA Inclined to go to the beach Cherry Capital too Heaven in the summer In case you didn't know Great lakes are freshwater And I live on Lake Michigan Native Americans call it home ***********************chrissy8

SOUTH AFRICA ~ PARADISE ON EARTH ~ BRIAN **************************************** S OUTH AFRICA ~ Classic Coast ~ Marvelous Mountains O ne of the the best Countries to see BIG FIVE GAME U sually seen separate ! The Buffalo ~ Elephant T he Leopard ~ The Lion and The Rhinoceros H ave you visited ? Plan to go this year ! ********************************* A FRICA Continent of variety and surprise F or visitors to South Africa enjoy GARDEN R OUTE which is the wild and wonderful Coast I also enjoyed the KAROOS inland Mountian Range C onsumed different meats ~ Kudu ~ Impala and Zebra ! A lso CAPETOWN ~ The TABLE MOUNTAIN and JOHANESBURG ************************************************* Thanks for visiting ~ Thanks to CHRISSY for this FUSION

Journey ******** Journeys can be painful if you let them Or they can take you places Unscrupulous people take advantage Ruining what you hold dear Never to happen to me again Everything in my life is so precious Yay! I have my power back! **********************Chrissy Thanks to Brian for keeping this going!

EMOTIONAL JOURNEYS ~ JOURNEYS EMOTIONAL *************************************** E very midnight we start a 24 hour Emotional Journey M orning comes and activates our emotions O ne minor crisis after another ~ keeps T he adrenaline flowing and growing I love the ebb & flow of emotion O ne thrives on hormone drive A 24/7 Emotional Journey L et it unfold TODAY ! ************** J ourneys always run O n emotional lines ~ great U ps and Downs of everyday life ! R unning smoothly in our comfort zone N obody refuses a chance to travel ~ abroad E ach of us loves the Bus Station and the Airport Y ou feel the emotion of landing in a Foreign situation S omething really emotional happens when you land in JAPAN ! *************************************************** Thanks for visiting ~ there are some STANZAS still left ~ BRIAN This is a SHAPE ACROSTIC in the form of an HOURGLASS ~ OK

Love ****** Laying everything out on the line Opening up a vulnerable heart Venting feelings to each other Eternally everlasting LOVE ********************************** Sorry Brian not as in depth as yours! Chrissy

JESUS AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY OF LOVE ***************************** Down from His Glory ~ Ever living story My GOD and SAVIOUR came ~ and JESUS was his name Born in a manger ~ to His own a stranger But now I know He is ~ Eternal Son of God ************************************ Without reluctance ~ flesh and blood his substance He took the form of Man ~ revealed a hidden plan God gracious tender ~ laid aside his splendour Stooping to win to woo to save my soul ! ********************************* What condescension ~ bringing us redemption That in the dead of night ~ not one hope in sight O glorious mystery sacrifice of CALVARY A Man of Sorrows ~ Tears and Agony ......... *********************************** O how I love Him ~ How I adore Him ! My breath my sunshine ~ my all in all The Great Creator ~ became my Saviour And all Gods fulness ~ dwelleth in HIM ! ********************************* There never was a Journey Like this one from Heaven to Earth and back again ~ And there never will be a Journey like this one again ! ************************************* This is the story of CHRISTMAS ~ Love BRIAN XOX

Making new friends is fun! ************************** Making new friends is fun! Getting to know each other Is ever quite the JOURNEY It's so exciting to me! ************************** We started on my emotional journey Then we went to Machu Piccu in Peru From there off to Cancun nightlife And then Christmas in New Mexico. After a Safari and then the Bahamas, We went to London, the greatest city on earth! And then Michigan, my home state too! A trip to South Africa near the end. And back to emotional journeys. After the magical story of Christmas, an incredible journey of Jesus' love, we end with Brian's piece........... (Thank you Brian for contributing so much!) Your friend, Christina

LIFE'S JOURNEY ~ SEVEN AGES OF MAN & WOMAN ************************************** In respect of life ~ All the World's a stage And so all of us are merely Players All play many parts ~ in seven stages. First the Infant. Screaming BOYS ~ Smiling Girls ! Girls love School ~ Happy ~ Love all their Teachers School for Boys ? A Prison Cell from freedom ! And then to WORK ~ Today all jobs open Equal opportunities ~ on paper In reality NO ! Lower pay ~ And Chequered career routes to the Summit ! And then as LOVERS ~ Perfect for Ladies Poor Men ~ spend their lives searching for G SPOT But ~ as in most things ~ much to proud to ask ! Men relieve ~ Ladies conceive ~ theres the RUB FATHERS are hands OFF ~ MOTHERS are hands ON For rest of their lives ~ sharing and caring For the sake of the NEXT GENERATION ! Meanwhile all the Men are maneuvering Their way up the corporate ladder making ..... Friends ~ making enemies ~ making MONEY ~ which is the route to all EVIL ! No wonder Men age so disgracefully Meaanwhile our Ladies age so gracefully. Then to DOTAGE ~ Men back to their childhood No hair ~ no teeth ~ no memory ~ no control. Ladies retain their charm and dignity Outnumber their deceased Men TEN to ONE Calm and serene in their Havens of Rest At the very end ~ LADIES RULE ~ OK ************************************** Thanks to CHRISSY for starting our JOURNEY XOX Thanks to WILL SHAKESPEARE who thought of this fisrt In his honour ~ it is wrtten in Blank Verse Iambic Pentameter

  • Authors: Christina (Pseudonym), BRIANSODES , Augustus
  • Visible: All lines
  • Finished: November 7th, 2016 05:07
  • Limit: 15 stanzas
  • Invited: Public (any user can participate)
  • Comment from author about the poem: Its an acrostic but you guys can write a poem about a journey if you want or keep it acrostic.
  • Category: Love
  • Views: 1849

journey acrostic poem

THANKS FOR STARTING THiS CHRISSY ~ Some great STANZAS ~ I have posted a NEW ONE "What is your favoritee Hymn or Spiritual Song". Please contribute ~ Love and Hugs BRIAN

journey acrostic poem

Half the credit goes to you, dear Brian! Fabulous stanzas and acrostics!! Will do! Love and hugs Christina

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My journey, my own (an acrostic).

To do today: Write an Acrostic, according to this prompting and instruction   in TweetSpeak Poetry.

