Types of Poetry for Middle School

Haiku

• Definition: A short, 3-line Japanese poem.

  • Line 1: 5 syllables

  • Line 2: 7 syllables

  • Line 3: 5 syllables

Limerick

• Definition: A humorous, 5-line poem with an AABBA rhyme scheme.

  • Structure: Lines 1, 2, and 5 are longer; lines 3 and 4 are shorter.

Acrostic

• Definition: A poem where the first letter of each line spells out a word or phrase.

Free Verse

• Definition: Poetry without any set rules for rhyme or rhythm, resembles natural speech.

• Note: Any poem type can be adapted to free verse except those with strict structures, like limericks or sonnets.

Sonnet

• Definition: A 14-line poem typically expressing strong feelings and following a specific rhyme scheme..

Narrative Poem

• Definition: A poem that tells a story; considered a broad category.

Ballad

• Definition: A narrative poem often set to music, featuring repeated lines. It represents a type of narrative poem.

Concrete Poem (Shape Poem)

• Definition: A poem where the words form a shape related to the poem's subject.

Epic Poem

• Definition: A lengthy narrative poem detailing heroic deeds; a type of narrative poem.

Lyric Poem

• Definition: A broad category of poem expressing personal feelings or emotions; many poems may contain lyrical elements.