Monday, April 11, 2011

Day 11 ~ Let's Write a Limerick!

Day 11 - Limerick

A Limerick is a rhymed humorous or nonsense poem of five lines which originated in Limerick, Ireland.

The Limerick has a set rhyming scheme of: a-a-b-b-a (meaning lines ending in “a” must rhyme with each other and lines ending in “b” must rhyme with each other) and with a syllable pattern of: 9-9-6-6-9. (See details per line below).

Line 1 – “a” – 9 syllables
Line 2 – “a” – 9 syllables
Line 3 – “b” – 6 syllables
Line 4 – “b” – 6 syllables
Line 5 – “a” – 9 syllables

This is the most commonly heard first line of a limerick starts with: "There once was a man from ___________."

It’s rather “sing-songy” so just play around with it and then check to be sure the correct lines end in rhymes and that you have the correct number of syllables. It’s tricky, but very fun!!

Example:

The Man From Aruba

There once was a man from Aruba,
Whose favorite hobby was scuba.
Every day he would wish,
He could spear a big fish.
But settled instead for canned tuna.

Copyright © 2005 Jim Dupy
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, here’s mine for today:

The Poetry Fest

Stephanie had a poetry fest
Encouraging friends to do their best
“Write a poem each day,
I will show you the way.”
“At the end of the month we will rest!

© 2011 Stephanie Abney

6 comments:

Vicki said...

There once was a girl from the city
Who was really so very pretty
She went to audition
she used such good diction
And now she is known as Miss Kitty

Lauri L. Egan said...

Super cute, and ever so accurate ~ at the end of the month we will rest! (smiles)

Stephanie Abney said...

Darling limerick, Vicki!!
Yes, Lauri, but then, knowing you and I one of us or both of us will come up with another brainstorm!! :)

Vicki said...

Here's another:

American Idol's where it's at

You have to be a talented Jack

The Jills have to sing high

The judges have to sigh

Or else you could end up with the Sack

Anonymous said...

A MAN FROM JERUSALEM
There once was a man from Jerusalem
Followed by those who worshipped him
Miracles He performed
He rode the raging storm
He healed the sick and raised up the dead
“Father forgive them, forgive them”, he pled.
Mary L. Walling 4/2011

Stephanie Abney said...

Interesting and diverse offerings. :)