Writing of Poetry: Mini-lesson #2 Limerick Writing of Poetry: Mini-lesson #2

Origin of the Limerick May have originated from France and went to England Popularized in England and especially Ireland Limericks appeared in Irish and British Literature through the mid 19th century. A famous line that asks “Will you come up to Limerick?” has forever associated the poem to Limerick, Ireland. One of the most famous book of limericks is Mother Goose’s Melodies which is nursery rhymes for children. Meant to entertain and to be funny

Limerick Five line poem Funny or nonsensical Common figurative language: onomatopoeia, hyperbole, alliteration, oxymoron Syllabification: 8, 8, 5, 5, and 8 Line 1: 8 syllables Line 2: 8 syllables Line 3: 5 syllables Line 4: 5 syllables Line 5: 8 syllables AABBA rhyme scheme (Lines 1, 2, & 5 rhyme; lines 3 & 4 rhyme) First line often begins with “There once was…”

Limerick There once was a sweet little frog Who lived by himself on a log. He saw a fat fly, And he said, “Oh my! I think I’ll go out for a jog.” Rhymes with 2 What happens? 2 short snappy lines How it ended? Rhymes with 1 & 2

Limerick There once was a farmer from Maine Whose cow was in terrible pain He went to the vet To care for his pet But then he got caught in the rain. Rhymes with 2 What happens? 2 short snappy lines How it ended? Rhymes with 1 & 2

Limerick There once was a puppy named Prince, Who guarded his owner’s back fence He barked at the man Who picked up the can Stealing garbage just didn’t make sense! Rhymes with 2 What happens? 2 short snappy lines How it ended? Rhymes with 1 & 2

Limerick There was an old man from Peru, who dreamed he was eating his shoe. He awoke in the night with a terrible fright, and found out that it was quite true.

Limerick Did you see/hear the rhyme pattern? Lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyme. Lines 3 and 4 may or may not rhyme.

Limerick Remember that the rhythm is just as important in a limerick as the rhyme. Try completing this limerick. There once was a pauper named Meg Who accidentally broke her _______. She slipped on the ______. Not once, but thrice Take no pity on her, I __________.