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An acrostic is a poem or other piece of writing whose lines’ first letters, taken in succession, form a word, or alphabet. The Tweetspeak infographic referenced above explains how ancient this poem form is, tracing it back to classical Greece. Something it doesn’t mention, however, is how often the acrostic form also appears in very old writings of the Bible.

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I did some research, which turned up these examples::

  • In Psalm 119, all the verses of each stanza (in Hebrew) begin with the same letter, and the stanzas, one by one, take the reader through the (Hebrew) alphabet. (Those little subtitles placed before each group of eight verses are names of aphabet letters.)
  • Proverbs 31:10-31 (the “Virtuous Woman” passage) is another example.
  • Likewise the first four of the five songs comprising Lamentations.
  • And there are more, in all these Psalms: 9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, and 145.

All this instruction and information inspired me to do my bit, too, and make my attempt at an acrostic.

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World-class poetry it isn’t, but it does help me process this whole concept of my life as a journey:

MY JOURNEY, MY OWN

J ust as i am, with all my quirks,, o ut of the who of my being, u nfolds the what of my life:, r eality formed from mentality, vitality, inner fires, and gifts., n ever wise is it to follow a path not mapped for me., e ver upward and onward, let it be toward, y ou–the always-true and never-altering thee..

Try your own acrostic-making with a topic on your mind! See what happens! 

6 thoughts on “ My Journey, My Own (An Acrostic) ”

Clever as always.

Thanks, Sue. Blessings to you!

I like the calligraphy. Your first line makes me think of a hymn and smile!

Thank you, Lynn. The “calligraphy,” like the person, is kinda quirky, ’cause I’m not really too good at the real deal… You know, I wrote the first four words and then thought of the hymn myself. That almost made me change the beginning to something more original, but I just kept going (which is almost always a good idea, first time through a writing). After your comment, I reread the poem twice and realized how it almost seems like a take-off on that hymn, but I had no conscious intention of making it that. Yet on the last reread, I thought how the “journey” of both the hymn and the poem follows the same direction, to the same destination. Interesting–especially after reading Lynni (Morrisey)’s comment below. Do you find acrostics soul-revealing?

Yes, some don’t realize that the Bible contains acrostic poems. I teach these in journaling classes a lot and I like yours! One name for them is abecedarian, b/c you can make acrostic poems using every letter of the alphabet as your spine. Another name is an alpha poem. What I love about them in the insights and surprises they afford. Almost always, they elicit things you were not thinking (consciously) or did not know you would write. I have written innumerable ones now, and especially love to slip them into a pretty frame, bestowing them as gifts. I have used the person’s name as the “spine,” whether for a birthday, memorial gift, etc. On the memoriums, especially, the family members are so touched, and tell me they put the framed poem in a place of honor and read it almost every day. What a humbling thing. Thank you for sharing. It’s a great idea whose time has come (like collage! 🙂 ) Love Lynn

Lynni, about insights and surprises: read my reply to the other Lynn, above. Right there is a proof of what you say! I think I’m going to experiment around with more acrostics and see what they (like collages) might reveal! Also, I love that idea of using an acrostic for a birthday, or, even more-so, a memorial. A wonderful gift!

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Acrostic Poem For Journey

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My Acrostic Poems

What Is An Acrostic Poem? Definition, Examples & Writing Tips

Have you ever seen a word that’s more than just a word? Imagine looking at a single word and discovering a secret message or a hidden story. That’s the magic of an acrostic poem. It’s a playful and creative way to give words a deeper meaning.

In this article, we’re going to explore the charming world of acrostic poems. We’ll learn what they are, how to write them, and even look at some examples.

Whether you’re a teacher looking for a fun classroom activity, a student trying to understand poetry or just someone who loves playing with words, this journey into acrostic poems is for you.

Get ready to give letters a whole new life!

Table of Contents

What is an acrostic poem.

An acrostic poem is a special kind of writing where the first letter of each line spells out a word or message. It’s like a puzzle hidden in plain sight.

The beauty of acrostic poems is how they turn simple words into something enchanting.

Each line of an acrostic poem starts with a letter from a word you’ve chosen. That word becomes the spine of your poem.

The lines can connect to the meaning of that word or be completely independent.

The real thrill is in how these poems invite readers to look beyond the surface, discovering meaning not just in what is said, but also in how it’s structured.

The Formal Definition of an Acrostic Poem

An acrostic poem is a poem where certain letters in each line—typically the first letter—create a word or message when read in sequence. It’s a creative form that gives structure and a hidden layer of meaning to a poem.

While acrostic poems often use the first letter of each line to spell out words, some stretch these boundaries. They might use the last letter or a letter from the middle of each line.

The key is consistency—whatever pattern the poet starts with should continue throughout the poem.

This form challenges poets to be creative within constraints. It’s like a game, where finding the right words is part of the fun. The result is a poem that is as much a brain teaser as it is an art form.

Do Acrostic Poems Have to Rhyme?

The short answer is no. Acrostic poems do not need to rhyme. The choice to rhyme is up to the writer. Some people love the extra challenge of making the poem rhyme. Others prefer to focus on the message spelled out by the first letters.

Examples of Rhyming vs. Non-Rhyming Acrostic Poems

Let’s look at two examples:

In the rhyming example, the end of each line has a word that sounds similar to the end of another line, creating a musical effect. In the non-rhyming example, the focus is more on the meaning rather than the sound.

Both styles have their charm, and the choice depends on what the poet wants to achieve with their work.

Acrostic Poem Examples

Acrostic poems come in many shapes and sizes, reflecting the diversity of the people who write them. They can be about anything—nature, feelings, people, or even places.

Here are different types of acrostic poems to show how flexible this form can be:

In the simple acrostic, the word ‘MOON’ is spelled out by the first letters and the lines describe the moon’s role in the night sky.

The complex acrostic goes beyond just using the first letters to spell ‘BRAVE’ but also tells a story of what bravery entails.

Each acrostic poem carries its rhythm and message, from the simplest to the most complex. It’s the poet’s personal touch that makes each one unique.

Variations of Acrostic Poems

Acrostic poems can vary a lot. Some are straightforward with the first letter of each line spelling out the word. But there are more styles to try:

  • Double Acrostics : These have letters at the beginning and end of each line spelling out words.
  • Telestich : This is where the last letter of each line spells out a word.
  • Mesostich : In this variation, the middle letter of each line spells out the word.

