Kinds of Poem
Alphabet Poem
Here the alphabet is used as the structure for a twenty-six- line poem.
Calligram
The words used in a calligram â also called concrete or shape poetry â form the shape of the topic described.
Cautionary Verse
A narrative poem which often features a disobedient child or a foolish person who, as a result of his or her actions, comes to a sticky end. It teaches a salutary lesson.
Conversation Poem
A free verse or rhyming poem in which two characters hold a conversation.
Diamont
A seven-line poem written in the shape of a diamond which contains a contrast of ideas or descriptions. It ollows this pattern:
Line 1:
The topic
(1 word)
Line 2:
Describes the topic
(2 words)
Line 3:
Expresses some action
(3 words)
Line 4:
Relates to the topic
(4 words)
Line 5:
Action words about the opposite of the topic
(3 words)
Line 6:
Describes the opposite of the topic
(2 words)
Line 7:
The opposite of the topic
(1 word)
Epitaph
A short, often very simply written poem in memory of omeone who has died. You can see epitaphs carved on ombstones in the churchyard.
Free Verse
A poem without rhyme.
limerick
A short and amusing verse of five lines which follows a ixed pattern:
Line 1:
hymes with second and fifth lines
(8 or 9 syllables)
Line 2:
hymes with first and fifth lines
(8 or 9 syllables)
Line 3:
hymes with fourth line
(5 or 6 syllables)
Line 4:
hymes with third line
(5 or 6 syllables)
Line 5:
hymes with first and second lines
(8 or 9 syllables)
Parody
A poem which copies the structure of a well-known poem
for comic effect.
Rhyming Poem
Rhyme is when two words sound alike. Sometimes poems use rhyme to get our attention or to make us listen, sometimes to create a pleasing musical effect. Rhyme also gives pattern to the verses in a poem. In most rhyming poems the rhyme appears at the end of the line. In some it occurs in the middle of the line (internal rhyme). Full rhymes occur when the words sound exactly alike (as in âhighâ and skyâ). Near or half-rhymes are when the words sound similar but are not full rhymes (as in âmineâ and âgrimeâ).
Rhythmic Poem
All poems have rhythm â that is, a pattern of beats or ounds. Some poems have a slow and stately rhythm, thers a regular singsong rhythm.
Riddle
A riddle is a word puzzle. Some riddles are one line and thers are much longer; some are easy to solve and others re very difficult.
Tamara Thorne, Alistair Cross