To write a haiku, focus on a single moment, often inspired by nature or a quiet observation. Write three lines using a syllable pattern of five, seven, and five. Haiku do not rhyme and use simple, clear language. Try to show rather than explain, allowing the reader to feel the moment. Many haiku include a pause or contrast between ideas to create depth.

Limericks are humorous, often tawdry poems that originated in the nineteenth century. As a form, limericks have specific rules: Five lines AABBA rhyme scheme First two lines contain seven to ten syllables Third and fourth lines contain five to seven syllables Final line contains seven to ten syllables Here’s an example of a famous limerick: There once was a man from Nantucket Who kept all his cash in a bucket. But his daughter, named Nan, Ran away with a man And as for the bucket, Nantucket.

A ballad is a story wrapped in rhythm. Told through four-line verses, it carries moments of love, loss, courage, or mystery. With repeating sounds and musical flow, ballads invite the reader to follow a character’s journey, one stanza at a time, until the story finds its ending.

A classic poem often about love or deep thoughts.

A poem about loss, death, or mourning.

An acrostic poem is a poem where the first letter of each line spells out a word when read from top to bottom. To write one, choose a word or name that matters to you. Write it vertically, then create a line for each letter. The lines can be single words or full sentences. There are no rules for rhyme or rhythm—the only requirement is that each line begins with the correct letter and connects to the main idea.

Free verse is an open form of poetry that does not rely on a fixed meter or consistent rhyme scheme. Instead, it follows the natural rhythms of speech, thought, and breath. Poets use line breaks, spacing, and pacing to shape meaning and emotion. Because it resists strict rules, free verse can be flexible, expressive, and personal. Its boundaries often blur with other poetic forms, allowing creativity to guide structure rather than tradition.

An epic is a long poem that tells a grand, dramatic story about heroic characters and major events. To write one, choose a hero and place them in a world filled with challenges, danger, or destiny. Epics often include battles, journeys, and moral struggles. Use detailed descriptions and elevated language to show the importance of the events. The story should feel larger than life and explore themes like courage, fate, and honor.

To write a villanelle, begin by choosing two powerful lines you can repeat throughout the poem. These lines will return again and again, reinforcing an obsession or emotional theme. Follow the strict structure of nineteen lines with a repeating ABA rhyme scheme. The repetition creates intensity and rhythm. Focus on a single idea, feeling, or memory, and let the repeated lines deepen its meaning each time they appear.

A poem that celebrates or praises something.

To write a ghazal, compose a series of couplets that share a common theme, such as love or longing. Each couplet should be able to stand on its own while still connecting emotionally to the others. Use a repeated word or phrase at the end of specific lines to create unity. Traditionally, the final couplet includes a reference to the poet. Focus on emotional intensity and reflection.