Acrostic Poem Examples & Template

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.

Crunchy chewy

Awesome

Nice and sweet

Delightful and delicious

Yummy treat

Cuddly

Acrobatic

Tenacious and terrifying

Softly purring

Frightening

Eerie and strange

Anxiety rises

Ready to flee

Sunny days

Plants awakening

Raindrops on the roof

Interesting clouds

New flowers

Gray skies

Home

Open and inviting

Universal

Safe and warm

Everything

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.

Pick uP a pen

Think of a tOpic

Be crEative

Use your iMagination

Chicken or beeF

Rice or potatO

Broccoli or tomatO

White wine or reD

FootballS and basketballs

UmPires and refs

Defending yOur goal

ScoRing goals

A real Team effort

Crowd goeS wild

Shines and twinkleS

In the nighT

There is a plethorA

Forever and eveR

RowS of desks

TeaChers explain

Pencils sHarpened

Going Over the facts

Writing pOems and essays

The belL rings, finally

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.

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

Beaming, so joyful

Elegant, so graceful

Tantalizing, thrilling the senses

Thorough, attentive to details

Yearning, a drive to succeed

Serene, a calming quality

Organized, you always have it together

Picturesque, strikingly beautiful

Honest, so genuine

Imaginative, a creative mind

Alluring, so attractive

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.