Double Acrostics and Other Complex Forms

Double acrostics are like a conversation between two words or phrases, one at the start of the lines and one at the end. They require a bit more planning, but the result is often very striking. Here’s an example:

The first letters read ‘SUNS’ and the last letters read ‘ADIS’, creating a hidden message within the poem.

These variations encourage poets to get creative and think outside the box. They can add layers of meaning and make the poem more intriguing.

How to Write an Acrostic Poem

The first step in writing an acrostic poem is to pick your foundation word or phrase—this will be the backbone of your poem. Choose a word that sparks your interest or has a special meaning. It could be a name, a feeling, or anything else you like.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your First Acrostic Poem

  • Write down your chosen word vertically : Each letter will be the first letter of each line in your poem.
  • Think about your theme : What do you want to say with your poem? How does each letter relate to your theme?
  • Brainstorm words or phrases for each letter : These will start each line of your poem and should connect to your theme.
  • Expand your lines : Now, build on the words or phrases you’ve chosen. Create a line for each that expresses your theme or tells part of your story.
  • Refine your poem : Go through your poem and adjust words to improve the flow and meaning. Remember, it doesn’t have to rhyme unless you want it to.
  • Read it out loud : This helps you hear the rhythm and catch any lines that might need tweaking.

Tips for Crafting Poems That Are Both Aesthetic and Meaningful

  • Be Flexible : If a line doesn’t fit well, try to think of another word or idea that still connects to your theme.
  • Use Imagery : Vivid images can help make your poem more engaging and memorable.
  • Keep it Simple : Especially if you’re writing in a language that’s not your first, it’s okay to keep your lines straightforward.
  • Have Fun : Enjoy the process of creation. If you’re having fun, it’s more likely that your readers will too.

Challenges and Common Mistakes

Even though acrostic poems seem straightforward, there are common challenges that writers might face:

  • Forcing Words : Sometimes a word doesn’t fit the theme or the rest of the poem but is used because it starts with the right letter.
  • Overlooking the Big Picture : Writers may focus too much on the vertical word and forget to ensure the poem works as a whole.
  • Neglecting the Flow : It’s easy to get caught up in the structure and end up with a poem that’s choppy or awkward to read.

Solutions and Advice

To avoid these pitfalls:

  • Brainstorm Multiple Words : If you’re stuck on a letter, brainstorm as many words as you can think of before deciding.
  • Read Your Poem Without the Acrostic : This helps ensure the poem still flows and makes sense independently of the acrostic.
  • Smooth Transitions : Try to make each line transition smoothly into the next, maintaining a natural rhythm.

Finally, don’t hesitate to revise. Sometimes the best way to improve a poem is to rewrite parts of it until every word feels right. Remember, writing is a process, and it’s okay to take your time to get it just right.

Closing Thoughts

Acrostic poems are great for everyone. They are not too hard and can be fun. You can write about anything you like!

All you need to do is pick a word and start each line with one of the letters from that word.

Writing acrostic poems is like playing a word game. It’s all about finding the right words that fit and feel good.

So why not give it a try? You might make something you’re proud of, or just have a good time.

That’s the beauty of acrostic poems – they are what you make them, and the most important thing is to enjoy the process.

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Hi! I'm Alex Parker, ready to explore acrostic poems with you. I've spent lots of time writing poems and showing others how to do it. I love poetry, and I want to make it easy and fun for everyone. We will learn about poetry together, and I will help you every step of the way. Let's get started and enjoy the magic of words!

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Acrostic poetry holds a special place in poetry combining the intricacy of words with the beauty of structure to create a mosaic of profound meaning and vivid imagery. This intriguing form of poetry – where the first, middle or last letters of each line come together to spell out a word, a phrase or even an entire sentence, opens up a world where creativity knows no bounds. When you juxtapose it with the colourful canvas of spring, brimming with symbols and emotions, it becomes a journey of exploration through the blossoming fields of literature.

This article will take you through an understanding of acrostic poems, their inception in spring’s inspiration and metaphoric themes, guide in crafting them, and provide examples to demonstrate what has been learned.

journey acrostic poem

Table of Contents

Understanding Acrostic Poems

As the breadth and depth of artistic creativity unravel themselves, many refreshing and exciting threads often spring forth. Considerably, one form stands out quite uniquely – Acrostic Poetry. This remarkable art form is an enchanting blend of visual and literary art, crammed with imagination and an appreciable versatility that simply invigorates the human senses.

However, you may be wondering , is acrostic poetry ?

An acrostic poem, in essence, is a cryptic labyrinth of words, wherein the first or last letter of each line, when read vertically, spells out a name, a message or a word. These poems provide a harmonious marriage between structure and free form , demonstrating that artistic boundaries can in fact shape and spur rather than limit creativity.

A beauty of acrostic poems lies in their dual functionality. They serve not only as a vehicle for delivering subtle messages – those that might otherwise go undelivered – but also as a playground for poets, inviting diverse creative strategies, from the intricate to the straightforward.

Arguably, the unique charm of acrostic poetry can also sprout from the veil of mystery it drapes around its core message, a mystery that oftentimes inspires readers to delve beyond the surface-level meaning. The acrostic often ensnares the curiosity, prompting an adventurous quest to uncover a deeper, hidden signification.

This multi-tiered nature of acrostics reflects the complexity and multidimensionality of art itself.

Moreover, the construction of an acrostic poem is an exhilarating creative process. The poet starts with a straightjacket of structure where every step appears predetermined. Yet, within this confinement lies a universe of poetic freedom. Choosing the secret word or message is akin to picking a seed.

This seed then grows and blooms into a beautiful expression of words and meanings. Each new line prompts the artist to pivot and navigate the maze, every single word a stroke on a canvas. Acrostics, in essence, reflect the transformation of rigid structure into a gorgeous tapestry of profound sentiment and ingenious wordplay.

There is a rhythm and a dance in creating acrostics. What seems restrictive actually leads to unexpected and liberating paths of creativity. As the words unfold in an acrostic, infinite artistic possibilities reveal themselves.

Isn’t it extraordinary how constraints can inspire rather than impede creativity?

Acrostic poems possess a rare charisma that not only intrigues the intellect but also dances with emotions. The crafted journey from a preordained structure to a cascade of phrases that can stir the soul is nothing short of hypnotically mesmerising.

