Limerick is a poetry style that originated in the early 18th century and was popularised by Edward Lear. It is a short 5 line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and syllable count, often laced with wit and humour.

Here are the rules for the poetic style;

1. It is a 5 line poem with a rhyme scheme AABBA
2. Lines 1,2 & 5 should have a syllable count of 7-10
3. Lines 2 & 3 should have a syllable count of 5-7

How to write a Limerick 

1. Choose a topic : It could be a person, place or a silly/ humour/ witty situation.
2. Line 1 (A) : Introduce 
3. Line 2(A) : Add details 
4. Line 3 & 4 ( B) : Add shorter lines and expand your topic
5. Line 5 ( A) : End the poem with an ‘ Aha’ moment for the reader.

Try to maintain the meter of the poem. Read it aloud several times to make it sound appealing.

Here’s my attempt;

TOPIC : A WRITER’S RANT

I wish to write but have no plot,

I close my eyes and think a lot,

The tales that start fail to end,

The loopholes I just can’t mend,

I jolt with the sizzle of a charred pot.

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