The Limerick is a 5 line poem written in anapestic meter (da da DUM)
da=unstressed syllable DUM= stressed syllable
Rhyme scheme a-a-b-b-a
Classic Limerick syllable structure is 9-9-6-6-9
A modern Limerick variation drops the first unstressed syllable in each line giving it a syllable structure of 8-8-5-5-8
(This variation is often used for children's poetry, but not exclusively.)
Classic Limerick
Lines one, two and five have three anapestic meters:
da da DUM da da DUM da da DUM
Line tree and four have two anapestic meters: da da DUM da da DUM
Modern Limerick
Lines one, two and five: da DUM da da DUM da da DUM
Lines three and four: da DUM da da DUM
Limericks are often whimsical and funny, but can be on any topic. Write a Limerick using the classic Limerick or modern Limerick variation format. Have fun. One rule: keep it clean.
Example is from Edward Lear?s "A Book of Nonsense": (public domain verified):
There was an Old Man with a beard,
Who said, 'It is just as I feared!
Two Owls and a Hen,
Four Larks and a Wren,
Have all built their nests in my beard!'
Voting booth selections shown in a random order.
Voting booth closes Sunday, May 21st. You have -334 days left to vote.
The FanStory Store For Writers
Shop unique products for writers. One of a kind products with quotes from famous authors.
Shop here.
Get a mug, sweatshirt or tee customized with your poem! Yes, your poem on a
Mug |
Sweatshirt |
Tee
Back