Kate Williams

Acrostics are pleasing brain-ticklers, with the bonus that completion = poem! What’s more, the first letter of each line is given, so all you have to do is fill in the rest – however you see fit. In case you’ve gone blank about what exactly acrostics are, they’re poems in which the first letter of each line make a word going down the page, so it goes both ways, like this:

You’re so right!
Entirely agree!
Same here!

(Note the phrases vaguely reflect the vertical YES.)

So how about making up your own acrostic? With a longer word, to get your teeth into? Any suggestions? Here’s one: UNLOCKING – of lockdown restrictions perhaps, and of the spring/summer maybe, as buds open and eggs hatch.

Here are some suggestions to pick from or to spur alternatives:

U   unleashing, ushering in, unfolding, utterly wonderful

N  new beginnings, now (or never), nearly summer, next step

L   looking forward, loosening up, learning how again, lifting, lock-free, lush

O  out and about, opportunities, open door, our freedom back, oooh!

C  connecting, can do, cautious steps, celebrations, calm, come and see!

K  kinder world, knock at the door, kick-starting, kestrel-free

I   into the world, invigorating, inspiring start, inching forward, insight

N  (see first N for ideas)

G  going out, getting together again, gathering, gleaming world, great!

Or think up an acrostic of your own. Ideas for the key, vertical word: happiness, spring, blossom, reunited, road map, holidays, poetry, delight.

Share your acrostics to inspire others! 

Let me know what you came up with!
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