Poetry Pages: the Limerick

By Kate Marquam
Today in Poetry Pages, we will be discussing the Limerick.  The Limerick is a very fun form of poetry, good for young and old alike.  It's simplicity and humorous tone sets it apart from other forms, which is why it has lasted so long.  It's thought to have originated in the middle ages!  In this column, I will go over the basics of this form and give some tips on writing your own Limericks. 
The Limerick is a very short form of poetry- only five lines long!  Easy, right?  Not so much.  It has to have a rhyme scheme of aabba, along with a defined syllable count.  Confused?  Here's an example of a Limerick, written by me. 
“There once was a small fly named Flea
Who often said “Oh dear, oh me!
I sigh all day long
  'Cause my name is all wrong
Fly is not a name for a flea!”
Limericks are usually humorous and witty, telling a short, funny story about your chosen character.  It often begins” There once was a…” or with something similar. Limericks always have a smooth flow.  This is where the syllable count comes in.  The syllable count tends to vary, but the top two lines and the bottom line always have the same syllable count (as well as the same rhyme).  The middle two lines also have their own syllable count and rhyme, but are shorter than the other lines.  This makes it flow smoothly with a certain rhythm to it.  In fact, there is often a certain type of meter used, but many people choose not to.  Mine above had no intentional meter.  Now, for a better example with meter, by Langford Reed.  
“There was a young man of Herne Bay,
Who was making explosives one day;
He dropped his cigar
In the gunpowder jar.
There WAS a young man of Herne Bay.”
I hope I have left everyone with a better understanding of the Limerick form.  It is lots is fun to write, I sincerely hope you give it a try.  Happy penning!