It is time to make a switch. I’m in the mood to write a series of acrostic poems. I’ve tackled the task before, but I would like to explore this style of poetry again. It fits my challenge to select different forms of poetry that start with a certain letter during the month. I selected the letter A for January. The acrostic poem has been around for centuries. The first record of the use of this style was in the prophecies of the Sibyl. Legend implies that these poems predict the Trojan War and other historical events. Samples of this poetry also were discovered at Pompeii. I am not hinting that I am writing prophetic poetry. I simply enjoy writing in this style. This acrostic poem is called Winter Storm Warning.
Definition of an acrostic poem and its relationship to Winter Storm Warning
An acrostic poem starts when the poet uses the first letter of each line of verse to form a word, phrase, or sentence. The poem deals with the subject of the letters selected to form a stream of thought. The poem doesn’t have any rules concerning meter or rhythm. A poet may try to do both, but there is no rule regarding how the poem should be formed, except the first letter of each line must have a special mea
Winter Storm Warning War waged between a warm front and a cold front Ignoring the dire warning at your own risk Nervous speculation about weather’s stunt Threats of dangerous ice and wind that are brisk Everyone hurry and dash to the food store Race to get your milk, eggs, bread, and a lot more Stuff your face and gut while you all wait in line Tragic reminder of the rough road ahead Outside when the conditions start to decline Rummage for the red mittens and warm wool hat Make hot chocolate to drink and go to bed Wake up in the morning to snow-covered ground Arrange your day according to a new plan Rejoice about the stolen minutes you found Nobody will come knocking on your front door Imagine white stuff as far as you scan Nobody will come knocking on your back door Graceful world muffled in silence without sound
Who is Molly Shea?
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.
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Wonderful choice of words Molly. I love acrostic poems but sometimes get stuck for one or two lines. I didn’t know the origin though, interesting.
Thank you.