Poetry has always been a way to play with words and ideas, to explore what language can really do when given freedom. I’ve tried various forms, from traditional acrostics to free verse, and even created a few techniques along the way. Recently, I stumbled onto an idea I call acrostic alliteration. I’m not sure if this has been done before, but it challenged me in the best ways—and the thrill of trying something new is worth sharing.
Here's my step-by-step guide to acrostic alliteration. I combined the structure of an acrostic, where the first letters of each line spell out a word, with the added twist of alliteration and rhyme. It’s tough, but the final result can be so satisfying!
Acrostic Alliteration Poetry: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Anchor Word
Start with a word that speaks to you. This “anchor word” sets the structure and theme for your poem.
Write it vertically, with each line starting with a letter from the anchor word. This word could even be the first word of your poem—it’s flexible.
Example Anchor Words: ABSTRACT or ANCHOR
Step 2: Build Your Poem, Line by Line
Line 1: One word starts with the first letter of your anchor word. (Sometimes, I use the anchor word itself here.)
Line 2: Add two words beginning with the second letter, with the first word rhyming with the last word of the previous line.
Using “ABSTRACT,” this line could become “BACKED BROADBAND.”
Line 3: For the third letter, add three words that start with it and rhyme with the last word of Line 2.
If “BROADBAND” finished Line 2, Line 3 could be “SAND SISTER SOMEONE.”
Keep going like this, expanding each line with an extra word for every letter in the anchor word.
Here’s an example using “ABSTRACT” as the anchor:
Example: "ABSTRACT"
ABSTRACT TECHNOLOGY
by Joel Hawksley © 2024
Abstract
Backed broadband
Sand sister someone
Ton tech takes time
Rhyme ride radical RAM racing
Aging anticipation against Apple’s accelerating access
Checks cache children choosing chocolate chips
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Reflections on the Process
This technique isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking to push yourself creatively, I recommend trying it and sharing. There’s something so exciting about breaking rules and making new ones as you go.
If you love rhyme, end-rhymes throughout each line could give the poem a powerful rhythm (although with that approach, expect to be counting syllables and experimenting more). For me, trying something unfamiliar gave me new respect for the ways poetry can stretch the limits of language.
If you’re a poet, I have a message for you: keep creating, keep experimenting. Whether you’re sticking to form or making up your own, remember—the beauty of poetry is in the risks we take
If you write an acrostic alliteration, please share it with me. I would also like feedback from other poets.