How To Write a Bio Poem

Most people love talking about themselves. Most people also shy away at the task of writing a poem. Writing a bio poem is an exciting way to introduce people who are afraid of poetry writing to the joys of the art by allowing them to talk about themselves. A bio poem is a mini-autobiography in poem form and is relatively easy to construct. Teachers will find that this exercise generates particular interest with reluctant students.

Instructions

1. Write your name at the top of the paper. This can serve as the title of your poem. You can also use a nickname or a pet name that your family has always called you.

2. Write on the next line three adjectives that describe you. For instance, I would write "shy, creative, happy" on my second line. An adjective is a word that describes a noun. You can use as many adjectives as you want so your readers will get a sense of who you are when they read your poem.

3. List the names of your family next. For instance, you would write: daughter of Josephine and Ernest; sister of Mona, Ernie, Lee and Andy. Place each title on a separate line or include them as one sentence. You can include your ancestors and descendants here also. Example: mother of three sons, great-granddaughter of an Everglades pioneer.

4. Mention where you live and have lived. Again, place each location on a separate line, or you can include them all in one line. Example: I live in North Carolina. I once lived in Florida. Add detail to your line: I once lived on the southeast coast of Florida, in sunny Palm Beach where the palm trees seemed to whisper and the ocean waves crashed on the hot beach.

5. Talk about feelings and dreams. In the following lines complete the following sentences: I always dreamed I would be..., I am scared of..., My goal in life is to become..., I need more than anything to..., I never again want to..., I most want to meet...

Tips & Warnings

• Write a bio poem for one of your ancestors.

Resources

• Sample Bio Poem
• The I Am Poem Template