Relationship Between Spring Inspiration and Metaphoric Themes

journey acrostic poem

Spring has long been admired and cherished as a time of renewal, rebirth, and vibrant life. Everything around us appears to awaken, ready to bloom and burst forth in colourful vibrancy. This time of rebirth serves as an extraordinary metaphor and potent catalyst for acrostic poetry, inviting poets to create art that expresses these feelings of renewal and vibrancy.

Why should spring be significant to acrostic poetry?

Consider that life spring breathes into nature. Seeds which had been dormant during winter, now awaken, stretching out to bloom and flourish. This parallel is mirrored in the creation of an acrostic poem. Words lie in wait, dormant yet alive with potential, before they spring forth into lines of a poem. Drawn together, these lines create a torrent of colour and vibrancy in the mind, much like the birth of flowers in a previously barren land.

In an acrostic poem, the initial letters in each line form a word vertically when read top-down. Spring, therefore, can offer a poetic scaffold to stem from or a latent word on the vertical axis. The structure of acrostic poetry instigates an element of surprise, similar to the first exquisite blooms of spring that spontaneously peek through frost-kissed ground. Each flower, unique yet united, creates an exquisite tableau, not unlike the individual letters that unite to compose a verse, a sentiment, or an emotion.

Spring is a cornucopia of vibrant sensations and constant change. The kaleidoscopic colours of the flowers are mirrored by the changing moods of the season. From a clear azure sky, kissed by the sunshine to intoxicatingly fragrant blossoms after a light spring shower, this ever-changing panorama infuses diversity and fluidity into the acrostic poem.

Each line in an acrostic poem can reflect these ephemeral moments of spring – the effervescence of a cherry blossom tree at the crack of dawn, the medley of birdsongs at twilight, or the sense of peace as the setting sun paints the sky in hues of purple and gold. The celebration of the renewal that spring brings to nature is an artist’s delight. Its beauty and charm lend themselves to the ebb and flow of acrostic poetry, enhancing its vitality.

In essence, spring as a metaphor and inspiration serves to enrich acrostic poetry holistically. As the spring winds blow away the cobwebs of winter, inviting new life, acrostic poems give life to words , nurturing them into lines of poetic expression. This symbiosis between nature and verse further underscores the unity inherent in every form of artistic creation.

Steps In Crafting A Spring Acrostic Poem

Let’s immerse ourself in the allure of acrostic poetry, infused with adoring affection towards the newness of spring’s offerings. It is time to delve deeper into creating a vivid and resonating work that is inspired by the season of rejuvenation, rebirth, and vivacious vibrancy.

Select The Right Words

Kicking off, the very first step is to arm oneself with the right words. Spring encapsulates a plethora of emotions, sensations, visual imagery and moods, and it is these very nuggets one must scout for.

Blossoms, buds, birdsong, showers, rainbows, freshness, growth – these are the words that might start to populate the list.

Scribble them down without inhibition. This word-list works as a quiver of arrows, each ready to launch into potential verses.

Choose A Base Phrase

After having a keyword list in possession, the next step channels the titillating mystery element of acrostic poetry: the selection of a base phrase. This could be a single word or a phrase, directly associating with spring or symbolising its essence. Depending on the intention of the poem, this base can be versatile. ‘ Spring Renewal’, ‘April Showers’, ‘Blossom Bliss ‘ can each embody a different nuances of the season.

Expose The Theme/Central Idea

Next, comes an abstract step – visualising a grandeur narrative. A storyline, a theme or a central idea gives the acrostic structure a more unswerving purpose.

Will your poem trace the journey of a seed into a blossom or express the soft emotions budding within you as spring unfurls its magic ? The decision is entirely a product of the beauty the poet sees in spring.

Employ The Use Of Rhythm

Engaging an impactful acrostic poem isn’t just about composing a clever formation of letters in sequence . The core magic lies in a rhapsody of refined rhythm and fitting rhymes, much like the pleasant harmony of spring’s cascade of colours and sounds. A master stroke that can elevate the acrostic structure into a work of moving poetry.

Make Use Of Concise Words

Employing vivid, yet concise language is an effective strategy indeed. Simple words, causing ripples of emotions and etching vivid imagery, often hold the key to the readers heart. The aim is to draw the reader into the field of tulips, feel the resounding birdsongs and introduce the sweet scent of revival that spring brings about.

Remember, spring is a season of transformation, from the hardness of winter to the velvety touch of flowers. The rhythm and flow of your poem should reflect this gentle, harmonious and dynamic transition. Play with the pacing. Speed up the showers, slow down on the rainbows, let the poems rhythm change with the mood and the scene you paint.

Lastly, a spring-oriented acrostic poem thrives when it resonates with its readers. Be it an innocent ode to the beauty of blooms or sprinkling metaphors of resilience and rebirth, let spring inspire your ink. Every stroke is a chance to unfold a petal of spring for your reader to behold, and while you tame your verse within the constraints, remember, the power of the season is yours to bestow.

Acrostic poetry and spring share an intrinsic naturalness. They grow within boundaries, they blossom with surprises and they mirror life’s sweet, vibrant and evanescent essence. So, dive into this comforting complexity, find your rhythm amidst the dance of the letters and let the magic of spring whistle through your verses.

Examples Of Spring Acrostic Poems

Spring, the season that unveils the natural artist’s dream, reverberates in several acrostic poems, imbuing them with a refreshing vibrancy and spirit that stirs the hearts of the readers. Each verse, carefully planted, blossoms like an unexpected primrose uncloaking amidst the vernal verdure, echoing the arrival of spring.

Take the poem ‘ Spring Arrives ,’ where the uncanny harmony between the gentle rhythm, evocative words, and tender theme captures the honest beauty of the season and the sphere of acrostic poetry.

In another remarkable piece, ‘ Winds of Spring ,’ the poet skillfully navigates the constraints of acrostic writing to offer a gusty, vibrant portrayal of spring’s whimsical nature. The dance of spring and language becomes a flourish in the reader’s mind, creating a timeless resonance that is, indeed, the hallmark of acrostic poetry.

Similarly, the poem ‘ Blossoms of Spring ‘ enlightens through the dew-soaked imagery of the spring’s miracle life. It surpassingly exemplifies the power of acrostic poetry – to take a single word, such as ‘spring’, and unfold it into a tale steeped in beauty and profundity.

