How to Write an Acrostic Poem

An acrostic poem is a sort of fun and different way to form a poem. It can be a play on words and way to create double meanings or messages in your poem.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen or pencil
• Lined paper
• Imagination

1. Think of an idea for a poem that you would like to write about. Be specific in your poems focus.

2. Come up with a single word or phrase to embody this idea.

3. Write the word or phrase downward on the lines of paper.

4. Create your poem using the first letter from your word or phrase on each line.

5. Your poem should look something like this:
   
   Y esterday was the last time I saw you
   O h sweet yesterday
   U nforgettable yesterday
   
   Separating the first letters from the rest of the words so that you can see that each first letter spells "you" downward. The poem is also about the subject "you."

6. Mix things up a bit for your next poem. For the next poem, the word or phrase can be formed on either side of the lines (front or back) or both. The word or phrase also does not have to be on the same topic as the rest of your poem for this next poem.