How to Write an Acrostic Poem

Pointers on Writing Acronym Based Poetry

What is acrostic poetry? An acrostic is a poem which spells out an important word or idea. Often, the acrostic poem actually indicates the title of the poem itself. Usually, but not always, the first letter of each line in an acrostic poem spells out this key word. Here is an example of a traditional acrostic poem:

Perhaps you have a wonderful idea to share,
Or you may dream in colors mankind has never seen.
Everyone else has no idea
That you live in vibrancy unknown.
Revealing your vision can shake the world
You simply must put it into words.

Is the acrostic always formed by the first letter of every line?

In acrostic poetry, the key word may be spelled out anywhere within each line of the poem. The highlighted letters may appear at the end of each line, as here:

At the writing shoPP,
ntO
Every pointO own eyE
And read eyE thoughT.

WhthoughTfinal letter of each line is highlighted, acrostic poets usually stagger the lines, so these key letters are stacked neatly in a column.

In some acrostic poems, the key letters may be deliberately arranged for poetic and artistic effect.

Here's what this might look like:

Have you eveR seen raineveRRops,
raindRops, ever fAlfAlling
DrIppifAllingoveDrIppingt sIdewalk,
WheN sIdewalkbriWheN walkiNg off to swalkiNg

If you read downwards, you will notice the acrostic message, "RAIN, RAIN." In this acrostic poem, the letters are staggered, just like raindrops.

What is alphabet acrostic poetry?

Alphabet acrostic poetry offers several lines, usually one for each letter of the alphabet and most likely in ascending (A-B-C) order.

An alphabet acrostic poem might look like this simple example, which explains this format: