* Is written for or inspired by an altar. This could be a traditional religious altar, a personal altar dedicated to a specific deity or concept, or even a metaphorical altar representing a significant moment or theme.
* Has a devotional or spiritual tone. The poem might express prayer, praise, reflection, or a sense of connection to the divine or a higher power.
* Uses imagery and language evocative of an altar. This could include references to offerings, candles, incense, sacred objects, or the act of worship.
Here's an example of what a poem might look like that could be considered an "altar poem":
_On the altar of my heart, I place the flame
Of love, a flicker in the darkness, born
From the ashes of a life I once dreamed.
A single rose, its petals soft as dawn,
A silent prayer for beauty, yet unborn.
This fragile fire, nurtured with my tears,
Will burn through doubt, and hope, and all my fears.
For on this altar, where my spirit dwells,
I seek the truth that only wisdom tells._
Ultimately, the term "altar poem" is a subjective one. A poem could be considered an "altar poem" depending on the intent of the writer, the themes explored, and the overall atmosphere of the work.