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How to write a concrete poem

Author

Rachel Hickman

Published Jan 05, 2026

What are the rules of writing concrete poems?

Outline Poems
  • Choose an object to be the subject for your poem. Good suggestions for beginners could be favorite animals or favorite foods.
  • Draw a simple outline of its shape on paper or on the computer. If you’re using paper, draw with a pencil not a pen.
  • Write your poem normally.

What is a concrete poem example?

Verse that emphasizes nonlinguistic elements in its meaning, such as a typeface that creates a visual image of the topic. Examples include George Herbert’s “Easter Wings” and “The Altar” and George Starbuck’s “Poem in the Shape of a Potted Christmas Tree”. Browse more concrete poems.

Do concrete poems have to rhyme?

A poem with a shape which suggests the subject. The poet arranges the letters, punctuation, and lines to create a visual image on the page. Poetry written without a regular rhythmical pattern, or meter. The poem is divided into three quatrains and every other line rhymes.

How do you make a concrete poem for kids?

How do you write on concrete?

You can write with almost any stick you can find on the ground, but you’ll get the best results with a plastic ball point pen. Retract the tip or leave the plastic cover on if it’s pointed, and write just as you would write on any other hard surface.

How do you create a shape poem?

There are different ways to write shape poetry One is to simply draw an image of an object or insert it into MS Word (if on the computer) and then write the poem about that object inside the drawn image (using a text box if in MS Word).

What is an example of a shape poem?

A shape poem is written in such a way that its shape resembles the subject of the poem. For instance, a poem about Christmas in the shape of a potted Christmas tree. Or a poem about a fish in the shape of a goldfish. Learn more about the shape poem in this article with examples.

What are the rules of a shape poem?

Shape poems

A shape poem is a poem that is shaped like the thing it describes. The shape adds to the meaning of the poem. To write a shape poem, it helps to start by writing down all the words that come to mind about the chosen topic. These words can then be used in the poem.

What are shape poems called?

A shape poem, also called a concrete poem or a calligram, describes an object and is written in the shape of that object.

What are 3 types of poems?

Today, poetry is still considered the owner of the three main poetic forms: lyric, narrative, dramatic. Each form can then be divided into many subdivisions, each consisting of a rhyme scheme, rhythm and/or style.

Why are they called concrete poems?

Their work was termed “concrete poetry” after they exhibited along with the artists in the National Exhibition of Concrete Art (1956/57). In 1958 a Brazilian concrete poetry manifesto was published and an anthology in 1962.

Is concrete a poem?

Concrete poetry, poetry in which the poet’s intent is conveyed by graphic patterns of letters, words, or symbols rather than by the meaning of words in conventional arrangement.

What are the characteristics of concrete poem?

Concrete poems are objects composed of words, letters, colors, and typefaces, in which graphic space plays a central role in both design and meaning. Concrete poets experimented boldly with language, incorporating visual, verbal, kinetic, and sonic elements.

What makes a concrete or shape poem difficult?

Concrete poems feel unreadable at first. They seem to separate you from the feelings of the words. They make you contemplate the poem in full silence. This can be striking, it can be odd, it can be unnerving, it can even be uncomfortable.

What is the difference between a shape poem and a concrete poem?

Shape poems originated in Greek Alexandria during the third century B.C. During this time poems were written on objects such as an ax handle, a statue’s wings, an altar or even an egg. Concrete poetry– the meaning or effect is conveyed by visual means. Ex. patterns of words or letters and other typographical devices.