Observed annually on May 12th, National Limerick Day celebrates the birthday of English artist, illustrator, author, and poet Edward Lear (May 12, 1812 – Jan. 29, 1888). Lear is known mostly for his literary nonsense in poetry, prose, and limericks.
The day also celebrates the limerick poem. Limerick poems were popularized by Edward Lear’s book “Book of Nonsense” in 1846. A limerick is a very short, humorous, nonsense poem. Within a limerick, there are five lines. The first two lines rhyme with the fifth line and the third and fourth line rhyme together.
The Limerick also has a particular rhythm which is officially described as anapestic trimeter.
THERE WAS A YOUNG LADY
There was a Young Lady whose chin
Edward Lear
Resembled the point of a pin;
So she had it made sharp, and purchased a harp,
And played several tunes with her chin.
While Lear is credited with popularizing the Limerick, the poetry style existed long before the publication of his book. Even so, the Limerick celebrates fun turns of phrase, rhythm, and humour in short form. It also plays with words and peoples’ expectations.
NATIONAL LIMERICK DAY HISTORY
According to National Day Calendar, they are unable to find the creator of this poetry day. However, the day has been observed since at least 1984.
Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/days-2/national-limerick-day-may-12/
WQWWC – Mother
This week Writer’s Quotes Wednesday Writing Challenge takes a look back at beauty and Mother’s Day. Remember you can take this beautiful topic anywhere you want to take it. To check out the prompt visit Marsha @ TCHistoryGal.Net
In honour of Limerick day I have had a go written a Limerick about mothers:
There was a day dedicated to mothers
KL Caley
A day celebrated by many others
All lived in good cheer,
celebrating year after year
Everything that they do for us!
Not too bad but I prefer this one:
A girl came across a huge spider
KL Caley
The creature suspiciously eyed her
She let out a scream
Then felt very mean
As the hoover captured the creature beside her
My grandfather was amazing at them, although many of his would have been unrepeatable and probably shouldn’t have been said in front of little ears but I thought they were pure joy, told with the charm of the Irish.
Over to you….I’d love to see any of your limerick creations.
Please leave me a link if you write any.
Much Love
KL
New2Writing 