A Guide and Few Examples That Show How to Write an Acrostic Poem

How to Write an Acrostic Poem (With Examples)
Acrostic poems are written in such a fashion that when the first letter of every sentence of the poem are read vertically, they form a word. This word can be the title or theme of the poem. This style of poetry has its variations too, instead of the first letter, the last letter or the middle of the sentence can also form the word.
Penlighten Staff
Last Updated: Mar 2, 2018
Did You Know?
You can also have a double or triple acrostic poem, wherein the first, middle, and the last letter of the lines can represent the words, respectively.
Do you remember how, as kids, we tried to mug up answers? To make it simple, we made it into a mnemonic that usually represented the first letter of the sentence or key points. An 'acrostic' poem is written on similar lines. You can write an acrostic poem, by forming the sentences in such a manner that one letter from every sentence when read together (vertically), forms a word that is usually the theme/title/message of the poem.

Conventionally, the first letter of every line is used to form a word; however, it is not essential to this type of poetry. It is also not necessary to have rhyming words.

Acrostic poetry is a great way to play and experiment with words; however, you need to have an excellent vocabulary. Finding the appropriate word might not be easy sometimes. Let's go though some tips that might come handy for you to write an acrostic poem.
Alluring beauty of nature
Usurping and enchanting,
Trees shedding foliage,
Ultimate mosaics of earth,
Murmurs of long nights,
Nurtured by October ...
Step 1: Decide the theme or topic of your poem, and accordingly, choose an appropriate word that will best describe it. Remember that the number of lines in the poem will be determined by the number of letters in that word. Hence, choose wisely.

Step 2: For example, here I have chosen to write on the letter 'Autumn'. Write the letters of the word vertically, after deciding their position.

Step 3: Think of ideas and adjectives that describe your chosen subject, and jot them down on a sheet of paper.

Step 4: Write the first draft of the poem. Edit it if required. Think of creative and unique words. Use the dictionary for reference, it will help you come up with requisite adjectives.

Examples with rhyming words in the end. However, it is not a rule in acrostic poetry to adhere to rhyming patterns.
Love's gushing water streams,
Oasis of life, hope's beams,
Velvet wishes and dreams,
Euphoria defined in thy gleams.
Emily, my rose
Roses reminisce of you, my love
Of that breezy evening, my rose,
Silk moments, that arose
Enigma of your love, I suppose
Acrostic Poems for kids
For kids, these poems can be a real fun and simple way to convey a message or idea. The simplest way for kids is to start with their own names. Ask the kids to analyze themselves and list down their personality traits that best describe them. Now, ask them to find adjectives that start with the letters of their names. Acrostic poems are a good way to increase their vocabulary, and what better way to motivate the kids than asking them to write about themselves?
Friendly and caring
Rarest of rare,
Excellent soccer player
Dashing and handsome.
Lovable and adorable
Beautiful as a bloom
Cheerful and colorful as the confetti
Pretty as a doll
Sparkling like a ruby
You can also make a clever use of these poems to teach kids new adjectives, or provide information on different stuff.
Precious and pretty
Elegant and beautiful
Alluring and enticing
Ravishing and stunning
Lovable and adorable
Famous Acrostic Poem
The below-mentioned piece is a acrostic poem from 'Alice in Wonderland' that represents Alice's full name: Alice Pleasance Liddell.
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?

― Lewis Carroll
Poetry is an inspiration for life. Poets see what others cannot. Do you love writing poems? Do not wait! Grab a pen, and make your own acrostic poem. If you would like to share them with us, please use the comments section below.
Pregnant woman in park with digital tablet
Pregnant woman with tablet relaxing in the garden