Write Limericks

There seems to be a renewed interest in how to write limericks - and for good reason! They are short, not difficult to think up, and can be quite funny!

What is a Limerick?

The definition of a limerick is as follows:

A limerick is an old-fashioned type of rhyme, consisting of 5 lines, quite unusual in the world of poetry.

Lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme with each other, and usually, if not always, lines 3 and 4 rhyme with each other.

History of Limericks

Limericks were popular in the 20's and 30's, and probably back to the 1900's. How long before the 1900's this type of rhyme was in vogue, I don't know. I was 83 years old this June (2009), and many never heard of a limerick in the 1940's as I recall, except perhaps teachers of English or those who studied poetry.

I had the privilege of growing up with my dad - and he was forever quoting funny limericks and making them up as well! (So I got it honest! :)

Example of a Limerick Poem

Here's an example of a limerick poem:

POLICE

How to Write a Limerick

First, choose a theme. For instance, the theme in the limerick above was "police". Then you can think of rhyming words and tie it together into a small story - or do the reverse - think of an incident and then find rhyming words to match.

Remember the pattern:
Lines 1,2, and 5 rhyme
Lines 3 and 4 rhyme with each other.

Practice, have fun, and soon you'll become a limerick writer in your own rite!

Please share your creations with me here and you just may see your limerick poetry in print on the world wide web - check back often to see new postings!

Writing Limericks Part II

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