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.
Write Limericks: 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 turned 86 years old last June, 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 - who was a schoolteacher, PTA organizer, superintendent and speaker extraordinaire - 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
I'll hurry and call the police-
They'll come on the run,
A-waving a gun-
And the neighbors won't have any peace!
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!
Writing Limericks Part II
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