Acrostic: A poem in which the initial letter of each line or stanza, when read vertically, spells out a word, phrase, or message. This form serves as a structural framework for the poem, embedding its central theme or subject within its very architecture. The word "acrostic" comes from the Greek "akros" (topmost) and "stichos" (a line or row). Beyond simply spelling a name, acrostics can function as memory aids, puzzles, or expressions of devotion. The form is ancient, with examples found in biblical texts. A notable modern example is Edgar Allan Poe's "An Acrostic," which cleverly spells the name "Elizabeth" using the first letters of each line, while also addressing her directly in the content. The use of an acrostic highlights how poets can use formal constraints to shape meaning, transforming the poem from a simple text into a more complex, multi-layered artifact. Variations exist, such as the Abecedarian acrostic, which follows the alphabetical order of the letters.

Poem where first letters of lines spell word/message vertically. Ancient form—Greek origins. Aids memorization. Popular for names, dedications. See: abecedarian, mesostic, telestic.

Acrostiche (or acrostic) is a foundational constraint where the initial (or sometimes final or medial) letters of successive lines spell a word, name, or message. Historically used for dedications, ciphers, or devotional purposes, it appears in works from the Hebrew Psalms to medieval Latin poetry and modern Oulipian experiments. Poetry students should note that acrostics can be combined with other constraints (e.g., lipograms or meter) for added complexity. Variants include mesostics (key word runs down the middle) and telestics (final letters). Acrostiche emphasizes the visual and architectural dimension of poetry, making it a bridge between textual and visual art forms.