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 the message, but they can appear anywhere. A poem where the first letter of each line and the last letter of each line spell out words is called a double acrostic.
Acrostic Poems Using the First Letter
Here are some examples using the common method of spelling a word with the first letters of each line:
Spelling out “candy”…
Crunchy chewy
Awesome
Nice and sweet
Delightful and delicious
Yummy treat
Spelling out “cats”…
Cuddly
Acrobatic
Tenacious and terrifying
Softly purring
Spelling out “fear”…
Frightening
Eerie and strange
Anxiety rises
Ready to flee
Spelling out “spring”…
Sunny days
Plants awakening
Raindrops on the roof
Interesting clouds
New flowers
Gray skies
Spelling out “house”…
Home
Open and inviting
Universal
Safe and warm
Everything
Acrostic Poems Using Different Positions
Here are some examples of using letters at the end of the line or in different places in each line. The letters that spell out the word are still capitalized:
Spelling out “poem”…
Pick uP a pen
Think of a tOpic
Be crEative
Use your iMagination
Spelling out “food”…
Chicken or beeF
Rice or potatO
Broccoli or tomatO
White wine or reD
Spelling out “sports”…
FootballS and basketballs
UmPires and refs
Defending yOur goal
ScoRing goals
A real Team effort
Crowd goeS wild
Spelling out “star”…
Shines and twinkleS
In the nighT
There is a plethorA
Forever and eveR
Spellling out “school”…
RowS of desks
TeaChers explain
Pencils sHarpened
Going Over the facts
Writing pOems and essays
The belL rings, finally
Acrostic Poems That Spell Names
Here are some examples where the letters spell out someone’s name:
Spelling out “Marion”…
Magnificent, a creature of wonder
Alluring, so attractive
Reliable, a buddy you can count on
Interesting, truly fascinating
Obliging, willing to accommodate
Nice, a sweet soul
Spelling out “Betty”…
Beaming, so joyful
Elegant, so graceful
Tantalizing, thrilling the senses
Thorough, attentive to details
Yearning, a drive to succeed
Spelling out “Sophia”…
Serene, a calming quality
Organized, you always have it together
Picturesque, strikingly beautiful
Honest, so genuine
Imaginative, a creative mind
Alluring, so attractive
Spelling out “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
Spelling out “Willliam”…
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 Poems in Literature
Here are some examples:
“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.
From “Georgiana Augusta Keats” by John Keats…
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)
“Acrostic from Aegina” by David Mason
Anemones you brought back from the path
Nod in a glass beside our rumpled bed.
Now you are far away. In the aftermath
Even these flowers arouse my sleepy head.
Love, when I think of the ready look in your eyes,
Erotas that would make these stone walls blush
Nerves me to write away the morning’s hush.
Nadir of longing, and the red anemones
Over the lucent rim-my poor designs,
X-rated praise I’ve hidden between these lines.
“Stroud” by Paul Hansford
Set among hills in the midst of five valleyS,
This peaceful little market town we inhabiT
Refuses (vociferously!) to be a conformeR.
Once home of the cloth it gave its name tO,
Uphill and down again its streets lead yoU.
Despite its faults it leaves us all charmeD.
Acrostic poems are a fun way to enjoy poetry with a special twist.