Poetry doesn’t always need a grand narrative to be compelling. Consider ‘Spring Muse,’ an acrostic poem that rejoices in the simple, joyous moments spring brings. The poem, though superficially simpler, peels back layers of subtleties within its fine brush strokes, showing how acrostic artistry can encompass both humble and grand spectacles.

A clever use of rhythm and rhyme illuminates ‘Spring’s Transition,’ an acrostic poem that intertwines the changing vistas of spring with a lyrical dance. The fluency of the verse encapsulates the effortless blend and beautiful chaos of spring, demonstrating the dynamic expression that can be imbued within the structure of acrostic poetry.

To kindle a rookie poet’s aspirations and an avid reader’s delight, ‘Awakening of Spring’ emanates the true potential of spring-inspired acrostic poetry. With a rich palette of lyrical language and intricate observations, the poem captures spring’s awakening – a stirring homage to the fusion of nature and artistry.

These exemplary pieces not only manifest the grandeur of spring acrostic poetry but also serve as glorious guides for aspiring poets to pull words from their creative caves and forge verses drawn from the heart of the spring. They remind us that even within the fixed framework of acrostic poetry, each choosing to celebrate spring in a way unparalleled to the last, there remains a realm of endless possibilities, each inviting you to create your own vibrant spring portrait.

On this stimulating pathway through the realm of acrostic poetry and spring’s budding inspiration, you have seen the charming harmony they spin together. The soft hues of spring, coupled with the expressive power of acrostic poetry, present an opportunity for writers to tread creative grounds untrodden.

As you explore the limitless possibilities of this art form, let the symbology of spring inspire the metaphoric imagery in your own work. Remember the examples and the techniques employed therein, and let your own verses flow, painting a poetic spring in your reader’s mind.

Acrostic poetry is not just about writing, but about seeking, discovering, and ultimately, expressing — it’s your turn to embrace this beauty and let your words embellish the canvas of literature.

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  • The Melody of Words: Exploring Acrostic Poems about Music

Music, with its ability to touch our souls and evoke emotions, has been a timeless inspiration for poets throughout history. It comes as no surprise that poets often turn to music as a subject, seeking to capture its essence through the power of words. In this article, we will delve into the captivating world of acrostic poems about music, where each letter of a word or phrase forms the initial letters of each line. Let us embark on a melodious journey, exploring the beauty of these poetic compositions.

The Rhythm of Acrostics

Example 1: melody, example 2: harmony, example 3: music.

Acrostic poems offer a unique form of expression, as each line starts with a letter that, when read vertically, reveals a hidden message or word. This structure allows poets to convey deeper meanings and create a harmonious connection between the subject and the poem itself. When we combine this form with the enchanting world of music, the result is a symphony of words that resonates with readers.

M usic dances in the air, E choing through the night. L yrical notes, beyond compare, O n a journey of pure delight. D reams take flight, melodies arise, Y ielding emotions, a soul's disguise.

In this example, the acrostic poem forms the word "MELODY." Each line captures the essence of music, painting a vivid picture of its ability to transport us to a realm of enchantment. From the dancing notes in the air to the emotions music evokes, the poem encapsulates the magic of melodies.

H ushed whispers of a gentle breeze, A symphony of harmony, a sweet release. R hythm pulsates, hearts entwined, M elodies woven, souls aligned, O rchestration of emotions, a tender art, N otes interlacing, creating a masterpiece, Y earning for music, a solace for the heart.

In this acrostic poem, we explore the word "HARMONY." The lines evoke a sense of tranquility and unity, emphasizing the power of music to bring individuals together. From the hushed whispers to the interlacing notes, the poem beautifully captures the essence of harmony.

M elodies that paint emotions untold, U nleashing passions, a story unfolds. S erenading the soul, a symphony of grace, I nspiring hearts, leaving a lasting trace. C onnecting souls, transcending all fears, ! The exclamation point represents the final note, adding emphasis and concluding the poem with an impactful statement.

This acrostic poem celebrates the word "MUSIC" itself. It highlights the profound impact music has on our emotions, its ability to inspire and connect people on a deeper level. The exclamation point at the end adds a touch of enthusiasm, signifying the powerful effect music has on our lives.

Acrostic poems about music offer a captivating way to intertwine the worlds of poetry and melody. Through the careful arrangement of words, poets can encapsulate the essence of music, evoking emotions and painting vivid imagery. The examples showcased in this article demonstrate the power of acrostic poems to convey the beauty and enchantment of music. So, let us continue to explore the boundless possibilities of poetry, allowing words to dance harmoniously with the melodies that inspire us.

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Famous Poems about Jazz: Exploring the Melody of Words

journey acrostic poem

Acrostic Definition

What is an acrostic? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

An acrostic is a piece of writing in which a particular set of letters—typically the first letter of each line, word, or paragraph—spells out a word or phrase with special significance to the text. Acrostics are most commonly written as a form of poetry , but they can also be found in prose or used as word puzzles.

Some additional key details about acrostics:

  • While the most common type of acrostic is one formed by the initial letters of each line, there are many different types of acrostics with letters in different positions.
  • The word that is spelled out in an acrostic is called the acrostich. The acrostich typically bears a special meaning in relation to the content of the acrostic, such as revealing the name of the poem's subject or the name of its author.
  • Acrostic poems may be written in meter or in free verse , with or without rhyme .

Acrostic Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce acrostic: uh- krahss -tik

Types of Acrostic Poems

In the most common type of acrostic poems, the initial letter of each line forms a word. This type of acrostic is simply called an acrostic.

R oses are red, O ranges yummy, S ugar's a sweet, E lixir in my tummy.

But other types of acrostic, with more specialized locations of the letters that spell out the word or phrase, do have special names:

  • Telestich: An acrostic in which the last letters of each line spell a word or message.
  • Mesostich: An acrostic in which the middles of words or lines form a word or message.
  • Double Acrostic: An acrostic in which words are spelled by both the first and last letters of each line, so that one word can be read vertically down the left side of the poem and another word can be read vertically down the right side of the poem.
  • Abecedarian: An acrostic that, instead of spelling a word, spells the alphabet. Chaucer's poem "La Priere de Nostre Dame" is an example of an abecedarian acrostic. This type of acrostic may also be referred to as an abecedarius.

