Types of poetry 

​​In a nutshell 

Writers use creative words in inventive ways to write poems. In this summary, you will learn about the characteristics of several types of poetry.

Acrostic 

In an acrostic poem the first letter of each line spells out a word. The word or phrase which is spelt out is usually the subject of the poem. 

Example

Purple and 

Luscious. I had

Underestimated its taste.

Mmmm! 

Epigram 

An epigram is a brief poem, usually written with a witty twist at the end. Epigrams are often couplets (two lines long) or quatrains (four lines long). 

Example

School 

is cool, 

But FIFA 

is sweeter! 

Free verse 

A free verse poem is a poem written without a set structure or style. It can be a rhyming poem, or a poem which doesn't rhyme. It can even be a mixture of various styles of poetry.

Example 

I must admit I like to rhyme 

But not all the time   

This is why I write in free verse

because this is how I speak 

in real life.  

Haiku

A haiku poem is a Japanese poem with three lines. The lines do not usually rhyme. Haiku poems must have five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second line and five syllables in the third line. 

Example

Limerick

A limerick is a five lined poem which is usually funny and even nonsensical sometimes. The first, second and fifth lines rhyme with one another. The third and fourth lines also rhyme with each other. 

Example

I went to the kitchen to get a slice of bread 

hoping no one woul d notice I just got out of bed

But then Daddy came down 

And said, "To the bathroom!" with a frown

So I went to brush my teeth instead.  

Shape 

A shape poem is a poem that is written about an object and is shaped like the object that is being described. So, a shape poem about a car would have the shape of a car. 

Example

Sonnet

A sonnet is a poem with $$14$$​ lines. Sonnets tend to be on the theme of love. Shakespeare wrote a lot of sonnets. They are often written with three quatrains (a verse made up of four lines) and two additional lines that rhyme at the end.

Example 

My lovely cats, you inspire me to write.
How I love the way you meow, prowl and purr.
Invading my mind day and through the night,
Making all my problems such a blur.

Yes some days suck, like father predicted:
More mess, more noise, and more trips to the vet.
Ask friends to cat-sit - or stay home instead,
Yes, this has been true, still not one regret.

How do I love you? Let me count the ways.
I love your intriguing paws, fur and eyes.
Daddy surely knows this is not a phase,
Even at night I hate saying our goodbyes.

Now I must away with a weathered heart,
Remember my true words whilst we're apart.