Writing a limerick can be a difficult task, you’ve got just 34 syllables to express your idea, and ideally, make it funny too. If you’re a keen poet or just an interested reader we’ve got the guide to teach you everything you need to know about this 5-lined poem. But first, what exactly is a limerick?
A limerick is a short, humorous poem consisting of five lines with a specific rhyme scheme (AABBA) and a playful or witty tone.
Limerick Examples And Structure
A limerick typically follows the same simple structure:
More traditional limericks also have a distinct rhythm, often described as "da-da-DUM da-da-DUM da-da-DUM," with emphasis on the first, second, and fifth lines. These poems are known for their clever wordplay and ability to evoke laughter or amusement.
Edward Lear was known for using this form of poem back in the 1800s. Here’s an example of one he wrote:
Edward Lear was known for using this form of poem back in the 1800s. Here’s an example of one he wrote:
There was an Old Person of Dean,
Who dined on one pea and one bean;
For he said, “More than that would make me too fat,”
That cautious Old Person of Dean.
Limerick Accents
Limericks are in accentual verse, which means that the construction of a line is determined by the number of accents no matter how many syllables there are.
And because the syllables aren’t counted, limericks have a certain flexibility.
In limericks, the accents tend to work like this:
| Line | Accents |
|---|---|
| Line 1 | 3 accents |
| Line 2 | 3 accents |
| Line 3 | 2 accents |
| Line 4 | 2 accents |
| Line 5 | 3 accents |
Because of this flexibility, there are different ways to write poetry like limericks; the first line might look something like this: There was once an old man from London. or it might go like this: There was an old man from London. Then third line could go like so: He rode on a whale or it might work like this: And he rode on a whale.
Rhyming a Limerick
The rhyme scheme of a limerick is known as “AABBA.” This means that the final words in lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyme. Those are the “A’s” in the rhyme scheme. The “B’s” are the last words of lines 3 and 4.
Let’s look at this example:
There was a young fellow named Hall
Who fell in the spring in the fall.
‘Twould have been a sad thing
Had he died in the spring,
But he didn’t—he died in the fall.
— Anonymous
You’ll see that the words, “Hall,” “fall,” and “fall” all rhyme. These are the “A” words in the “AABBA” scheme. And the ‘B’ words “thing” and “spring” rhyme.
Limerick Rhythm: Anapaestic
We mentioned earlier that Limericks have a pattern of strong weak weak. This is known as “anapaestic,” – sounds more complicated than it is believe us!.
It’s simple really, limericks have “beats” in them. Usually, the first two lines and the last line have three “beats” in them, while the third and fourth lines have two “beats.”
It goes something like this:
da DUM da da DUM da da DUM
da DUM da da DUM da da DUM
da DUM da da DUM
da DUM da da DUM
da DUM da da DUM da da DUM
Here are different poetry lessons for you.
Write Your Own Limerick in 5 Easy Steps
Now that you understand the rules and rhyme scheme of a limerick, why not try writing one for yourself?
1. Decide on a funny topic
Before you start writing, brainstorm on a witty topic or theme that you'd like to write about. Get creative and think about strange characters, absurd situations or funny vocabulary that you can use in your poem.
2. Brainstorm rhyming words
Have fun thinking of different pairs of words that rhyme around your chosen topic. For example, if you've chosen the topic of cats, go through the alphabet and write down all of the words you can think of that end in "ats". Once you've got a good list of rhyming pairs, it's time to fit them into a sentence!
3. Choose the name of a person or place and write the first line.
Start with an anapestic meter (da-da-DUM) and write the first line of your limerick. This line sets the scene or introduces the main character of your limerick. Writing the first line is always the hardest step, but the rest comes a lot easier!
4. Build your poem.
Continue the anapestic meter and write out the second and third, and fourth and fifth lines. Don't be afraid to use your creativity and write whatever comes to your mind; you'll be able to refine your ideas more as you go along. Remember to follow the chosen rhyming pattern, and that each line should provide more details or build on the humour of your limerick.
5. Finish your poem with a funny ending!
Finish the limerick with the fourth and fifth lines, following the rhyme scheme and meter. These lines often contain a twist, punchline, or resolution to the humorous situation presented in the limerick.
There are two more things that you’ll notice when you read limericks:
1. The first line tends to finish on a person’s first name or the name of a place.
2. The last line is usually funny.
When you are done writing, read your limerick out loud to make sure it sounds right and has the right rhythm.
My favourite thing about poetry is that there are lots of styles of poetry after trying Limerick poems. Give a new style a try, Haiku poems are from Japan and have a traditional form, Epic poetry is long and detailed, Different kinds of Sonnet are great to express an idea, If you like music the Ballard poem will suit you, If you like to watch performances go to see a slam poetry show or use free verse poetry to set yourself free of the rules. So many types of poetry so little time!
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So, Fay, your article was greatly enjoyed – though on Fridays I’m technically employed – but I’ve taken time-out – to give you a shout – and hope that you’re suitably buoyed!