So we’re writing an acrostic poem.
You might remember this form from when you were younger, where a word or words are spelled out by the first letter of each line.
Though let’s not think of it as just a poem for children. Acrostics are brilliant for expressing thoughts and feelings in an unfussy way.
The form dates far back. At least as far as the Hebrew Bible, when acrostics were used to make a prayer to a saint. The saint’s name would be spelled out by the first letter of each line. The Greeks also appeared to enjoy writing acrostics.
In literature, you’ll find the more playful writers using the form.
Here’s Lewis Carroll:
A boat beneath a sunny sky,
Lingering onward dreamily
In an evening of July –
Children three that nestle near,
Eager eye and willing ear,
Pleased a simple tale to hear –
Long has paled that sunny sky:
Echoes fade and memories die:
Autumn frosts have slain July.
Still she haunts me, phantomwise,
Alice moving under skies
Never seen by waking eyes.
Children yet, the tale to hear,
Eager eye and willing ear,
Lovingly shall nestle near.
In a Wonderland they lie,
Dreaming as the days go by,
Dreaming as the summers die:
Ever drifting down the stream –
Lingering in the golden gleam –
Life, what is it but a dream?
Alice Pleasance Liddell is spelled out by the first letter of each line. Some argue that this Alice was the author’s inspiration for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. (Others suggest she was simply the first child Carroll shared his story with.)
As you can see, the rules are very simple. The first letter of each line should spell out our chosen word or words.
Whether lines rhyme, tell a story or contain more messages – up to you.
Happy writing
Rob