Final answer:
An acrostic poem features the first letter of each line aligning vertically to spell out a word or message, usually related to the subject of the poem. This vertical word often dictates the subject matter and is a defining characteristic of the acrostic form. The correct option is A The vertical word is usually the subject of the poem.The vertical word is usually the subject of the poem.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poem titled "Ice Cream" is indeed an example of an acrostic poem. Acrostic poetry is a creative form wherein the first letter of each line, when read vertically, spells out a word or message, often related to the theme of the poem. One notable characteristic of acrostic poetry is that the vertical word is typically the subject of the poem, which is represented by choice A. The vertical alignment forms a backbone of the poem that can influence its overall shape, thematic focus, and can sometimes offer additional insight or add a layer of complexity to the poem's interpretation.
While there might be various stylistic choices made by poets, such as manipulating line lengths and line endings, or employing alliteration and other literary devices, these are not exclusive or defining characteristics of acrostic poetry in particular. Thus, the most accurate answer to the question regarding an additional characteristic of acrostic poetry is that the vertical word, which typically runs down the left-hand side of the text, is usually the subject of the poem.