What is an 'acrostic poem'?

Answer 1

An acrostic poem is one that uses a word or phrase (usually the theme or the underlying subject matter of the poem) written vertically. Each letter of the word/phrase then acts as the beginning letter for a new line of the poem. Whatever is written using each letter must connect to the subject matter.

For example if the subject matter is CATS, then the poem could be:

Cute and cuddly

Always up to mischief

Time is always spent playing

Stupendous fun

Or if the subject matter is DOGS, then the poem could be:

Dashing, daring, delightful

Oh he's under the table

Growling is a bad thing

Shh go to bed

Answer 2

An acrostic poem is a type of poetry where the first letter of each line, when read vertically, spells out a word, message, or related phrase. This form of poetry adds an extra layer of depth and creativity to the writing.

Answer 3

An acrostic poem is a sentence, or poem, in which the first initial of words. or lines, spell a word (eg. Do Wizards Enchant Little Lizards : dwell

In this example Paul McCan has used the initial letters of the word Peace to make a poem.

A Peace Sign (By Paul McCan)

People need love care and friendship .

Every word that we let slip.

All the prayers that come from our heart

Could be the sign for peace to start

Everyone must play their part.

You can also get poems written as double acrostics, in which the first and last letters of each line spell out words. Since this is very difficult, these are rare poems, and mostly the poetry content is not that good as the technical gymnastics required to create the poem require the use of odd words or stilted grammatical forms.