In addition to these named forms, acrostics can be non-standard. For example, some acrostics spell out words using neither the first nor last letters of a line, but rather by emphasizing letters in different places.

R oses are red, Vi o lets are blue, Sugar is s weet, And so ar e you.

Decoding Acrostics

The level of difficulty in decoding the hidden message of an acrostic varies widely, and that difficulty depends on how carefully the author has hidden it or, conversely, how deliberately he or she has revealed it. In many cases, it's easy to recognize the word being spelled in the acrostic because the important letters are capitalized or bolded and they fall at the beginning of each line. In other cases, the author may have intended for the acrostic to be harder to solve, leading them to insert the important letters more subtly by embedding them somewhere other than the first word of each line or leaving the letters lower-case. Put another way: an acrostic may be a show, in which the author wants you to see it at once, or a puzzle that the author is content to have some people find and other's not.

Acrostics vs. Acronyms

Acrostics are in some ways similar to acronyms , in that both involve the isolation of individual letters to make a new word. Just as a poem might form the acrostich "Rose" from the first letters of its four lines, so is the acronym POTUS made by taking the first letters of " P resident o f t he U nited S tates." However, acrostics and acronyms are not the same, for two reasons:

  • Real words vs. made-up words: Acrostics must form real words or names (or at the very least spell out the letters of the alphabet). In contrast, acronyms can be made up words. For example, POTUS isn't really a word, it's just an acronym that makes it easier to refer to the President of the United States. Acronyms can form real words, such as ACT UP, the acronym for an important activist group of the 1980's that was otherwise known as "AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power," but they don't have to.
  • Artistic merit vs. practical use: The more significant difference between acronyms and acrostics is that while acronyms have a practical purpose—whether as a mnemonic or to make it easier to refer to things more quickly—acrostics have been regarded, to varying degrees at different moments in history, as a form of writing with literary value.

Acrostics Through History

The earliest examples of acrostics can be found in the Hebrew Bible. Several passages in the book of Psalms begin with letters of the alphabet, forming an abecedarian acrostic (an acrostic that spells out the entire alphabet). The first examples of non-abecedarian acrostics come from ancient Greece, where the Erythraean Sybil (an oracle from the ancient Greek town of Erythrae) was known to write her prophesies on leaves and arrange them so that the first letters would spell out a word. Later, acrostics were commonly used in medieval literature to encode a secret message—for example, to disclose the name of the poet or the name of the poem's subject, especially in cases where the subject of the poem was a secret lover. Today, however, acrostics have lost some of the literary prestige they once enjoyed in the past. Instead, they are now often considered to be juvenile, or useful primarily as a comedic form.

Acrostic Examples

In the examples below, the letters that form the acrostich (the acrostic's hidden message) are bold .

Acrostic in Lewis Carroll's "Acrostic"

This poem by Lewis Carroll spells out the names of three sisters: Lorina, Alice, and Edith. Alice was purportedly the real-life inspiration for Carroll's book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland .

L ittle maidens, when you look O n this little story-book, R eading with attentive eye I ts enticing history, N ever think that hours of play A re your only HOLIDAY, A nd that in a HOUSE of joy L essons serve but to annoy: I f in any HOUSE you find C hildren of a gentle mind, E ach the others pleasing ever— E ach the others vexing never— D aily work and pastime daily I n their order taking gaily— T hen be very sure that they H ave a life of HOLIDAY.

Acrostic in Nabokov's "The Vane Sisters"

While acrostics are most often found in poetry, Vladimir Nabokov's short story "The Vane Sisters" contains an example of an acrostic formed with prose. In "The Vane Sisters," a short story which is about a professor who becomes fascinated with acrostics, the first letters of each word in the story's final paragraph spell out the phrase, "Icicles by Cynthia; Meter from me, Sybil." While these words may seem like nonsense if you haven't read the story, they are, in fact, key to interpreting the story's mysterious plot.

I c ould i solate, c onsciously, l ittle. E verything s eemed b lurred, y ellow- c louded, y ielding n othing t angible. H er i nept a crostics, m audlin e vasions, t heopathies— e very r ecollection f ormed r ipples o f m ysterious m eaning. E verything s eemed y ellowly b lurred, i llusive, l ost.

Acrostic in Chaucer's "La Priere de Nostre Dame"

Commonly referred to as "Chaucer's ABC's," this poem is an example of the sub-genre of acrostic known as abecedarian poetry, in which the first letters of each stanza spell the alphabet in sequence.

A LMIGHTY and all-merciable Queen, To whom all this world fleeth for succour... B ounty so fix'd hath in thy heart his tent, That well I wot thou wilt my succour be... C omfort is none, but in you, Lady dear! For lo! my sin and my confusion...

Acrostic in Blake's "London"

This poem by William Blake puts a special emphasis on the sounds of London's cityscape, such as the cries of the chimneysweeps and the sighs of the soldiers. In the third stanza, the initial letters of each line form an acrostic that spells the word "HEAR," which underscores the speaker's fixation on the sounds in his environment. This is an example of acrostic being used in just one stanza of a poem—the remainder of the poem does not contain acrostics.

H ow the Chimney-sweepers cry E very blackning Church appalls, A nd the hapless Soldiers sigh R uns in blood down Palace walls

Acrostic in Cage's "Overpopulation and Art"

John Cage was a hugely influential experimental composer and poet who, toward the end of his life, became interested in writing acrostic poems in which the key letters were placed in the middles of lines instead of at the beginnings—a form known as mesostich poetry. The following excerpt is the beginning of one of the last poems Cage wrote in his lifetime, "Overpopulation and Art." The long mesostich poem, written in free verse , spells out the words of the title, "overpopulation and art," twenty times (the number of letters in the title). The excerpt below shows just one of the twenty cycles of the poem.

                                          ab O ut 1948 or 50 the number of people                                              li V ing                              all at onc E        equaled the numbe R who had ever lived at any time all added together                                        the P resent as far as numbers                                             g O    became equal to the P ast        we are now in the f U ture              it is something e L se                                             h A s                                               i T doubled                                        has I t quadrupled                                all we n O w                                             k N ow for sure is                                   the de A d                                       are i N the minority    they are outnumbere D by us who're living                                         wh A t does this do to                                          ou R        way of communica T ing...

Why Do Writers Choose to Write Acrostics?

