How to Write a Biopoem

Last Updated: February 14, 2023 References

A biopoem is a poem with a very specific formula. It describes a person, and it is 10 lines long. You can write a biopoem about yourself or about someone else; the formula works either way.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Constructing a Biopoem

1
In the first line, use the person’s first name. For example: “Abraham”.^{[1]
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2
Next, add four words describing the person. For example: “Fierce unyielding brave tall”.^{[2]
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3
In the third line, include an important relationship. For example: “Son of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, husband of Mary Lincoln”.^{[3]
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4
In the fourth line, add a couple of things the person appreciated or loved. It can be people, as well. For example: “Lover of freedom, tall hats, and good speeches”.^{[4]
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5
For the fifth line, write about feelings that person had in his or her lifetime. For example: “Who felt patriotism for his country and who felt grief at a divided nation”.^{[5]
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6
In the sixth line, use three fears the person had. For example: “Who feared what would become of a divided country, feared the south would win, feared the costs of war”.^{[6]
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7
For the seventh line, list the person’s accomplishments. For example: “Who issued the Emancipation Proclamation and who won the Civil War”.^{[7]
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8
In the eighth line, talk about what the person wants to see happen. For example: “Who wanted to see the nation whole again”.^{[8]
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9
Devote the ninth line to the places the person lived. For example. “Born in Kentucky, died at Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC”.^{[9]
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10
For the last line, simply add the person’s last name. For example: “Lincoln”.^{[10]
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11
Put it all together. The finished poem should look something like the one below:
- “Abraham
- Fierce unyielding brave tall
- Son of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, husband of Mary Lincoln
- Lover of freedom, tall hats, and good speeches
- Who felt patriotism for his country and who felt grief at a divided nation
- Who feared what would become of a divided country, feared the south would win, feared the costs of war
- Who issued the Emancipation Proclamation and who won the Civil War
- Who wanted to see the nation whole again
- Born in Kentucky, died at Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC
- Lincoln"

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Writing and Formatting a Biopoem

1
Think about what characteristics make a person unique. Then try to incorporate these characteristics into the poem. For instance, instead of just saying “Lover of animals,” you could put, “Who loves her 3 orange tabbies to pieces.” In other words, be specific.
2
Choose words appropriate to the person. Use words that best represent the person you are describing. Choose strong, vibrant words to describe them and what they love. Don’t use slang unless the person used that type of slang themselves.
3
Format the poem correctly. Use double spacing, as it will help each line stand out. Use present tense if the person is still alive, but past tense if the person has died.^{[11]
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Sample Biopoem

Community Q&A

Question

Does a biopoem only have to be 10 lines, or is there some way to make it at least 15 lines?

Donagan

Top Answerer

The formula for a biopoem includes a specific number of lines (10 or 11). The writer is not free to write some other number of lines and still call it a biopoem.
Question

Do I have to center the lines or should it be on the left side of the paper?

Community Answer

It doesn't really matter. It all depends on the format and preference of the author.
Question

Can it be about anyone?

Mb_8c5efc5939c9

Community Answer

Yes, it can be about you or your mum or your pet cat. It is up to you, as the creator of that world, you and only you are in charge.