Poetic Forms: Acrostic

An acrostic is a poem inside which a word, phrase or message is imbedded, typically using the first or last letters, syllables or words in its lines. It can be used in other writing devices as well, such as acronyms for names of organizations (i.e. laser- Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) or memory aids (such as Roy G. Biv- Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet).

In poetry, an acrostic regularly utilizes the first letter in each line to form a word that the poem describes or visa versa. However, there are many patterns available to the poet. A double acrostic may use the first letters of lines for one word or message and the last letters of the same lines for a second word or message. The two may or may not be related.

These all assume that the author wants to be obvious in its message. There are also ways to disguise an acrostic, i.e. placing letters, syllables or words in the middle of lines, or placing them on every other line. For example, the Dutch national anthem is an acrostic, spelling out WILLEM VAN NASSOV (another name for William of Orange) with the first letter of each of fifteen stanzas.

An acrostic may or may not employ meter or rhyme. There are no guidelines as to number or length of lines or stanzas, and though some poets title their work using the "hidden" message, that is not a requirement.

Example:

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,
Breath it less gently forth - and veil thine eyes.
Endymion, recollect, when Luna tried
To cure his love - was cured of all beside -
His follie - pride - and passion - for he died.