Limericks

Edward Lear, an English writer and artist, became famous for his humorous poems for children. Born in London on May 12 1812, Lear's first book of poems, "A Book of Nonsense" (1846) ranks as a masterpiece of children's literature. His best known "The owl and the Pussy-cat" became a classic too.

That old man of Melrose
Who walked on tip of his toes
But they said it ain't pleasant
To see u at present
You stupid old man of Melrose

Well, Limericks is a form of humorous verse. It takes it's name from the city of Limerick, Ireland. No one knows how or where the form originated. It became known after Edward Lear made the form popular with his first "A Book of Nonsense (1846). The Limerick is a poem of five lines, with strong beat and rough anapaestic rhythm (i.e. de-de-DUMM). It is written in Poulter's measure, a Folk Metre that consists of 13 beats. The first two lines rhyme with the fifth, the third line rhymes with the fourth.

Now, many parents want their children to be poets and write Limericks too. I suggest, first to build a vocabulary, second is to collect all rhyme words, third is, stir the Poetry soup, adding all the ingredients. Even knowing tongue twisters is fun. Find here Poetry soup, Poetry Learning and Limericks by Edward Lear.

Btw, do find more poems by Josie Whitehead and even Artie Knapp on kidsfreesouls pages. Enjoy!

- ilaxi patel
Editor, kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kids with resources for parents and teachers