The first step in writing a name poem is to choose a person you know well, and then decide whether you'll be using just their first name or their full name. The letters of this name should be written in upper case, going vertically down the left margin of your paper. Mull over this person's personality, making a mental note of their defining character traits, strengths and quirks.
Write the first line of your poem horizontally, using the first letter of the person's name as a starting point. For example, if the name you're using is "John," the first letter of the first line of your name poem would be "J." Incorporate a few of the subject's personality traits in the introductory line of your poem. Again, if you were using the name "John," the first line could be "Jovial, laughing, a friend to all."
Move on to the second line of your poem, using the second letter of the person's name and incorporating more of that person's personality into the poem. Again, using the name "John," your second line would begin with "O," and could be written like this: "Obviously happy, always ready with a joke." Your third line, using this example, would begin with "H." Example line: "Having a good time wherever he goes."
Finish off your name poem with the last letter in the name, not only incorporating more characteristics of that person, but also bringing the poem to a satisfying conclusion or sense of closure. Example: Using the letter "N" from John, the last line could be "Never a bad word to be said, always a friend 'til the end."
For more involved name poems, use the middle and last names of the person as well, giving you more lines to write and an opportunity to incorporate more of the subject's personality traits.