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Poem Builder

The Poem Builder will show you 3 flip cards to help you build a poem.

  1. The first card reveals the subject of the poem, a spark to ignite the imagination.
  2. The second card suggests a poetic form, a structure within which to shape the words.
  3. And the third card offers a bounty of language, a treasure trove of words to be woven into the fabric of the poem.

Hover over each image below to reveal the choices:

Look below the flip cards for the poetic form definition and how-to.

Subject:

Write about:

Identity and self-discovery

Poem Form:

In this format:

Acrostic Poem

Definition: An acrostic poem is a poem in which the first letter of each line spells out a word or phrase, typically the theme of the poem. Each line of the poem follows this pattern and is read vertically to reveal the hidden word or phrase.

How-to: Choose a word or phrase that holds a special meaning or significance to you. Then, allow each letter of that word or phrase guide you in creating a line or stanza, letting the words to flow naturally, in the rhythm of your own voice. By doing so, the word or phrase will be woven throughout the poem, like a thread that ties the piece together. Be creative and have fun with it. In an acrostic poem you can explore the different layers of a word or phrase and discover new meanings. Poetry is not only about words but also about the emotions, memories and thoughts they carry with them: an exercise in both language and imagination.

(definition below images)

Words:

Use these words:

  1. thought
  2. sweat
  3. flute
  4. bird
  5. gulp
  6. caress
  7. bite
  8. painted
  9. painted
  10. hectic

Acrostic Poem

Definition: An acrostic poem is a poem in which the first letter of each line spells out a word or phrase, typically the theme of the poem. Each line of the poem follows this pattern and is read vertically to reveal the hidden word or phrase.

How-to: Choose a word or phrase that holds a special meaning or significance to you. Then, allow each letter of that word or phrase guide you in creating a line or stanza, letting the words to flow naturally, in the rhythm of your own voice. By doing so, the word or phrase will be woven throughout the poem, like a thread that ties the piece together. Be creative and have fun with it. In an acrostic poem you can explore the different layers of a word or phrase and discover new meanings. Poetry is not only about words but also about the emotions, memories and thoughts they carry with them: an exercise in both language and imagination.