Acrostics are used to add new dimension to a poem or other text. They can transform straightforward poetry or prose into a word puzzle by enlisting the reader to decode a secret message. In addition, acrostics are often used to spell out names or meanings that are associated with the text but that have not been said outright—this can be used for comedic effect, to tell a secret, or to give supplemental information. Acrostics can also make poems easier to remember or memorize, as their messages can function as mnemonic devices that help a reader to recall the remainder of each line. For this reason, acrostics are commonly used in children's poetry.

Other Helpful Acrostic Resources

  • The Wikipedia Page on Acrostic: A somewhat technical explanation, including various helpful examples.
  • The dictionary definition of Acrostic: A basic definition that includes a bit on the etymology of acrostic.
  • An article that gives the history of alphabet poems (including Old Icelandic poems written in runes), with many examples.
  • An article on acrostics as love poems in colonial Williamsburg: "For the young men and women of Williamsburg in 1768, acrostic verses were the equivalent of pop songs and Hallmark cards."
  • A reading of John Cage's long mesostich poem, "Overpopulation and Art"

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How to Write an Acrostic Poem

What is an Acrostic?

Acrostics are a fun poetic form that anyone can write. They have just a few simple rules, and this lesson will teach you how to create acrostic poems of your own.

To begin with, an acrostic is a poem in which the first letters of each line spell out a word or phrase. The word or phrase can be a name, a thing, or whatever you like. When children write acrostics, they will often use their own first name, or sometimes the first name of a friend.

Usually, the first letter of each line is capitalized. This makes it easier to see the word spelled out vertically down the page.

Acrostics are easy to write because they don’t need to rhyme, and you don’t need to worry about the rhythm of the lines. Each line can be as long or as short as you want it to be.

Creating an Acrostic in Five Easy Steps

To create an acrostic, follow these five easy steps:

  • Decide what to write about.
  • Write your word down vertically .
  • Brainstorm words or phrases that describe your idea.
  • Place your brainstormed words or phrases on the lines that begin with the same letters.
  • Fill in the rest of the lines to create a poem.

Now let me show you how to follow these steps.

The first step is to decide what you would like to write an acrostic poem about. I recommend you start by writing an acrostic based on your name or on your favorite thing, whatever that happens to be. It doesn’t matter if your favorite thing is soccer, video games, chocolate, music, pizza, movies, or anything else.

An Ice Cream Acrostic

For example, I especially like ice cream, so I decided to write an acrostic about ice cream. Begin by writing the word “ICE CREAM” down the page like this:

Next, you want to say something about ice cream in each line. A good way to do this is to “brainstorm” lots of ideas. I wrote down a list of all the ice cream flavors I could think of, including chocolate chip, strawberry, rocky road, and others. Then I put them in a list wherever they would fit, like this:

I C ookies & Cream. E nglish Toffee.

C hocolate Chip. R ocky Road. E A lmond Fudge. M

You’ll notice that I didn’t fill in all of the lines. That’s because I couldn’t think of a flavor that started with “I” and I could only think of one flavor that started with “E.” Also, I thought I would do something different with the last line, to make it an ending for the poem, rather than just another flavor.

Finally, I filled in the missing lines, like this:

I love every flavor. C ookies & Cream. E nglish Toffee.

C hocolate Chip. R ocky Road. E ven Strawberry and A lmond Fudge. M mmmmmmm.

Now, just as you can write acrostics about things you like , you can also write them about things you don’t like , such as chores, homework, and so on. Here is an example acrostic about homework.

A Homework Acrostic

In addition to writing about things you like, such as ice cream, you can write acrostics about things you don’t like. For example, if you don’t like homework, you might try writing a poem about it. Begin by writing the word “HOMEWORK” down the page:

H O M E W O R K

Next, brainstorm as many words and phrases as you can think of.  Here are some I came up with:

Reading for hours. Writing. Not my favorite. Every Day. I’d rather be watching TV. Makes me crazy. Overwhelming. Hard to do.

Notice that some of these words and phrases begin with the letters in the word “homework.” I put these ones in where I saw they would go:

H ard to do O verwhelming, M E very day W riting O R eading for hours. K

Finally, I found a way to fill in the rest of the words, and even give it an ending. Here is the finished acrostic:

H ard to do and sometimes O verwhelming, M y teacher gives us homework E very single day! W riting for hours O r R eading for hours. K ids need a break!

A Minecraft Acrostic

Here’s one more acrostic poem I created recently with the help of kids from all around the country during an online author visit :

M inecraft. I love it. N o doubt about it. E xploring, building, fighting C reepers, zombies, and skeletons. R oaming around for hours. A F un T ime for everyone!

Things to Remember

Here are a few things to remember as you begin writing your own acrostics:

  • Acrostics can be about anything!
  • Names are a common topic. Try writing one using your best friend’s name and giving it to him or her as a gift.
  • You can use single words, phrases, or even full sentences in your acrostic poem.

Finally, remember, acrostic poems are one of the easiest and most fun ways to create poems of your own. Give it a try and see what you  can come up with.

Acrostic Writing Worksheet for Kids

Click here to download a printable acrostic-writing worksheet.

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  1. Journey Acrostic Poems

    These are the best examples of Acrostic Journey poems written by international poets. Ethereal Lanterns E ntering this season with joyful heart T hanking the Almighty for blessings great H oping for a love-filled renewed life start E xpressing desire for a peaceful...

  2. A River's Journey

    Passing through the estuary. But keen to carry on. Then finally, his destination. Comes within his view; the sea. is beckoning from waters deep and oh so blue…. So finally, what started as a river's gentle motion. Is all encapsulated in the wide and mighty ocean. , A river acrostic/shape poem about a river's journey.

  3. How to Write an Acrostic Poem: Examples and Forms

    Acrostic Poem Examples: 6 Forms of Acrostic Poetry. As with any poetry form, poets have tinkered with the acrostic poem for centuries. Here are six types of acrostic poetry to inspire and challenge you. 1. The Conventional Acrostic Poem. The conventional acrostic poem uses the first letter or word of each line to spell out a related word or phrase.

  4. 41 Acrostic Poems

    An acrostic poem is a poem where the first letters of each line spell out a word or phrase vertically that acts as the theme or message of the poem. Sometimes a word or phrase can also be found down the middle or end of the poem, but the most common is at the beginning. A lot of people use these poems to describe people or holidays, and lines ...

