Limerick A limerick is a humorous poem of five lines. A limerick is a humorous poem of five lines. It is funny, witty and often silly. It is funny, witty and often silly. It usually starts with “There once was…” or “There was…” It usually starts with “There once was…” or “There was…” It has a very distinctive rhyme and rhythm pattern. It has a very distinctive rhyme and rhythm pattern.

Rhyme Pattern The last words of the first, second and fifth lines all rhyme with each other. The last words of the first, second and fifth lines all rhyme with each other. The last words of the third and fourth lines rhyme with each other. The last words of the third and fourth lines rhyme with each other. Therefore, the rhyme scheme of a limerick is AABBA. Therefore, the rhyme scheme of a limerick is AABBA.

Rhythm Pattern The first, second and fifth lines all have this rhythm: da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (notice that there are three beats) The third and fourth lines have a different rhythm pattern: da DUM da da DUM (notice that there are only two beats)

A few tips for writing your own: First, choose the name of a person, place or thing that you want your limerick to be about. First, choose the name of a person, place or thing that you want your limerick to be about. Next, make up your first line. (There once was… or There was…) Next, make up your first line. (There once was… or There was…) Brainstorm words that rhyme with the last word of your first line. Brainstorm words that rhyme with the last word of your first line. Write your second line. Make sure that it rhymes with line one. Write your second line. Make sure that it rhymes with line one. Now, think of two short sentences that rhyme with each other, but not lines one and two. They must describe the topic. Now, think of two short sentences that rhyme with each other, but not lines one and two. They must describe the topic. Create your last line and remember that it must rhyme with lines one and two. Create your last line and remember that it must rhyme with lines one and two. Finally, check your rhythm pattern. Count the beats. Finally, check your rhythm pattern. Count the beats. Edit, revise and share. Edit, revise and share.

Example There once was a boy named Grant There once was a boy named Grant And man that kid could rant And man that kid could rant He’d talk to himself He’d talk to himself He’d talk to a shelf He’d talk to a shelf He’d even talk to a plant. He’d even talk to a plant.