Today is my Birthday. I’m at that point where I’m far from young, but I’m not quite old (unless you ask my children). And although I curse the wrinkles and reading glasses, I embrace aging as I know it’s a privilege denied to many. So today, in honor of birthdays, I’m resharing this acrostic poem. Happy 2022 Birthday to all my readers and lovers of poetry!

In a simple acrostic poem, the first letters of each line spell out a word when reading down the page.

A BIRTHDAY ACROSTIC

Birthdays creep around every year like organized thieves
Intent on stealing our hair, our height, our youth.
Reaching out to us, they masquerade as friends.
Throwing confetti to distract us, they get us
High on sugar then rob us blind.
Dutifully, they leave gifts of wisdom and confidence.
And they Nudge us with little reminders to be grateful.
Yes, grateful—that they are still coming around— with cake.

©Danna Smith at poetrypop.com. All rights reserved

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

I hope you’ll give writing an acrostic poem a try. Write one for yourself or as a gift for a friend. Feel free to share your poem (or a note) in the comments below (scroll way down). Poetry is always better when shared!

HERE ARE THE RULES:

1. Choose a topic to write about (a word, name, or phrase).
2. Write the word in bold, capital letters down the side of the page.
3. Set the tone. Do you want your poem to be funny, sad, heartwarming, thoughtful?
4. Describe the subject in each line. It can be a word or a full sentence.
5. Acrostics can rhyme but they don’t have to.

As always, thank you for popping in and following the blog for your weekly pop of poetry!