  5. 10 of the Best Examples of Acrostic Poems Everyone Should Read

    John Keats, ' Acrostic: Georgiana Augusta Keats '. Great love in me for thee and Poesy. And surety give to love and Brotherhood …. Another great Romantic poet, John Keats (1795-1821) penned this glorious acrostic for his sister-in-law, Georgiana Keats (born Wylie), who was married to the poet's brother George.

  6. Journey--An acrostic Poem, at My poetic side

    Journey--An acrostic + - Journey took me down the wrong path. Over to new lands looking for love. Unless you count the lies. Revenge was mine to be had. ... Its an acrostic but you guys can write a poem about a journey if you want or keep it acrostic. Category: Love; Views: 1849;

  7. My Journey, My Own (An Acrostic)

    An acrostic is a poem or other piece of writing whose lines' first letters, taken in succession, form a word, or alphabet. ... 6 thoughts on " My Journey, My Own (An Acrostic) " Susan says: 2016-11-09 at 2:17 pm. Clever as always. Sylvia says: 2016-11-09 at 8:22 pm. Thanks, Sue. Blessings to you! lynn says:

  8. Journey Acrostic Poem (Teacher-Made)

    Journey Acrostic Poem (Teacher-Made) - Twinkl. Acrostic Poems Writing poetry Writing Templates Astronomy Day Castles and Knights (Ages 5 - 7) Made by.

  9. Journey Acrostic Poem Template (teacher made)

    Use this Journey Acrostic Poem Template as a fun activity before a topic on journeys or voyages, or before a school trip! Twinkl Key Stage 1 - Year 1, Year 2 Educational Resources. Ratings & Reviews. Curriculum Links.

  10. Journey Acrostic Poem Template (teacher made)

    Use this Journey Acrostic Poem Template as a fun activity before a topic on journeys or voyages, or before a school trip! Twinkl. Related Searches. writing poetry acrostic poems poetry ages 8 - 9 (year 4) poetry writing aids shape poetry . Ratings & Reviews; Curriculum Links; Make a Request ...

  11. Journey Acrostic Poem (teacher made)

    Journey Acrostic Poem (teacher made) - Twinkl. Planners for Life Free Taster Packs. Areas of Learning Mathematics Communication and Language Understanding The World Physical Development Personal, Social & Emotional Development. Fantasy and Adventure Festivals and Cultural Celebrations Weather and Seasons Science & Investigation.

  12. Acrostic poem for journey

    Acrostic Poem For Journey cheap oakley sunglasses An acrostic poem for journey has 7 lines which begin with the letters J,O,U,R,N,E,Y. Scroll down for poems about journey, show words starting with the letters J,O,U,R,N,E,Y (journey, opens in new tab) or...

  13. What Is An Acrostic Poem? Examples And Writing Tips

    How to Write an Acrostic Poem. The first step in writing an acrostic poem is to pick your foundation word or phrase—this will be the backbone of your poem. Choose a word that sparks your interest or has a special meaning. It could be a name, a feeling, or anything else you like. Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your First Acrostic Poem

  14. Canoeing Poems

    Into the smooth waters by the rivers edge. gatecrash a rising of hatching sedge, to a jetty where there's a little shack. here for the night so let us unpack, then tomorrow do the same again. eat, then bed so our strength we sustain. Rhyming poem 14 to 20 lines.

  15. Spring Acrostic Poems: Complete Explanation Of What They Are

    The celebration of the renewal that spring brings to nature is an artist's delight. Its beauty and charm lend themselves to the ebb and flow of acrostic poetry, enhancing its vitality. In essence, spring as a metaphor and inspiration serves to enrich acrostic poetry holistically. As the spring winds blow away the cobwebs of winter, inviting ...

  16. The Melody of Words: Exploring Acrostic Poems about Music

    Example 1: MELODY. M usic dances in the air, E choing through the night. L yrical notes, beyond compare, O n a journey of pure delight. D reams take flight, melodies arise, Y ielding emotions, a soul's disguise. In this example, the acrostic poem forms the word "MELODY." Each line captures the essence of music, painting a vivid picture of its ...

  17. Journey Acrostic Poem (teacher made)

    Encourage your children with their independent poetry writing with this structured Journey Acrostic Poem. Twinkl Key Stage 1 - Year 1, Year 2 Educational Resources.

  18. Acrostic

    An acrostic is a piece of writing in which a particular set of letters—typically the first letter of each line, word, or paragraph—spells out a word or phrase with special significance to the text. Acrostics are most commonly written as a form of poetry, but they can also be found in prose or used as word puzzles. While the most common type ...

  19. 11+Acrostic Peace Poem

    Poem 1. Peace, The Gentle Breeze That Whispers Through The Trees, Embracing Hearts With Tranquility And Ease. A Refuge From The Storms That Rage In Our Minds, Calming The Chaos That The World Often Finds. Endless Compassion, A Gift To Us All, A Harmony's Embrace, Never To Fall. Love, The Foundation Where Peace Finds Its Place,

  20. How to Write an Acrostic Poem

    Creating an Acrostic in Five Easy Steps. To create an acrostic, follow these five easy steps: Decide what to write about. Write your word down vertically. Brainstorm words or phrases that describe your idea. Place your brainstormed words or phrases on the lines that begin with the same letters. Fill in the rest of the lines to create a poem.

  21. 1,551 Top "Journey Acrostic Poems" Teaching Resources curated ...

    Explore more than 1,551 "Journey Acrostic Poems" resources for teachers, parents and pupils

  22. 13+Acrostic Poem About Love

    Poem 10. Lost In Your Eyes, Where Passion Resides, Open Hearts Entwined, Love's Gentle Tides. Vibrant Emotions, A Kaleidoscope Of Hues, Endless Devotion, A Love That Never Stews. Amidst Life's Journey, Love Lights The Way, Piercing The Darkness, Leading Us Each Day.

  23. 12+New Year Acrostic Poem

    Poem 10 N Ew Beginnings Arise As The Clock Strikes, E Ager Hearts Alight With Hopes And Dreams, W Here The Past Fades And The Future Invites, Y Earning For A Year Where Magic Streams. E Mbrace The Journey, Let The Adventure Start, A Wakening To Possibilities Untold, R Eaching For The Stars With An Open Heart, Yearning For Stories Yet To Unfold.