Simple Poetry Types For Beginners

Elementary Poetry Writing – Haikus & Other Poetry Forms

Aug 15, 2009

There are hundreds of different types of poetry ranging from the very simple to the incredibly complex. To understand the art of writing poetry they must all be explored.

Each poet has his or her own style, a voice that is unique to his or her work. This signature may be tied to a single type of poem, making it easy to spot or it could simple be a distinctive voice that accompanies the poets work regardless of the actual form of poetry being used.

A poet who limits themselves to one form of poetry is no less amazing than the poet whose writings span the gamut of the genre, it is simply the informed poet that makes the best choices to suit their particular style.

The forms introduced in this article are among the most basic types of poetry and would provide an excellent starting point for incipient poets. They should not, however be discredited as worthless because often, there is beauty in simplicity.

Acrostic Poems

The acrostic is a time honored tradition and is often taught in grade and middle schools. Basically, beginning with a word and write it down instead of across the paper. The first letter of each line is already written and writers must use those letters to form their word or line of verse. The end product should result in a poem that springs fourth from or is related to the word that is written down the paper.

Haiku Poems

Haiku is another form of poetry that students are introduced to at an early age. Though, the best haiku poems are / were very difficult to write. The rules governing the haiku, however, are very simple.

The haiku is a Japanese poem comprised of three lines. The first line is five syllables, second line is seven syllables and the third line is five syllables.

Haiku poems are often, but not always associated with weather and/or the seasons.

Shape Poems

The shape poem is another fairly easy to learn style of poetry. This form has fewer restrictions than the previous two. A shape poem may be any length and address any subject, but it actual words must form the shape of the poems subject. So, if the poem is about a cat, it should visually represent a cat on the page and so fourth.

These are just a few of the many types of poetry available to the budding poet. Once mastered, these poems can express and proliferate with the best of them.

Other Advice on Poetry From This Author

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