The Different Types of Poems: Haiku, Acrostic, Free Verse

Poetry has long been a revered form of writing. With expressive details, encouraging verses, and entertaining muses, different types of poems have slowly been formed over the course of poetry history. Since there are so many diverse types of poems, I will explain to you some of the most popular.

Haiku

A haiku is a type of poem that originated in Japan. It consists only of three lines of verse. The first line contains five syllables, the second contains seven syllables, and the last contains five syllables. The theme of a haiku is usually based around nature or a season.

Here's an example of a Haiku poem, which I found here.

NATURE HAIKU
Birds and bees flying
Soft blades of grass on my feet
New flowers blooming
By: Jahvon

Acrostic

An acrostic poem is somewhat like how it sounds. Take a word, and write it vertically. Now write the poem "across", using the first letter from each letter of the word you wrote.

Here's an example of an Acrostic poem, which I found here.

"Free Spirit"

Freedom-loving; free-thinker; fair-minded
Resilient; resourceful; relaxed
Empathic; enlightened; enchanting
Endearing; electric; elusive; ethereal

Sojourner; self-reliant; spiritual; serene
Peaceful; positive; personifies creativity
Independent; intelligent; imaginative
Respectful; radiates life; rejuvenating
Intuitive; inspiring; interesting
Thoughtful; thankful; tender-hearted

by: Christine Bruness

Free Verse

Free verse poems are just what they sound like. They can be rhymed or unrhymed, and have no set pattern that is followed. In general, they are the most popular type of poem, since you have the freedom to write about anything and you can write it however you feel like writing it.

Here's an example of a free verse poem, which I wrote myself, found here.

A Letter to My Childhood

Dear, baby Brandon,
where have you gone?
It seems as though you're an empty memory,
nothing but hazy clouds to look upon.

My crib is busted in pieces,
much like the innocence that came with it.
Favorite blankets, stuffed animals, and toys--
scorched by the flame you so hastily lit.

Dear, growing Brandon,
I remember the day I was filled with such joy
just happy to play in the creek down below,
getting dirty and enjoying my life as a little boy.

Sliding down the snow consumed hills,
cold, but warm all over.
Your hobbies were broad, blind, undoubted.
In the front yard, you searched for a four leaf clover.

Dear, teenage Brandon,
where did all the fun go?
Your heart disappeared, your mind went blank,
time seemed to pass so slow.

What happened to comfort?
It went out the window, and got trampled by oncoming cars.
Along with your life, your image was shattered,
but still you knew you would go far.

Dear, changing Brandon,
I know you can pull through,
your life is so full hope,
trying your best is all you can do.

These memories will not leave you,
of love, hope, hell, and blooming flowers.
Keep your head up, and everything will work out.
Now "close the refrigerator door before the milk sours".

These are just three of the different types of poems.

Source: http://www.poemofquotes.com/articles/poetry_forms.php