What Is an Acrostic Poem? | Definition & Examples

An acrostic poem uses specific letters from each line to spell out a word or message when read vertically. Typically, the first letter of every line creates the hidden word, which often relates to the poem’s theme.

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What is an acrostic poem?

At its essence, an acrostic poem is a clever form of wordplay. Writers use this poetry format to embed hidden messages within their verses, creating a puzzle-like quality that engages readers on different levels. When someone discovers the secret word spelled out vertically, it adds an extra layer of meaning to the poem.

But they’re not just about mystery; they are also just fun to write. Like other forms of constrained writing, where specific rules guide creativity, acrostic poetry can be a fun creative writing prompt for both kids and adults. Children can start with simple words like their names or favorite animals, while adults may use the format to explore complex themes or experiment with creativity.

Whether you want to create thematic poems about seasons, holidays, or personal experiences, acrostics provide just enough structure to guide the writing process without being overwhelming.

Types of acrostic poems

While traditional acrostics focus on initial letters, poets often experiment with creative variations:

• First-letter acrostics: The classic form where the first letter of each line spells out the word or message. This type makes the hidden message easy to spot.
• Last-letter acrostics (telestich poems): The final letters of each line form the vertical word, often requiring closer attention to uncover.
• Middle-letter acrostics: Letters from the middle of each line spell out the hidden message, creating a more challenging puzzle.
• Double acrostics: Both the first and last letters of each line spell out words, often creating related messages. This dual-layer format can make the hidden elements less obvious.
• Name acrostics: A person’s name serves as the vertical word, popular for personal poems and gifts.
• Alphabet poems (abecedarian): Lines begin with consecutive letters of the alphabet, creating longer compositions where the structure is clear but not tied to a specific hidden message.

The type of acrostic used determines how easily the hidden message can be spotted. Some are straightforward, while others require more effort to decipher. While acrostic poems don’t need to rhyme, poets often incorporate rhyme schemes to give the poem more flow or to make it more enjoyable to read.

Acrostic poem examples

Teachers and parents frequently use acrostic poems as educational poetry activities because they make writing approachable for beginners.

Acrostic poem examples with first letters

The most common type of acrostic poem uses the first letter of each line to spell out a word or phrase.

Acrostic poem examples using middle or last letters

Sometimes, the hidden words appear in the middle or at the end of each line, offering a creative twist on the classic acrostic format.

Acrostic poem examples that spell out names

This can be a fun creative writing exercise for kids. You can ask them to use their own name or pick the name of a loved one, like a friend or family member.

Acrostic examples in literature

In literature, acrostics often encode deeper meaning or hidden commentary within an otherwise simple format. They typically reveal the name of the poem’s subject, author, or a related theme, offering readers a subtle yet engaging puzzle to uncover.

In A Boat Beneath a Sunny Sky by Lewis Carroll, the first letter of each line spells out the name “Alice Pleasance Liddell,” one of the three children of the Liddell family who inspired him to write “Alice in Wonderland.”

In Edgar Allan Poe’s poem An Acrostic, the first letters of each line spell out the name “Elizabeth,” which is also prominently featured in the opening line. Unlike the subtle acrostic in Lewis Carroll’s poem, Poe’s tribute is not a puzzle but a deliberate and overt emphasis on the importance of Elizabeth, possibly a reference to his cousin, Elizabeth Rebecca Herring.

In Nabokov’s short story The Vane Sisters, an acrostic, which is typically found in poetry, is cleverly embedded in the final paragraph of the story. Although the acrostic may appear nonsensical at first, the first letters of each word spell out a secret message tied to the plot. Nabokov employs the acrostic as a literary device to add a layer of complexity, challenging readers to uncover hidden meanings within the text. The acrostic reveals the phrase “Icicles by Cynthia, meter from me, Sybil.”

How to write an acrostic poem

You can use the following template to write an acrostic poem:

1. Start by writing the word you want to use for your acrostic poem vertically on a page. For example:

P
E
A
C
E

2. Brainstorm and jot down some words that relate to or describe the theme of the poem, in this case, “peace.” Then, for each line, fill in a word or phrase that starts with that specific letter. If you can’t think of something, skip to the following one for now.

Patiently
E
All
Calm
E

3. Try to fill in the missing words. If you need some help, you can ask QuillBot’s AI Chat, for instance, to give you a list of words starting with the letter “E.”

Patiently
Embracing
All
Calm
Existence

Your acrostic poem is ready!

FAQs on the article acrostic poem

What is a thankful acrostic poem?

A thankful acrostic poem is a poem where the first letter of each line spells out the word “thankful.” For example:

True friends
Heartwarming moments
Appreciating life’s gifts
Nature’s beauty
Kindness and compassion
Finding joy in small things
Underneath the star-filled sky
Living grateful

A thankful acrostic poem is a creative way to express gratitude and can be used for various purposes, such as a Thanksgiving message or as a personal appreciation note.

Are you doubting between greatful and grateful? Let QuillBot’s Grammar Checker help you make the right choice!

What is a summer acrostic poem?

A summer acrostic poem is a poem where the first letter of each line spells out the word “summer.” For example:

Sun
Underwater
Mellon
Mosquitos
Easy-living
Resting

You can use this and other creative writing prompts for kids as a fun way to engage with poetry and explore the seasons.

You want to try your hand at poetry, but you’re stuck on what to write for the next line? QuillBot’s AI Chat tool can help you brainstorm ideas for your acrostic poem!

What is a winter acrostic poem?

A winter acrostic poem is a poem where the first letter of each line spells out the word “winter.” Here’s an example:

Woolen socks
Icicles
Nature sleeping
Tranquility
Envelopes everything
Repose

Struggling to make your winter acrostic feel more poetic? QuillBot’s Paraphraser can rework your lines for a smoother flow.