The ABCs of Poetry

An Abecedarian

When it comes to unusual poetic forms, I’m a sucker for the abecedarian. I’ve drawn abecedarians about autumn, overthinking, cats, and of course, writing. I first encountered this type of poem (dare I say, poetry comic?) in Edward Gorey’s Amphigorey books.

I like the awkwardness of language that the ABC format forces upon the poem—especially when it reaches those pesky letters at the end of the alphabet.

There’s a close connection of the abecedarian with alphabet books, which are one of first types of literature we encounter as readers and listeners. Dr. Seuss’s ABC book (perfect for kids) and Uncle Shelby’s ABZ book (decidedly not for kids) both helped shape my fascination with the alphabet from a young age.

And as a longtime Scrabble player, I’m still searching for the perfect word that starts with Z.

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For more visual poetry (including one abecedarian), please consider pre-ordering POETRY COMICS from your favorite local bookstore! Or find it online here. It will be published in March ‘24—just in time for National Poetry Month.