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 a word or phrase. Here are some examples.
FEAR
Frightening
Eerie and strange
Anxiety rises
Ready to flee
SPRING
Sunny days
Plants awakening
Raindrops on the roof
Interesting clouds
New flowers
Gray skies
Nothing beats writing a poem with someone’s name,too. For inspiration, check out these acrostic poem examples where the letters spell out someone’s name.
BETTY
Beaming, so joyful
Elegant, so graceful
Tantalizing, thrilling the senses
Thorough, attentive to details
Yearning, a drive to succeed
SOPHIA
Serene, a calming quality
Organized, you always have it together
Picturesque, strikingly beautiful
Honest, so genuine
Imaginative, a creative mind
Alluring, so attractive
ROBERTO
Rebellious, going against the grain
Oomph, you have a magnetic draw
Buoyant, abound with energy
Enchanting, a charming presence
Reassuring, a comforting presence
Trustworthy, your word is good as gold
Obliging, willing to accommodate
WILLIAM
Worthy, your friendship is a gift
Illustrious, bright and accomplished
Lively, the life of the party
Light-hearted, you have an easy laughter
Inspirational, the ability to motivate
Approachable, people turn to you for help
Merry, abundant joy
Acrostic Poem Examples from Literature
Several famous authors have written acrostic poems over the years, and these can be great examples of what you can do with this unique type of poem. Some even use a rhyme scheme in addition to the acrostic form.
«An Acrostic» by Edgar Allan Poe…
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.
Kind sister! aye, this third name says you are;
Enchanted has it been the Lord knows where;
And may it taste to you like good old wine,
Take you to real happiness and give
Sons, daughters and a home like honied hive.
«Acrostic» by Lewis Carroll…
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. (Lorina)
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. (Alice)
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. (Edith)
