Acrostic Acrostic poems describe a particular topic. Acrostic poems contain a topic word, written vertically down the page. Each letter of the word begins a new description. Acrostic poems do not usually rhyme. The Witch Whizzing through the night sky In and out, she weaves through the clouds Tightly grasping her broomstick Casting her mystical spells Hiding in darkness Topic word Descriptions
Kennings Kennings poems describe a particular topic. Kennings poems can have several verses. Each verse usually has three lines which contain two words describing the topic. Kennings poems do not usually rhyme. The Spider Verses with three lines each Two descriptive words per line Web-maker Insect-stalker Creepy-crawler Hairy-hider Clever-climber Fear-inducer
Haiku Haiku poems describe a particular topic. Haiku poems have three lines. The first and third lines have five syllables and the second line has seven syllables. Haiku poems do not usually rhyme. Five syllables The Rose Petals red as blood Fragrant perfume fills the air Seven syllables A delicate rose Five syllables
Cinquain Cinquain poems describe a particular topic. Cinquain poems have five lines. Each line uses descriptive words and phrases to create images of the topic. Cinquain poems do not usually rhyme. Topic Two descriptive words Three action words A feeling about the topic A synonym for the topic Snowflakes Graceful, intricate Floating, dancing, falling Perfect in their uniqueness Flawless
Ode Odes express thoughts and feelings about a person or object. Odes can have several lines, or several verses. Imagery, such as simile, metaphor and personification, is usually included. Traditional odes have a distinct rhythm and rhyming pattern; yet modern odes do not tend to follow these rules. To Chocolate Oh, chocolate! Simile You are the sweetest of all treats, Texture as soft and smooth as silk, A ball of happiness on my tongue. My heart smiles with every taste, Feeding and warming my soul, Oh, how I adore you! Metaphor Personification
Limerick Limericks are nonsense poems, meant to make people laugh. Limericks have five lines. The first, second and fifth lines have the same number of syllables, as do the third and fourth lines. Limericks have rhythm, created by the number of syllables in each line. They also follow an aabba rhyming pattern. The Old Lady From Rome There was an old lady from Rome, Who never could find her way home. She would walk down the street, Getting very sore feet, That silly old lady from Rome! The character The situation Plot development Summary
Ballad Ballads are narrative poems, intended to tell a story. Ballads can have several verses. Each verse has four lines. Sometimes, verses may be repeated throughout the poem. Ballads have rhythm, created by the number of syllables in each line. They usually follow an abcb rhyming pattern. The Park I went for a walk to the park one day, And what do you think I found? A busy bee stuck up in a tree, And a bee hive down on the ground! Verses with four lines in each I bravely walked up to that bee hive, And what do you think I did? I poked that hive and it came alive, So I ran away and I hid!
Shape Poems Shape poems describe a particular object. Shape poems are written in the shape of the object they describe. They have no other formal structure. Shape poems do not usually rhyme. Raindrops A raindrop slips down my silent face. It falls so gently off my cheek. Now gone. Written to create the shape of a raindrop