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.
N2W National Limerick Day poster.
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 Resembled the point of a pin; So she had it made sharp, and purchased a harp, And played several tunes with her chin.
Edward Lear
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.
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 A day celebrated by many others All lived in good cheer, celebrating year after year Everything that they do for us!
KL Caley
Not too bad but I prefer this one:
A girl came across a huge spider The creature suspiciously eyed her She let out a scream Then felt very mean As the hoover captured the creature beside her
KL Caley
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.
So I decided to make a mini-story for a bit of fun. Todays mini-story is based on the theme of childhood innocence.
I love to have a good daydream. I don’t stop and stare up at the clouds nearly as often as I probably should. Whilst working from home, when the weather is nice I have taken to having lunch outside. It really helps improve my mood and lift my spirit. I love seeing shapes in the clouds, that childhood past-time still holds something special to me.
What story will this week’s tiles have in store for you? Have a go! Please link back any creations you make, I’d love to see them.
So I decided to make a mini-story for a bit of fun. Todays mini-story is based on the theme of loss.
Memories are both our greatest gift and sometimes our biggest burden. My heart goes out to all those who have lost a parent, grandparent or sibling. Especially during the last 12 months with covid hindering so many crucial goodbyes. I always hope that some will find relief in the happy memories that they had together, and that with time, these become more memorable than the sad ones.
What story will this week’s tiles have in store for you? Have a go! Please link back any creations you make, I’d love to see them.
New2Writing 