Acrostic Poem Examples & Template

By
, Staff Writer
Updated November 7, 2020
CATS Acrostic Poem
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Learn to make your own name or word poetry with these acrostic poem examples and a handy template. 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. These examples will help you see how you can use this form in different ways.

Acrostic Poems Using the First Letter

One of the most common types of acrostic poems is where you use the first letter to spell a word or phrase. You can have a lot of fun with this format. Here are some examples.

CANDY

Crunchy chewy

Awesome

Nice and sweet

Delightful and delicious

Yummy treat

CATS

Cuddly

Acrobatic

Tenacious and terrifying

Softly purring

FEAR

Frightening

Eerie and strange

Anxiety rises

Ready to flee

SPRING

Sunny days

Plants awakening

Raindrops on the roof

Interesting clouds

New flowers

Gray skies

HOUSE

Home

Open and inviting

Universal

Safe and warm

Everything

Acrostic Poem Examples Using Different Positions

Although an acrostic poem often uses the first letter of each line, it doesn’t have to. You can also make one using letters at the end of the line or in different places in each line. This creates a kind of “code.” The letters that spell out the word are still capitalized.

POEM

Pick uP a pen

Think of a tOpic

Be crEative

Use your iMagination

FOOD

Chicken or beeF

Rice or potatO

Broccoli or tomatO

White wine or reD

SPORTS

FootballS and basketballs

UmPires and refs

Defending yOur goal

ScoRing goals

A real Team effort

Crowd goeS wild

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STAR

Shines and twinkleS

In the nighT

There is a plethorA

Forever and eveR

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

If you’re thinking of writing an acrostic poem for kids or trying to illustrate an acrostic poem definition with real-world examples, nothing beats writing a poem with someone’s name. Kids can choose their own names to write, or you can pick one at random. For inspiration, check out these acrostic poem examples where the letters spell out someone's name.

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

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BETTY

Beaming, so joyful

Elegant, so graceful

Tantalizing, thrilling the senses

Thorough, attentive to details

Yearning, a drive to succeed

SOPHIA

Serene, a calming quality

Organized, you always have it together

Picturesque, strikingly beautiful

Honest, so genuine

Imaginative, a creative mind

Alluring, so attractive

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

WILLIAM

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

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Acrostic Poem Examples from Literature

Several famous authors have written acrostic poems over the years, and these can be great examples of what you can do with this unique type of poem. Some even use a rhyme scheme in addition to the acrostic form.

"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.

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"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.

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Acrostic Poem Template

In many ways, an acrostic poem is like an acronym. If you think about a specific letter in each line standing for a letter in a word, you’ll be able to write your own. Be open to experimentation, and have fun. This handy template can help.

Acrostic Poem Worksheet

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    acrostic poem worksheet
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    Created by Karina Goto for YourDictionary
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Have Fun Being Creative

Learning about different poetic forms is a great way to expand your horizons as a reader and a creative writer. Once you’ve mastered the acrostic poem, try out shape poems too. Also called concrete poems, these poems make the shape of something related to the content they describe. No matter what form you choose, it’s just fun to be creative.